Tarpon / Boca Grande

[surf_fish_ky]

I went down last year for the first time and I can tell you two definite things. First, fishing the beach and staying out of the pass is way more fun. When fishing the beach, the fish are in the air more and make some crazy runs. The water is shallow so they try to make an exit as quickly as possible. Look for pods that are continually moving up and down the beach. Throw a small crab, silver dollar size, just in front of the pod and hold on. Don't, I repeat, don't set the hook. Let the fish do the work of the circle hook. It's hard at first because of the excitement, but just start reeling once you feel the tug. Second, when you hook one, you are going to think someone just tied your crab to a car bumper floored the gas pedal. It is an incredible rush when you get your first fish. Screaming drag and just for a second you think you are going in the water because the pull is so strong. If you fish the pass, it feels like you are trying to pull the bottom up. You get tired and after a couple of fish your arms don't work real well for the rest of the day. But the beach is big fun. Once you are done fishing for tarpon, get out at first light, there are redfish and snook galore all around. No work at all to find those. You can even run a couple of miles off shore to some great wreck fishing. And lastly, you are going at the best time of the year and if you catch your first tarpon, you will be hooked and addicted to poon fishing. Oh, one more thing. These fish can make you cuss and break your heart like there is no tomorrow. But it is so worth it when it all comes together.

[Mudfish]

Boca Grande in late May and real early June is the greatest! I "worked" several boats for a while when I lived down there..... Be sure your hooks are VERY sharp and your tackle can stand a jolt! Also, be sure to preset your drag! Surf Fish is dead on...... the surf fishing is great and the boat fishing in the pass over one of the holes can get really crowded! You'll lose a few, since the Tarpon's mouth is like setting a hook in a 2 x 4 board! If you get lucky enough to whop one and get him close, be careful! An occassional shark usually happens by looking for an easy meal....

[JoeB]

I'll echo what surf fish said in that the beach fishing is MUCH more enjoyable than fishing in the pass. In the pass, it's combat fishing with boats EVERYWHERE. I really don't like it. The beach fishing is a much better experience. If you really want to feel your knees knock, go to Islamorada next May and throw flies to them on the flats. Most exciting fishing on earth!