Peak Season: Spring

Tarpon are found in both marine and freshwater habitats, usually ascending rivers to access freshwater marshes. They are able to survive in brackish water, waters of varying pH, and habitats with low dissolved O2 content due to their swim bladders, which they use primarily to breathe. They are also able to rise to the surface and take gulps of air, which gives them a short burst of energy. The habitats of tarpons vary greatly with their developmental stages.

You can use casting, drifting, still fishing, and trolling to catch a Tarpon. Live bait (mainly small crabs and small fish) in the passes and inlets are used by Drift-fishermen. Dead baits, such as a Mullet head or half Mullet, fished patiently on the bottom will entice all Tarpon. For trolling or surfcasting with heavier gear, large jigs, spoons, and lipped plugs will work.

In warmer years, Tarpon season starts as early as the end of February. The season is usually more consistent by mid-March as the water warms. The early season Tarpon are resident fish of Tampa Bay. An average-sized Tarpon can range from 25 to 80 pounds. The adult tarpon can measure up to 8 feet or longer and weigh 200 to 300 pounds. The Florida record is 243 pounds by Gus Bell in Key West on May 4, 1996.