Tarpon 5/11

Saltwater Offshore Reports
1

So I’m trying to catch a Cobia, got two free lines and one down rod, with some lively menhaden, and a serious chum bag drifting over a nearshore reef. At that point the only customers had been the usual under-sized BSB’s on the down rod.

Then there was an explosion on the short free line, very near the boat and chum bag. In my subconscious I think…I’m do not believe what I just saw. Then it jumped two more times in clear view. A tarpon! Not big by SC standards, maybe 75#? But a formidable fish.

Since then I’ve heard about some tarpon being caught in deeper water like this, and some coming this early. But honestly if I’d heard someone else tell this story, I’d would not have believed it.

On the other hand, this proves once more, you never know what will happen when you leave the dock.

Roger

2

Forgot to add, it broke me off on the initial run.

3

I saw 3 smaller ones between 5-8 miles offshore off Hilton free jump while we were trying to run out last Saturday in the slop.

Actually stopped to cast at the last one and that was when we decided it was to rough and turned around.
They were all probably under 50 pounds

Pioneer 222sf

4

.

5

How deep?

242 robalo 300 yamaha

6

43’.

7

Interesting the tarpon seen last weekend and the one I hooked were all smaller than many that show up when we are actually fishing for tarpon, later in the year and shallower. I wonder if they are like Cobia, and different strains have different patterns? Maybe this is a JR question.

8

Wow

Mayhem
Pioneer 197

9

Thanks for the posting about it, I like hearing about variety. Lot’s of life is a good sign.

2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”