Tampa Tarpons

[ObsesseD]

When is the best time to fish out of Tampa for Tarpon? And preferred techniques?

I'm a Bay fisherman up in the Chesapeake Bay.

Much appreciated,

Butch on Obsessed

[maestro]

I went last year a little south of there in mid June. We fished just off the Gulf beaches in 15 - 20 feet of water. It's basically a sight fishing game. You spot a pod of tarpon, shut down the gas motor and get close with the electric. Really a fun way to fish. We were working schools of fish all day long, but the hard part is getting them to eat. We did release 2 fish in 1 day of fishing, both 100lbs or more. Live bait, either small blue crabs or threadfins that we caught with a sabiki rig. Tackle was Penn 750SS spinning reels, 30-50lb superbraid, 80-100 lb leader. We used a float about 5 feet above the bait. We went with a guide, but next time I want to try on my own. I know people also fish under the bridges and in the passes too. Also, that time of year is great snook fishing right in the gulf surf, catch and release only. The fish come all the way in to ankle deep water.

Good luck, I'm a Chsapeake Bay guy too.