False Tarpon Fever If you have never hooked into one of these mirror plated jumbo sardines, it is difficult to describe the adrenalin rush the angler instantly receives. Their pure power and their magnificent air show is enough to leave any angler breathless and wanting for more. If you thought Michael Jordan had hang time, wait until you set your eyes on a tarpon in full flight, as is explodes out of the water generally only seconds after the hook up. Tarpon around the world can range from 50 pounds on the small side to well over 200 pounds. There have been many tarpon caught in the Boca Grande pass who’s weighed have exceed that 200 pounds. In the Pass the average tarpon will weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. The Florida record for tarpon caught on conventional tackle is 243 pounds, which was caught in the Florida Keys in 1975. The all tackle world record is 286 pounds 9 ounces, caught in Africa in 2003. It is no secret that the worlds best tarpon hole is in Boca Grande Florida. The Boca Grande pass yields more tarpon “ Flight Of The King” continued on page 68

False than any single location in the world. Boca Grande is located on Florida’s west coast at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, and is visited by anglers from all over the world, coming to test their skills against the almighty silverkings of the Pass. This area is a very serene place and known for it’s nonchalant atmosphere, which is surrounded by some of the best renowned fishing anywhere, especially tarpon fishing. There are many deep roots connected to history in the area. The Calusa Indians have roots here and their entire lives revolved around the harvesting of resources of the Gulf of Mexico. It was in the late 1800’ s that tarpon fishing was discovered in this area. The wealthy would come to fish for tarpon and stay at what was known as the “ fish camp” on Useppa Island. However, in the early 1900’ s Barron Collier bought Useppa Island and built the Tarpon Inn, which became the new headquarters for the silverking sportfishing world in the world, as we know it. There are tens of thousands of tarpon that visit Boca Grande Pass each year and most experts will tell you, May through July are truly the prime months. If you have never experienced this incredible dancing silverking phenomenon, it is something you have to see to believe. If you have never fished the Boca Grande Pass it is probably best to hire a local fishing guide to take you out, instruct you as to the proper methods and in fact greatly enhance your experience of fishing in the Pass. Traditional Boca Grande tarpon fishing was Photo by Merry Beth Ryan “ Flight Of The King” continued from page 67