Decent week of Tarpon fishing

Tarpon fishing picked up for me this past week. Last Wednesday the water temps were still low following last weeks cold front. Kelly McCormick and Paul Riddle had some fun fishing in the Backcountry. Redfish, Snook and Trout gave the friends plenty of light tackle action. Thursday we gave the Tarpon a big effort. We finally had action in the afternoon fishing live mullet but after a few takes and some cheap shots never did keep one attached.

Kelly with a nice Snook

Crevalle Jacks swarmed us while
Tarpon fishing at the bridges

Kelly McCormick with a nice Redfish,
Fox Sport Fishing Bonefish Trek rod and Daiblo 350 spin reel

Friday morning Debbie and Rich Riolo joined me. Tarpon fishing was happening this morning. The pair released 3 big Tarpon using Fox Sport Fishing Tarpon Trek rods fitted with Diablo 750 spinning reels. As the tide softened and the bite slowed we took advantage of the calm winds and headed out to a wreck in the Gulf of Mexico. There Rich released  a large Bullshark over 200lbs and Debbie released a fat Goliath Grouper. On the way back we made a stop for Mangrove Snapper using the light tackle Bonefish trek rods and Diablo 350 spinning reels.

Rich with another jumping Tarpon

Rich Riolo battling a Tarpon using
Fox sport fishing Sailfish Trek Diablo 750 combo

jumper for Rich

Debbie Riolo having a great time

Debbie Riolo using the 8 foot Sailfish Trek 4 piece travel rod 
and Diablo 750 spinning reel

Goliath Grouper action

Rich with another jumping Tarpon

Tarpon release for Debbie Riolo

Saturday Scott Barco and his friend Jeff joined me. Tarpon fishing was on fire once again. Jeff caught his first and second ever Tarpon and Scott got one as well. These Tarpon were all well over 100lbs. Great fishing.

Scott Barco doing battle with the Sailfish Trek Diablo 750 combo
with Jeff driving

Jeff used the 4 piece 7' Tarpon Trek rod on
this high jumping Tarpon

Black Grouper was a surprise for Jeff while snapper fishing

Jeff had 2 Tarpon releases

Yesterday Rich and Debbie Riolo fished again. Wind was up SSE gusting over 20. We made the run to the backcountry and fished hard. Debbie and Rich each released a Tarpon. 2 for 2. And plenty of Sharks. With the wind blowing I was very happy with the day.

Tonight another cold front is rolling through. Tomorrow winds are forecast 20mph north. That's fishing.

Captain Skip Nielsen