Tarpon Named Florida's Official Fish!

In a unanimous vote by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the tarpon has been named the state's official fish.

The silver king, as they are also known, is a popular game fish sought by both anglers and spearfishers. Tarpon can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh 350 pounds. They are migratory fish that can be found in both fresh and salt water.

"Tarpon are an iconic fish that are not only popular with anglers, but also with people who just enjoy watching them jump," said FWC Chairman Robert Spottswood. "We appreciate the public's interest in helping us choose an official state fish."

Anglers will continue to be able to harvest tarpon during the open season, which runs from May through July.

Tarpon Season is in Full Swing - Get Hooked!

Florida's tarpon season is in full swing and there's no better time to get hooked on this prehistoric fish. Tarpon can be found in abundance all along the Gulf Coast, but the most productive spot is inshore near bridges and docks.

Anglers use a wide variety of techniques to land these acrobatic fish, including live bait, artificial lures, and fly fishing. While it may take some practice to perfect your technique, the excitement of landing a tarpon makes it all worth it.

If you're looking for a challenge and an adrenaline rush, then tarpon fishing is definitely for you. So grab your gear and head down to the coast – you won't regret it!

Million Dollar Tarpon Caught Off Florida Coast

A tarpon weighing in at more than 123 pounds was caught off the coast of Florida last week, making it the largest ever landed in state waters.

The massive fish was hooked by angler Josh Jorgensen, who fought with the tarpon for more than two hours before finally landing it. The catch was worth an estimated $1 million on the open market.

"It was an amazing experience," said Jorgensen of his remarkable catch. "I've been fishing my whole life and I've never seen anything like that."

The tarpon is a migratory fish that can be found in both salt and fresh water. It is prized by anglers for its size and strength, and is considered a most challenging quarry.

Rare Baby Tarpon Born in Florida Aquarium

A baby tarpon born at a St. Petersburg aquarium is the first of its kind in Florida and one of only a few dozen documented cases in North America, officials say.

The 1-pound, 8-inch tarpon was born to a mother tarpon kept in the 300,000-gallon outdoor tank at the St. Petersburg Museum of History Aquarium Thursday.

Museum staff caught the moment the baby emerged from its mother on video:

Officials say it's rare for a tarpon to give birth in an aquarium because the fish usually spawn in open water. Tarpon can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds. The newborn is about 1 percent of its mother's size.

"It was pretty exciting," said Mike DeSclafani, curator of collections at the museum. "We knew there was a good chance she would have babies with all the males around her, but we weren't prepared for how small they would be."

Officials say they are still trying to determine the baby's sex. It will be released into Tampa Bay when it is larger and stronger.

Tarpon Migration Patterns Under Threat

Florida's iconic tarpon are migrating in different patterns than they have in the past, and that could spell trouble for the population.

Tarpon are a large and powerful game fish that is popular with anglers. The fish can grow up to eight feet in length and weigh more than 200 pounds. They are migratory, with some populations spending parts of their life in coastal waters and others venturing into open ocean.

The migration patterns of tarpon are changing, according to a new study. In the past, tarpon migrated along Florida's west coast, but now they are moving up the east coast. Researchers say this could be due to climate change, which is causing changes in the distribution of prey species.

The shift in migration patterns could have serious consequences for the tarpon population. Tarpon are an important part of Florida's ecosystem, and they provide a valuable source of revenue for the state through recreational fishing. The new study provides insights into how climate change is affecting these fish and could help inform management strategies to protect them.