|
Finding
Tarpon
Like
bonefish, tarpon are sensitive to cold water. In the
wintertime it is very difficult to find fish on the
flats. As spring approaches and the water temperatures
rise, the tarpon begin their migration to the flats
where they are more easily spotted.
You
can search for tarpon in one of two primary ways. The
first and most common is to pole your way along a flat
while searching for any signs of fish. The second way
requires more local knowledge of the water and the tarpon's
migration routes. Many guides that are intricately familiar
with the movement of tarpon in the Keys stake off in
an area that intersects the path of migrating fish and
simply wait for the tarpon to come to them.
In
clear water you can scan the flat for tarpon either
in schools or singles. Due to their massive size they
are not difficult to spot in clear water. Look for a
dark irregularity in the water that could be the shape
of a tarpon. Carefully observe the surface for any wake,
or nervous water caused by fish near the surface. A
pack of tarpon lazily cruising along the flats almost
looks like a group of submarines lumbering of to war.
Tarpon
are also easily spotted from a distance when they are
rolling. Tarpon roll to breath air from the surface
and can be spotted rolling in calm water from nearly
half a mile. Once you have spotted rolling tarpon you
can then determine their path and the best way to intercept.
|
