Anglers come from all walks of life, it is native to humans, who began as hunters and gatherers. Whether in fresh, brackish or sea water, the excitement of testing the ability to outsmart the hidden creatures is always there. In angling, as in any hunting pursuit, bigger and stronger is better, and Key West tarpon fishing provides very big opponents.
Not nearly as well known as giant tuna or marlin, the humble Megalops atlanticus, or Silver King is an impressive fish. It grows longer than a man is tall, and can weigh well over 300 pounds. As if their sheer size was not advantage enough, they are known as ferocious fighters who also leap from the water as they fight to escape capture.
This species, scientifically named Megalops atlanticus is considered vulnerable as its numbers have seen a 30 percent drop in the past five decades. Over fishing of adults and habitat loss account for the damage, so it is now a regulated animal in the US. Fortunately, the fish is too bony for the American pallet, and the catch and release policy is working.
Another reason the fish is such a popular sport fish is that it feeds night and day, and because it cannot bight off chunks For sportsmen, one of the thrills is that it feeds day and night, and it has small teeth, so it cannot bite off chunks of food. It takes the bait-fish whole, to the delight of anglers, who use barb-less hooks to reduce injury to the fish.
It is not the most glamorous sea creature and is rarely sensationalized in Hollywood films, the way Marlin or sharks are depicted. This is undoubtedly good for the strength of its numbers. For the avid angler however, it should be known that this is a species that can provide the same level of physical challenge and thrill as the more famous open ocean counterparts.
The fact that it feeds at any time during the day and takes its food whole seems to make it an easy catch, but that is not the case. After finding a school of feeding predators, one must present the bait lure or fly in front of its cruising vector. Casting directly at them as the swim toward the fisherman is ineffective as they expect food to run away from them.
If one can aim well, given the startling visual impact of numerous six to eight foot specimens cruising directly toward the angler. Setting the hook for these enormous catches is also different, it is better to set the hook with several measured yanks instead of one large one. Finally, these fish leap from the water; the tactic is to aim the pole directly at the fish when it jumps.
To find the fish as they cruise over a wide area, one looks for the telltale leaping of bait fish jumping and thrashing to avoid the chasing school. If one manages to bring in one of these behemoths, a well deserved photograph is in order. But to preserve the Key West tarpon fishing experience for future anglers, a quick release is imperative.
Not nearly as well known as giant tuna or marlin, the humble Megalops atlanticus, or Silver King is an impressive fish. It grows longer than a man is tall, and can weigh well over 300 pounds. As if their sheer size was not advantage enough, they are known as ferocious fighters who also leap from the water as they fight to escape capture.
This species, scientifically named Megalops atlanticus is considered vulnerable as its numbers have seen a 30 percent drop in the past five decades. Over fishing of adults and habitat loss account for the damage, so it is now a regulated animal in the US. Fortunately, the fish is too bony for the American pallet, and the catch and release policy is working.
Another reason the fish is such a popular sport fish is that it feeds night and day, and because it cannot bight off chunks For sportsmen, one of the thrills is that it feeds day and night, and it has small teeth, so it cannot bite off chunks of food. It takes the bait-fish whole, to the delight of anglers, who use barb-less hooks to reduce injury to the fish.
It is not the most glamorous sea creature and is rarely sensationalized in Hollywood films, the way Marlin or sharks are depicted. This is undoubtedly good for the strength of its numbers. For the avid angler however, it should be known that this is a species that can provide the same level of physical challenge and thrill as the more famous open ocean counterparts.
The fact that it feeds at any time during the day and takes its food whole seems to make it an easy catch, but that is not the case. After finding a school of feeding predators, one must present the bait lure or fly in front of its cruising vector. Casting directly at them as the swim toward the fisherman is ineffective as they expect food to run away from them.
If one can aim well, given the startling visual impact of numerous six to eight foot specimens cruising directly toward the angler. Setting the hook for these enormous catches is also different, it is better to set the hook with several measured yanks instead of one large one. Finally, these fish leap from the water; the tactic is to aim the pole directly at the fish when it jumps.
To find the fish as they cruise over a wide area, one looks for the telltale leaping of bait fish jumping and thrashing to avoid the chasing school. If one manages to bring in one of these behemoths, a well deserved photograph is in order. But to preserve the Key West tarpon fishing experience for future anglers, a quick release is imperative.
About the Author:
When you want the finest Key West tarpon fishing in the region, click www.keywestflats.net. For more details on Captain Mike Bartlett and his services, visit the main site today at http://www.keywestflats.net.
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