The Bahamas Tarpon

Tarpon are an ancient species of fish that have been cruising the earth’s waters for more than 125 million years. They are a well-known game species, famous for their strength, resiliency, and acrobatics. Generally considered a catch-and-release species, this fish has little food value. Peak season in the Bahamas runs from April through July.

Description, Habitat, and Breeding
They can be found in the tropical waters of the Western Hemisphere, from New York to South America. Typically, they are an offshore species, but they are found in both salt and fresh water. Tarpon are large fish, averaging six feet in length and 150 pounds. The Bahamas fish can reach up to 8 feet long and weigh as much as 300 pounds. These fish sport a dark green or grey back, a large mouth, and a long dorsal fin. They are covered with shimmering silver scales, giving them the nickname Silver King. On average, they live about 40 years, growing larger each year.

The Silver Kings are prolific breeders, carrying an estimated 15 million eggs. They spawn in the spring, dropping fertilized eggs that develop into tiny larvae resembling leeches. The larvae make their way to estuaries near shore, where they develop into small fish. Juveniles take ten years to fully mature, and will be sexually active for 30 years or more.

Feeding Habits
Tarpon are voracious predators, feeding mainly on schools of small fish, including mullet, pin fish, and needle fish. They also eat shrimp and crabs. They have small, needle-sharp teeth, but find it more efficient to swallow their prey whole whole, hunting both day and night. Silver Kings can be caught with live bait, usually mullet, crabs or shrimp; or tackle, usually lures that resemble bait fish. They feed day or night and generally swallow their prey whole, due to the relatively small size of their teeth. Expert guides prepare bait fish, crabs, or shrimp for live-bait fishermen. Spinning and casting anglers will use lures that closely resemble live bait fish.

Tips for landing Bahamas fish
These powerful fish are caught by a wide variety of techniques. Every expert has their own tried and true method. Here are some of our favorite tips.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to help you spot fish shimmering in the water.
• Small fish need at least a 15-pound line for spinning gear, 11-13 pound line for fly-fishing.
• Big game will require an 8-foot rod, and 30-50 pound saltwater reels.
• Use a sharp hook; these fish have hard mouths.
• Let them run for a few minutes, and then dip your rod when the fish jumps to keep it from breaking the line.
• Prepare to give them plenty of choices. Some days they only eat crabs, while other days mullet is their food of choice.
• You will likely use a different bait depending on the speed of the current. Your guide will be able to suggest the right bait for the conditions you are fishing in.

Catching these explosive fighters is a thrilling experience, and the waters off of the Bahamas are a favorite among hunters of the Silver King.