Poons

[3spots]

Tarpon season is fast approaching the Georgia Coast. There have already been several reports of tarpon sightings in kayak paddling distance.

Wrangling tarpon from a kayak is not for the weak. It takes tremendous stamina, determination, proper gear, and strength. Being dehydrated is not an option, you may not have the opportunity to hydrate when fighting such a big fish and you could actually fight for hours. Always have extra food and water for afterwards as well.

ALWAYS have a kayak fishing partner or safety boat present when going after these fish or bull reds. You may be too tired to paddle or peddle back after the fight.

Make a float plan, have a VHF radio and cellphone, and a light/ flag/ or some other signaling device. Tarpon can actually pull you miles from shore.

Be safe!!

[uglystikyooper]

Are you going to be going after any? I would love to tag along and try to get one!

[3spots]

I probably will in August or later this month.

[fishingwithblue]

The mothership has been out for a week now because of outboard computer issues. I plan on going when the motor is fixed this week.

[Redbeard]

When you do go for tarpon, the best thing that you can do to help yourself and insure a safe release of the tarpon is to use gear heavy enough to whip him as quickly as possible. I use a Penn 9500 reel with 330 yds. of 30 lb. test. I thought it was heavy enough, but got pulled around for over two hours and ended up a couple of miles out by the time the battle was over. If I get another chance to challenge the silver king, I will probably use the same tackle, but loaded with 60 Lb. braid. It just makes sense to beat him quickly and release him rather than keeping one on too long and inviting dinner guests with big teeth and wearing a grey suit!!!! And Trey is absolutely correct, be prepared, you never know what is going to take place when you are out in open water hooked up to 150 lbs. of silver freight train!!!!

Redbeard

[uglystikyooper]

I would love to get out this year and catch one but I don't think its going to happen..I don't have the gear for it.

[nubby]

yooper; let me know when you are thinking about going and we will work something out.

[uglystikyooper]

I'm up for anytime..when they come in and you guys go after them let me know..I would love to go even if I don't get to fish..just watching would be fun

[nubby]

Someone committed on my post to help out yooper. I just wanted to let him know that I have several heaver fishing rods that he may barrow if he wanted to.

[uglystikyooper]

Thanks Nubby..I appreciate it!

[Sharkattack]

If there is a tarpon trip in the future I am more than willing to join. I was at st Simons last Sunday and the tarpon were going nuts over a school of manhadden but then again so were the sharks. I wanted to slide on over and get in on the action but just being one person I had to stay back and enjoy the Ariel's from a distance. Watched probably 300 meters of bait get slammed by at least 20 or 30 tarpon. Amazing show

[bigredobsession]

Were they off the beach or in the sound?

[Sharkattack]

Right off the point of the north end about 1k off shore. A few more were about 500 meters off the beach directly in front of the jetty feeding on massive bait balls. Pretty show, tried to get a few pictures but its near impossible with an iPhone. Lol