Yesterday I left the house with all intentions of NOT chasing Tarpon, but instead to spend some time getting accustomed to my new gear. Even as I’m walking out the door, I tell my wife and daughter, where I’m launching and my daughter responds “I’m surprised you’re aren’t going after Tarpon” Well..
That all went out window when I got to the ramp. The conditions were just to beautiful. So off I go heading to a spot that they’ve been in years past, but I actually had not fished recently. Telling myself, I’m just gonna have a Quick look to see if they are around.
Well sure enough, they are. Within minutes of staking out, I see em rolling. I’m off the mark by 30-40 yards, so I pull up the stake and make the adjustment. There were few potential opportunities, but nothing solid. This area is fairly difficult as it’s a 7-8’ deep cut, and the only sign you get is the roll. They are deep enough and with the tide ripping out, there isn’t any surface disruptions, and zero visibility. So the odds are even higher in their favor. I finally see a roll behind the skiff that puts one within reach. I make about an 85’ cast and just slowly strip back. Then it happens.. I feel this ever so slight bump so I strip set and all of the sudden this beast goes airborne, and it’s on!! I’m thinking oh ■■■■, it’s really on now. I focus on clearing the and line first, which goes pretty smoothly, when it comes taunt, he explodes again, taking flight like no other. When he’s back in the water, the drag goes to screaming, and I’m thinking “finally” but oh ■■■■ I need to come off this pole and actually try to land this fish. I jump down and unhook from the stake out pole, bury the rod in my belly Andy Mill style, and prepare for battle, drag still screaming the fish makes another leap, hits and the line goes slack!!!
The Tarpon wins again. So all y’all get is this story, and sunrise pic..Enjoy.
They are the most frustrating and exciting fish all rolled into one. Beautiful sunrise.
Thanks for sharing. I got to replace a garage door seal. LOL
Beautiful picture accompanied by an exciting story👍
Thanks for sharing Mike.
It counts!
Big, small, or in-between…just nothing like tarpon - and no two behave the same when they feel your hook… Most that I’ve known for years - never speak of catching them - they just want to jump a few… Great report - and here’s hoping that spot stays good in years to come…
Great story, I like the way you wrote it. It’s almost like being there watching this unfold. Beautiful pic btw.
@lemaymiami it’s funny you mentioned that. I was having a conversation with my wife discussing the conundrum of Tarpon fishing and The risk we take with catching, fighting, and tiring the fish out only to then release them to the predators of the deep.
However with This type of experience, minus missing the “hero shot”, is the best case scenario for both Angler and fish.We get the rush and excitement, and the fish leaves healthy and happy to live another day.
Cool story Mike. Hope you get many more experiences as far down the sequence of events as you want to go. If you had just fought and landed this fish from the start with ease I’m sure that would mess with your mindset for the next outing.
Man that sounds like an epic moment. I spent 2 days tarpon fishing last week and all I got was a couple swipes, one jump and I broke one off on an overzealous strip set. What I learned is that this game is NOT easy and when it eventually does happen it will be a culmination of all of our efforts and learning from all our missed opportunities. I feel it coming as I’m sure you do. Each time we inch closer and closer. Until next time!
@rovster Indeed. My first thought was, what should I have done differently.