The tarpon bite has remained consistent the past few weeks. Pods of hungry migratory (pretty sure) fish have been staging up. I really only have the chance to target them at night, but they are feeding in the same areas you’d target them during the day.

[lightbox link=”https://theintrepidangler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hogy-Tarpon-Button-Shot-IA.jpg” thumb=”https://theintrepidangler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Hogy-Tarpon-Button-Shot-IA-620×402.jpg” width=”620″ align=”center” title=”Hogy Tarpon Button Shot IA” frame=”true” icon=”image”]

I’ve had the best success using Hogy Lures 10″ Original Series Soft Baits rigged on circle hook using the Hogy Stainless Bait Keeper – It’s like a hitch hiker on steroids. When fish are not feeding on top, use a large 7″ – 10″ paddle tail on a 1oz – 2oz Heavy Duty Jig Head. I like the Barbarian Series Jigs, they are super sharp, strong and have a pretty decent landing ratio for tarpon (usually 40-50%)

[lightbox link=”https://theintrepidangler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/March-10-Tarpon-Hogy-Sewell.jpg” thumb=”https://theintrepidangler.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/March-10-Tarpon-Hogy-Sewell-620×513.jpg” width=”620″ align=”center” title=”March 10 Tarpon Hogy Sewell” frame=”true” icon=”image”]

Tackle wise, I’ve been very happy using my Sewell 8′ Custom Tarpon RodShimano Sustain FG 10K – 50lb Power Pro and 80lb Mono Leader. Stop by Anderson Tackle of S. Fort Myers and he can order those Sustain’s in time for season. I’ve landed 2 seasons worth of adult tarpon on the reel and it’s held up incredibly well. It’s also super light when paired with the Sewell Rod – Just under 2lbs.

Hope the info helps. I can’t wait until fishing really turns on in the next couple weeks.

– Capt. Ross

Capt. Ross

Owner of The Intrepid Angler, Captain Ross hails from the historic waters along the Caloosahatchee River. He has a been a fishing guide and outdoor professional working the waters of Florida and Alaska over his career. He now permanently resides in Cape Coral offering anglers exciting opportunities to target trophy gamefish around Southwest Florida on a custom Pathfinder 2500 Hybrid Bay Boat.

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