I am an avid flats fisherman of Tampa Bay. I usually target inshore species ranging from trout to cobia. I am interested in tarpon fishing but do not have any heavy-duty rods to fight the bigger fish. But I am interested in baby tarpon. I have heard that they jump a lot and are a thrill to catch, but I have no idea where to find these fish what tides, weather, areas, or structure to look for. If you could help me out with tips and areas where to find them in between picnic island and the Howard Franklin Bridge. I do not have a trolling motor on my boat but I do have a push pole. And any help that you could give me would be truly appreciated. 

Tight lines,

Nick
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Dear Nick:

I actually believe that in many respects the smaller tarpon are much more fun to catch. The do jump and run and give you one heck of a fight. But they don’t pull with the same power and determination as the larger adult silverkings. This for me is infinitely much more enjoyable. The smaller guys can be brought boatside in a shorter time and then released in much better condition than the larger tarpon, which fight sometimes for an hour or more. The tired larger fish often fall prey to sharks and other predators following an extended battle.

As with most species, tarpon will bite on most good moving tides in medium to deeper Bay waters, along channels and great structures, such as the big bridges in Tampa Bay. I would also add that the best time to fish for them would be at night. That’s when they seem to begin their feeding period.  

Some of the most productive baits include live threadfins, pass crabs, pinfish, grunts, larger greenbacks, and even jumbo shrimp. There are also many lures that will catch the silverkings, including larger jigs, plugs such as the MirrOlure 65-M, DOA Baitbuster and Terror-Eyz. 

Tarpon are easily spotted as the need to occasionally “roll” on the surface to breath air. The can be very spooky and must be approached as quietly as possible. If you come roaring up with you motor, chances are you will spook then and the tarpon with likely “sound” – diving down until they feel more comfortable about rising back up on the water’s surface.  

When fishing for them, the best tactic is to position your boat so that you will be adjacent to their path of travel. Then, as they get within casting range, flip out your bait right in front of the school. 

The, when you set the hook, you will need to do so forcefully so that it penetrates their tough mouth tissues. Many experts say that once you hook a tarpon you should “bow to the king” – that is, give it a good measure of slack, because that baby will be leaping out of the water.  

One final thought, since most tarpon are released, please make sure that you do not injure these magnificent creatures. Don’t gaff them, drag them up into the boat or pose with them in a vertical position. All of these activities can be an ultimate death sentence to the great fish. If at all possible, leave them in the water, take their picture, and then carefully release them.