 Tarpon
have one long dorsal fin (that's the one on top) that extends into a long filament.
A tarpon's back is blue or dark greenish black, fading into the bright silver
side that earned them the name, Silver King. Their color can very to be a brownish
gold in estuarine waters. Tarpon have huge scales that are often kept as trophies
by anglers, and a large mouth that points up.
Where Tarpon are Found
Tarpon are primarily an inshore fish, although adult fish spawn offshore where
the ribbon like larva stage of the fish can be found. We find our larger tarpon
along the beaches in the summer. They are often found rolling on the surface and
gulping air in while lurking for food or taking it easy between feeding sessions.
Tarpon can often be found in brackish or fresh water near mangroves or in residential
canals. Look for tarpon to show up almost anywhere on the lagoons and beaches
in Florida, but don't count on them to show up when you want them to - except
in South Florida.
Florida Record
Remarks
Tarpon are slow growers and mature between the ages of 7 and 13. Spawning occurs
between May and September when females may lay more than 12 million eggs each.
Tarpon can tolerate a wide range of salinities from fresh to very salty even stagnant
estuarine waters. Juvenile tarpon can often be found in fresh water and can breathe
air at the surface. Tarpon feed on fish and large crustaceans.
Capt. Bear's Comments
Tarpon are always in Crystal River, but they won't always eat. In the
winter, they will go to – well, we'll just say a certain area - and
can be caught using dead bait. But the best time to target tarpon is in the summer
from late April to early August. They are here and can be caught, but its not
a guarantee. If you want to catch tarpon you have to get up early and stay out
late. |
