Saltwater

Tarpon

Megalops atlanticus · Megalopidae

Also known as: Silver King, Sabalo

The 'Silver King' — a giant, prehistoric, air-gulping gamefish famous for blistering runs and spectacular leaps.

Identification

Huge silver scales, an upturned bony mouth, and a long trailing last ray on the dorsal fin.

Coastal flats, channels, passes, bridges, and estuaries; tolerant of fresh, brackish, and salt water, and able to gulp air.

Warm Atlantic waters — the US Gulf and southeast coasts, the Caribbean, and West Africa.

Baitfish (mullet, pilchards), crabs, and shrimp, often engulfed whole.

Offshore in late spring and summer; larvae drift inshore to develop in estuaries and backwaters.

Spawning tracks water temperature, so the calendar shifts with latitude and elevation. These break tarpon timing down by state and water body.

How to Catch Tarpon in Florida
Find rolling fish in the passes, along the beaches and around bridges on a moving tide. Then know the rule that catches almost everyone out: tarpon is catch-and-release only in Florida, and any fish over 40 inches must remain in the water — which rules out the photo most anglers are planning.

'Bow to the king' — drop the rod tip on every jump so the fish can't throw the hook. Use circle hooks and keep big fish in the water for release.

Best techniques

Lures & baits

Best season: The spring and early-summer migration (Apr–Jun in the US).