Atlantic tarpon

Large scales, an upward-facing mouth and a long filament extending from the last dorsal-fin ray distinguish this silver fish.

The body is compressed from side to side, with a darker back and a deeply forked tail.

30–100 lb adults; 5–30 lb "baby tarpon" in canals and mangroves.

Over 8 ft and 280 lb.

Fish and large crustaceans.

Can breathe air with a modified swim bladder and is often noticed rolling at the surface. Juveniles tolerate low-oxygen pools.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in coastal channels, flats, beaches, sand/grass edges, passes or estuary mouths that match the species habitat, especially where current concentrates bait. Habitat reference: Estuaries and coastal waters are important for large fish. Juveniles use mangrove pools and can occupy freshwater; spawning occurs offshore.

Estuaries and coastal waters are important for large fish. Juveniles use mangrove pools and can occupy freshwater; spawning occurs offshore.

Primarily shallow coastal, beach, estuary, flat or channel habitat; deeper channels and drop-offs may hold larger fish.

Release-first species on this BigJoe guide: do not target it for harvest. If caught incidentally, release promptly in the water or with minimal air exposure.

Shore-accessible coastal, inshore, mangrove and freshwater habitats occur in its life cycle; adults also use offshore spawning waters. Shore access does not ensure safe landing or legal targeting.

FAO contrasts mid-May–mid-August spawning off Florida with year-round spawning off Costa Rica. There is no single Caribbean season in this evidence.

No target time is recommended; release any incidental capture promptly.

No target tide is recommended; choose conditions that allow safe handling and release.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Live crabs, mullet, pinfish, threadfin herring and large shrimp.

Swimbaits, soft-plastic jerkbaits, plugs and flies; small jigs for baby tarpon.

Use tackle strong enough to shorten the fight; large tarpon require different gear from juveniles.

For natural bait, FWC recommends a single non-offset, non-stainless circle hook with the barb removed. Size must fit the bait and fish.

20–50 lb line is a common tarpon starting range depending on fish size and structure.

A strong monofilament leader helps resist contact with the gill plate and tail.

Drift or anchor near passes, bridges and beaches where tarpon roll; use a circle hook, bow to the fish when it jumps, and keep big fish in the water.

Keep large fish in the water. Use a dehooker or cut the leader near the hook; minimize handling and release promptly.

Usually released — a sport fish more than a food fish. In Florida tarpon are catch-and-release (a special tag is needed to keep one for a record).

Most anglers don't keep it for the table.

Not provided: this guide is oriented toward release.

Not provided: this guide is oriented toward release.

If sharks begin taking hooked tarpon, stop fishing that location. Do not drag a fish onto a bridge or over a boat rail.

Rules: Tarpon — release only: Puerto Rico territorial rule: release-only or prohibited as listed by DRNA. Do not retain.

Protect mangrove nurseries. FAO reports that tarpon can live more than 50 years; survival after release matters.