Tarpon In The Surf

Tarpon in the surf and just off the beaches, along with the sharks have started showing up along the Brevard County coast following schools of baitfish.

The surf between Bethune Beach and Playalinda Beach and from Cocoa Beach south to Patrick AFB has been holding schools of mullet and pogies.  The area from the tip of the Cape up to the shuttle pads has also been holding good numbers of baitfish.

Since the passage of hurricane Irene, the Tarpon are starting to roll once again in the mullet pods just off of the Brevard Co. beaches in water depths from 6 to 30 feet.

This Labor Day will give surf fisherman the opportunity of hooking up with a Tarpon or shark from the beach and small craft fishermen will have more than a good chance of doing the same just offshore in these areas.

The best way to catch them is to fish live mullet or live menhaden rigged on 80# fluorocarbon leader with a BMC 5/0 to 9/0 circle hook under a large cork.  Cast out beyond the last sand bar.

Tarpon in the 40# to 90# range are the average right now however, fish caught in the 140# range are not uncommon.

If you are a shark fisherman, sharks up to 90# are also being caught right off the beach in parts of these areas.

Since Snook are now in season, the beach at Patrick AFB behind the officer's club should be a prime target for snook anglers looking for a slot snook for the dinner table.

Catch then using live finger mullet on a sliding sinker rig and cast just beyond the coral heads in the surf.  Be prepared for break offs around the rocks.

This video shows that Tarpon in the surf are caught when the conditions are right and when you have adequate tackle for the job.

If you can avoid the crowds of surfers and sun worshipers that are expected along the beaches; this long weekend could be a good time to break out your surf rod and try for a Tarpon in the surf.

Tight Lines.