Monster Tarpon Caught on Camera off Florida Coast!

Tourists and locals near Naples, FL were treated to quite a surprise last week when a monster tarpon was caught on camera leaping out of the water. Captured by Dean Hochman on his cell phone, the video has since gone viral, with many locals and visitors alike clamoring to catch a glimpse of this impressive fish in person.

What makes the tarpon so captivating is its size - typically measuring in at over 6 feet long and weighing in at over 200 pounds. And its jumps? Well, they're pretty spectacular too, often reaching heights of 10 feet or more.

Despite their size, tarpon are considered an elusive catch for anglers. That's likely why this particular fish caused such a stir when it was spotted near Naples. In fact, according to local news outlet WBBH, this particular tarpon is believed to be the biggest one caught in Collier County waters in recent memory.

For those looking to catch a glimpse (or better yet, snap a picture) of this amazing fish yourself, your best bet would be to head down to southwest Florida in the coming weeks. While no guarantees you'll spot one as big as the one in Dean Hochman's video, it's definitely worth a shot - especially if you're an avid angler!

Tarpon Migration Fuels Fishing Industry in Florida

Since ancient times, humans have been drawn to the water. Fishing is one of the oldest forms of hunting and gathering, providing a means of sustenance and income for thousands of years. While fishing methods and technologies have evolved over time, one thing has remained the same: the allure of angling for a prized fish.

For fishermen in Florida, that prized fish is the tarpon. These massive silver creatures are a common sight in Florida's coastal waters from May to September, when they migrate north in search of warmer waters. Anglers come from all over the world to try their hand at landing one of these impressive fish.

The tarpon migration has a significant impact on Florida's economy. In 2016, catches worth $48 million were landed in Florida, with tarpon accounting for nearly two-thirds of that value. The majority of this income is generated by recreational fishing, with tourists spending billions of dollars each year on fishing trips and gear. This influx of money helps support local businesses and create jobs in the tourism industry.

In addition to providing economic benefits, the tarpon migration also plays an important role in maintaining balance within Florida's ecosystem. Tarpon consume large amounts of baitfish, which helps keep these species populations under control. They are also preyed upon by sharks and other predators, helping to keep those populations in check as well. By providing essential services like this, tarpon help maintain the delicate balance necessary for a healthy ecosystem.

So next time you're in Florida, be sure to drop a line for some mouth-watering tarpon!

Tarpon Poachers Busted with 400 Fish

MIAMI, FL – A large group of suspected tarpon poachers were apprehended by Florida Fish and Wildlife officials this week, after allegedly being caught with over 400 undersized fish.

The suspects, who were identified as members of an organized crime ring, were apprehended during a raid on a suspected fish-smuggling operation. Officials report that the group was in possession of dozens of undersized tarpon, as well as numerous other protected fish species.

"This is an important victory for Florida's fisheries," said FWC Chairman Bo Rivard in a statement released to the media. "We will not allow these criminal organizations to pillage our natural resources and damage our coastal economies."

Tarpon are one of Florida's most prized gamefish, and are protected under state and federal law. The maximum size limit for tarpon is 84 inches, with a bag limit of one per person per day.

Undercover agents from the FWC had been investigating the smuggling ring for several months prior to the raid. Officials say that the suspects were using small boats and high-powered jet skis to move their contraband fish from offshore launch points to local seafood markets.

"This was a complex case that involved a lot of coordination between multiple agencies," said FWC Lt. Chad Robbins. "But we were able to put together enough evidence to make arrests and seize illegal fish."

The arrested individuals could face felony poaching charges, as well as fines and prison time if convicted.

Angler Lands 2 Massive Tarpon in 1 Day

In what may be considered a miraculous accomplishment, angler Vicente Blasco managed to catch not one, but two massive tarpon on the same day while fishing in the flats of Biscayne Bay.

The first tarpon, which weighed in at over 130 pounds, was landed after a 2-hour battle. Blasco described the feeling of finally subduing the fish as "pure euphoria."

Less than 12 hours later, Blasco hooked into another tarpon – this time a whopping 170 pounds! After a long and hard-fought battle, he finally succeeded in bringing the fish boat-side.

When asked about his extraordinary feat, Blasco credited his success to great preparation and a lot of good luck. "This was definitely one for the record books," he said.

Tarpon Sailors: The Forgotten Ones

In the state of Florida, there is a subclass of fishermen that are largely forgotten. They are known as tarpon sailors. Tarpon sailors use a method of fishing that is unique to the state, and because of this they often go overlooked by anglers and the media.

Tarpon sailing is a form of fishing that uses a large sail to propel a boat towards schools of tarpon. The sailboat is then used to cast a baited line into the school of fish. This type of fishing can be very effective in catching large tarpon.

Tarpon sailing has been around for many years, but it is often overshadowed by other forms of fishing such as trolling and casting. This may be due in part to the fact that tarpon sailing can be more complicated than other forms of fishing. It takes practice and skill to use a sailboat to successfully catch tarpon.

Despite its complexity, tarpon sailing is a very rewarding form of fishing. When done correctly, it can be an exciting and exhilarating experience. Tarpon sailors are a dedicated group of anglers who are passionate about this unique form of fishing.