Best Ways to Catch Big Tarpon


It’s All About the Destination


Some of the best tarpon destinations are known for having huge migrations of tarpon and lots of very big fish too.  Visiting one of these destinations at the peak of the migration is the easiest way to catch a monster tarpon.


Upsize Your Baits


Big tarpon like big baits.  Upsize your baits and don’t be shocked if you don’t get many bites.  When you do, it’s going to be something big.  It may not always be a tarpon, but if you are fishing where the tarpon are, you have a good shot.


Fish Deeper While Inshore


Some of the deeper water inshore will be home to some of the bigger tarpon.  You can find some big tarpon move into some shallow water, but you have a better chance by targeting some of the deeper water inshore.  You will get less bites, but you might just get the one that you want.


Fish Nearshore


Many tarpon can be found just outside the beaches in the nearshore waters.  Target some of these tarpon and there’s a good chance you will run into some big fish.  You may not be able to get them to bite consistently, but you just need that one big bite to make your day.


Use Live Bait


Live bait is the easiest way to catch a monster-sized tarpon.  They love big crabs and mullet plus several other types of baits as well.  If you haven’t caught a big tarpon and you don’t care how you catch one, go with live bait all the way.


Fish at Low Light Conditions


Early morning, late evening and the night time are the best times to fish for tarpon.  The problem with tarpon fishing at night is that a big tarpon can take you for a long haul and for many anglers, chasing tarpon around at night is not exactly something they want to do.  If you can do it safely, night fishing can be great.  If you don’t want to fish at night, early morning and late evening will usually provide a nice peak bite from tarpon.