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Tarpon can be found along most local beaches. Giant herring are bunched into schools of 50 to 100 preparing for their annual spawn. Some pods are easing down the beach about a half-mile from shore, but most can be found along the edge of the first sandbars.
During this early part of their migration, tarpon will work their way south toward Boca Grande. Rarely will anglers spot the fish traveling north this early in the season. Experts say thousands of tarpon migrate to our waters from the Keys and Carribean. They travel deep and offshore, rarely being spotted. Once arriving, they make a hard turn east, break up into smaller pods, then race toward the coast. Along the beaches the pods slow to an idle and work their way south, eventually pouring into Boca Grande Pass. Tens of thousands will bundle in this unique pass, taking a break from the long journey. After a few days the fish will regroup into schools of 500 or more and head west just before sunset. These are the same poons that will arrive along our beaches the next day.
Each school holds about 10 percent large female fish; the rest will be mature male fish. Millions of eggs will be dispersed by the big females starting in about two weeks during the next full moon cycle.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com