The cure for tarpon fever? Go out and get one
The tarpon fever epidemic is rapidly spreading throughout the small barrier island on the south side of Tampa Bay.
Anna Maria Island anglers, as well as fishers from around the world, are experiencing sleepless nights due to the intoxicating anticipation of doing battle with the elusive silver king.
Other symptoms of “tarponitis” include spending vast amounts of money on the proper tackle and ample amounts of bait and, then for some, calling into work “sick” because the bite is on. Also, sunstroke and fatigue result, due to endless hours of patrolling the waters in search of fish. It’s very common.
And forget about those weekend family outings for the next two months, that is, unless the family is going tarpon fishing, too.
Yeah, I guess tarpon just have that effect on people. Think about seeing a 7-foot-long fish come skyrocketing out of the water with its head shaking frantically to spit the hook. Then landing in a huge splash and dumping your spool before you even knew what happened. Sound appealing? You betcha.
I must warn you, however, that tarpon fishing requires some physical endurance. If your workout program mainly consists of 12-ounce curls, you may find yourself second-guessing your choice of targeted species after an hour behind the reel. But, if you’re lucky enough to land the fish, the memory will be forever fixed in your mind. That’s where it all starts. You’ve been exposed and infected with the epidemic known as “tarponitis.” You’re hooked.
On my Southernaire charters, the clients are ailing from tarpon fever. The early morning bite just prior to sunrise is producing the best action for my clients. Multiple hookups are occurring before dawn on live crabs cast directly into the schooling fish. As the sun rises and the abundance of boats becomes unbearable, I’m cruising the beaches in search of “less stressed” fish. Casting crabs or threadfin herring to these fish is resulting in a hook up or two.
For those lacking tarpon fever, the backcountry is still producing plenty of catch-and-release snook. Rallies of 20 fish or more are occurring during the maximum flow of the incoming tide. Live shiners are a favorite for bait.
The same applies for spotted seatrout. Deep grass flats are host to numerous trout, as well as Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and bluefish. This spring scenario is great for visitors who want action, but also want a few trout for a meal.
Capt. Aaron Lowman is working the beaches and passes of Anna Mara Island for tarpon. Live crabs and threadfin herring as bait are producing bites. He reports the average size of tarpon this week is in the 50-100 pound range.
On the nearshore reefs, Lowman is finding mangrove snapper accommodating to his clients, as well as Spanish mackerel and a few kingfish. For these species, Lowman is putting live shiners on the hook and chumming is improving the bite.
Finally, on the flats, Lowman is putting his anglers on spotted seatrout in depths of 6-8 feet. Mixed in with the dinner trout are macks, bluefish and jack crevalle — fun to catch but nothing for the cooler.
Capt. Warren Girle is stalking tarpon, too. Live crabs are producing the greatest number of bites, although threadfin herring also work well. He reports most hookups are falling are 80-120 pounds, with larger fish occasionally mixed in.
Moving to the flats of Sarasota Bay, Girle’s clients are catching numerous spotted seatrout. On deeper grass flats, Girle is free-lining live shiners to attract a bite. He’s not only attracting trout, but also mackerel, ladyfish, jack crevalle and bluefish.
On calm days, Girle is venturing offshore, where mangrove snapper and catch-and-release gag grouper are dominating the bite. In this situation, bottom fishing with live shiners for bait is optimum.
Capt. Rick Gross of Fishy Business Charters is taking advantage of the less crowded backwater fishing now that so many anglers are fishing for tarpon in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
He’s finding catch-and-release snook fishing on shallow flats adjacent to mangrove edges to be exceptional. Live shiners cast under the bushes are readily being taken by snook in the 20-30 inch range. Hookups with 25-50 snook are not uncommon aboard the Fishy Business.
On deep grass flats with depths of 8-10 feet, Gross is finding plenty of spotted seatrout. Slot-size trout are voraciously taking free-lined live shiners. This bite is occurring during morning incoming tides. Due to the clear water conditions, Gross recommends leader sizes exceeding no more than 20-pound test.
Finally, redfish are being caught around oyster bars in the backwater on outgoing tides. Live shiners cast around the bars into sandy potholes are producing catches up to 26 inches.
Capt. Jason Stock also is targeting tarpon along the beaches and passes around Anna Maria Island. By using live crabs or threadfin herring, Stock is managing to keep his clients hooked up on silver kings in the 80-100 pound class.
Moving offshore, Stock is finding amberjack and large grouper around wrecks and reefs, where live shiners, pinfish and cigar minnows are producing a bite.
Also while offshore, Stock warns his clients to keep their eyes peeled for whale sharks. Having spotted one recently, he explains how exciting it is to see such a large animal approach the boat. Whale sharks aren’t common here, so this is a rare treat.
Jim Malfese at the Rod & Reel Pier says he’s not seeing a predominant species being caught this week, but a variety of fish are keeping rods bent.
Pier fishers using artificials — small jigs or silver spoons — are hooking into Spanish mackerel, jack crevalle, ladyfish and skipjacks. These fish are being taken during morning incoming tides, especially when schools of baitfish are present.
Fishers using shrimp for bait are bottom fishing under the pier to find success. Flounder, black drum and mangrove snapper are the usual suspects.
Send high-resolution photos and fishing reports to fish@islander.org.