|
The
majestic Tarpon is one of the Earth's oldest fish. Its
ancestors can be dated back over 125 million years.
This gallant warrior still possesses some characteristics
of its primitive past even today. The tarpon's most
unique trait is its primitive lung, or air sac, which
allows it to live in oxygen depleted waters by breathing
oxygen from the air through "rolling".
The
tarpon is also known as the "silver king"
due to its brilliant silver sides. The upper body ranges
from dark blue to olive green depending on the area
in which the fish resides. The tarpon also has a unique
whip like extension of his dorsal fin.
Tarpon
are quite literally built like armored tanks. Their
scales are gigantic and can be almost the size of your
palm on fish over 100 lbs. Their hinged lower cargo
plane jaws are extremely hardened and raspy, making
it very difficult to achieve a proper hookset, not to
mention absolute hell on tippets.
Male
tarpon rarely exceed 100 lbs., but the females are much
larger and some have been known to grow over 350 lbs.
during their 55 year potential life span. The current
world record stands at 283 lbs. and was caught in Venezuela.
Although
tarpon are generally considered lazy fish due to their
preference of being pushed by moving water as they migrate,
once hooked they put on an acrobatic display that will
send chills up your spine followed by an all out exhausting
slug fest. Catching a tarpon on fly is one of the most
exhilarating and unforgettable experiences an angler
can pursue.
Once
you have had the privilege of catching a tarpon you
will undoubtedly agree that they are the flat's "Silver
King".
|
