CAPT. VAN HUBBARD: It’s prime time tarpon season. Please don’t forget our heritage

May is the launch of our formal tarpon season. The fish have been here, but the mob is coming now. We will enjoy some good fishing if we can stay out of each other’s way. Please respect the tarpon, don’t ride all over the schools of fish in the pass and especially beach fishing. We have our Ladies Day and big tournaments coming up, so make plans and reservations, and enjoy.

I have issues with the way some fishermen aggressively agitate the tarpon. Maybe they don’t know better or are just not smart enough to learn better techniques. Some people just can’t understand that happy fish bite, scared fish run. It’s this simple. Of course, they don’t eat all the time, but they never eat when aggravated. Please work with the flow of fish and others. Everyone benefits from happy fish, and getting bites depends on happy fish.

If you’re having trouble figuring things out, ask at the docks, seek advice from the successful local captains. They are the experts. Stop and carefully observe the successful captains. Stay out of their way, notice the subtle techniques they use to get bites.

Try to allow your boat to match the current flow and drift naturally. Don’t fight everything. As Capt. Bill Miller told me back in the early ‘80s, set your rudder straight and let your rig show you how it wants to drift. Work with the flow and get more bites.

Notice how the ones catching fish work their boats to help anglers control their fish. Jumping silver kings can be dangerous. Keep everyone safe. Jumping tarpon can hurt you if they jump into your boat.

Sharks can be a problem. If they show up chasing your fish, immediately break off the fish. Some try to free spool and allow fish to escape but breaking it off gives the tarpon its best odds of survival. The more we feed sharks the longer they will stay. Try shark fishing to temper the attacks.

Our Boca Grande Pass tarpon fishing is the most exciting and productive big-game fishing available. No place has more fish and action in this confined space. Allow it to function and everyone thrives. Going against the flow will not make you friends or earn respect. Our tournaments are the best example of skilled captains carefully navigating and successfully catching big silver kings in tight quarters. Observe and learn.

If you want to learn, the best short cut is hiring a skilled local guide to take you. This allows you to safely observe firsthand the maneuvers and techniques involved.

Please try to consider and understand the generations of guides that have developed and mastered these specific skills. Our pass is unique and is most productive for all with cooperation and courtesy. They work hard to provide you with enjoyment and memories. They also want to help you understand and appreciate stewardship of our heritage and resources.

It’s important to protect and preserve this amazing place and fisheries. Happy Mother’s Day and tight lines. Happy fish make happy fishermen. 

Capt. Van Hubbard’s column Hook, Line and Sinker began in the Boca Beacon in 1988. He lives in Placida. Email him at captvanhubbard@gmail.com