Fishing For Tarpon Treasure In Late Summer

Those long dog days of summer are settling in — and while you may be waiting for fall’s arrival to break the heat streak, there’s one last fish you’ll want to put on your to-catch list! The mighty tarpon is widely regarded as one of the ocean’s worthiest prizes: known for its speed, strength, and skillful movement that keeps anglers on their toes (literally).

And at this time of year, this one stretch of shoreline in particular where you have a great chance of reeling in tarpon on your Blackfin fishing boat. Just read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind fish, and how to land a record-breaking catch — even if it’s just your personal record.

A Cretaceous Catch

Tarpon isn’t just a beloved catch for anglers — it was also a historic snack for marine reptiles like the mosasaur, which swam at the same time as the dinosaurs! That kind of longevity makes the tarpon an even more exciting fish to have in your portfolio.

You just need to know where to look...

Follow The Fish

In the United States, you have a good chance of cruising into tarpon territory anywhere on the Southeast or Gulf coasts. However, it can be helpful to time your visit to the fish’s travel plans. While tarpon flourish in the Sunshine State for much of the spring and early summer, for example, you’ll find that spots further up the coast — such as the Carolinas — provide plenty of tarpon fishing opportunities during the late summer and early fall.

Opt For Live Bait

If ever there was a moment to go through the trouble of live bait, it’s tarpon fishing! Mullet, shrimp, and crabs are a few go-to options that will catch the attention of a hungry fish below.

Know Your Choreography

You’ll often hear seasoned anglers talk not about catching a tarpon, but fighting one. This is because the fish is known for its strength and endurance in the water. Some anglers have even been brought overboard by a hefty tarpon, which is why it’s important (as always) to sport a life jacket and boat with a buddy!

Fortunately, falling into the water isn’t a problem when you’re already in the water. That’s right: When you’re in shallow water — a great place to spot tarpon — you can step from your Blackfin into the H2O to get better leverage on your catch. In many areas (such as North Carolina, for example) tarpon fishing is solely catch-and-release anyway, and being in the water lets you set your fish free even faster, while keeping them as safe and comfortable as possible. Just be sure to check with local regulations before casting your line!

When you’re wrestling with a large tarpon, you’ll want to get comfortable mirroring its movements — if it jolts left, hold your rod to the right and vice versa. By alternating pressure and slack, you will gently tire the tarpon out and facilitate a smoother reel-in.

Have any tarpon catch photos you’re particularly proud of? Share them with the Blackfin team on social media! We love to see what our on-the-water family reels in every summer.