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FWC issues reminder on best tarpon practices

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May 13, 2025
By Staff Report

Tarpon season is in full swing and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding anglers to use these best fishing practices to keep silver kings reigning for generations to come. These best fishing practices were developed to help anglers quickly reel in tarpon and be set up for a successful release. From gear selection and handling techniques to proper release and shark awareness, here are the key practices every angler should know.

Gear 

Set up for success with these gear recommendations to catch tarpon quickly and minimize fight time.

Spin or Conventional

  • Use tackle heavy enough by matching tackle to conditions and targeted fish size.
    • Example: If targeting large tarpon, consider using medium to extra heavy spinning rods with 5,000 to 10,000 series spinner reels and at least 12 pounds of drag, 50- to 60-pound braid, and at least 60- to 80-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon leader, depending upon the selected crimp or knot system. Use 6/0-10/0 circle hooks depending on brand and bait type.
  • When using bait, use non-stainless, non-offset, barbless circle hooks.
  • Use single-hook rigs.
  • Have a fighting belt or chair available for additional support during the fight.
  • Have a long-handled dehooking tool to quickly and easily remove hooks.

Fly

  • Use tackle heavy enough by matching tackle to conditions and targeted fish size.
    • Example: If targeting large tarpon, use 10- to 12-weight class rods and line with a break section of 15- to 25-pound test in the leader. 
  • Use a break section in your leader in case sharks show up. The break section is a portion of your leader that is weaker than the rest of your leader and the core of the fly line. 
  • Crimp barbs down on flies.
  • Have a long-handled dehooking tool to quickly and easily remove hooks.

Fighting

Aim to minimize fight time of tarpon and use these fighting techniques to reduce stress on the fish.

  • If the tarpon jumps, bow your rod toward the fish and drop the rod tip down while reeling in so that the tarpon does not throw the hook.
  • Counter the tarpon’s run by using the backbone of the rod to pull low and hard in the opposite direction the fish is swimming and use short turns of the reel to bring line in.
  • Put the butt end of the rod into your hip or use a fighting belt or chair to get leverage for the fight.
  • Make sure your drag is tight enough to sufficiently wear down the tarpon as quickly as possible. 
  • If the fish tries to go under or around the boat, move to the front of the boat to prevent the line from breaking or becoming entangled.
  • If you need to break the line, point your rod at the tarpon and hold the spool or reel. Pull straight back to break the leader and free the tarpon. 

Handling

Keep handling to a minimum and be sure to work quickly to allow for a successful release. 

  • Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water by rule, unless in pursuit of a state or world record using a tarpon tag purchased before fishing begins.
  • Tarpon smaller than 40 inches should only be handled with wet hands and be supported horizontally under the belly, if removed from the water.
  • Keep the gills of tarpon in the water to minimize air exposure.
  • Keep fingers away from the gills and eyes.
  • Avoid dragging tarpon over the gunnel of a boat or over rocks or railings.
  • Avoid delaying release by having a camera ready if you’re planning to take a quick picture.

Release

Catch and release tarpon as quickly as possible to reduce stress on the fish. 

  • Aim for a no-touch release by either using a long-handled dehooking tool to remove the hook or cut the line as close as possible to the hook.
  • If the tarpon is gut hooked or the hook is lodged in the throat, cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
  • Revive a lethargic tarpon by holding it horizontally in the water to allow it to pump water through its gills.
  • Shorten future fight times if tarpon appear lethargic during release.

Sharks

Help give tarpon the chance to escape predators when released.

  • Sharks are known to prey upon tarpon during the fight. If a shark shows up, help the tarpon survive by quickly bringing the fish to the boat and cutting the line as close to the hook as possible. 
  • Move to another fishing location if sharks are in the area. 

Additionally, it is also recommended to avoid fishing for tarpon from bridges or piers. Only tarpon under 40 inches may be removed from the water, so if you did hook up to a large tarpon from a bridge or pier, you would have to cut the line and leave a long line trailing behind the fish, leading to entanglements and reducing survivability. 

Fishing for tarpon in Boca Grande Pass?  

Be sure to review the regulations specific to this area. Bottom-weighted jigs are prohibited year-round. This includes fishing with gear that has a weight attached to a hook, artificial fly or lure in such a way that the weight hangs lower than the hook when the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod. Any jig that allows the attached weight to slip down the shank so that it hangs lower than the hook while the line or leader is suspended vertically from the rod is also prohibited. Any gear or jig that can be described as such, may not be attached to any rod, line or leader and must be stowed when traveling through the Pass. Additionally, from April 1 through June 30, no more than three fishing lines may be deployed from a vessel and breakaway gear is prohibited.   

It is important to remember that these restrictions apply to fishing for all species within the Pass. 

Tarpon photo courtesy of Dr. Aaron Adams.