80lb Tarpon Off Egmont Key

January 2, 2025

Captain Landing a Tarpon

Spring Tarpon Fishing: A Short but Thrilling Adventure The morning air was crisp and inviting as Robby and his wife stepped onto the boat for their first tarpon fishing trip. Hailing from Michigan, the couple had always dreamed of chasing the Silver King, and today, Captain Johnny was ready to make that dream a reality.…

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Spring Tarpon Fishing: A Short but Thrilling Adventure

The morning air was crisp and inviting as Robby and his wife stepped onto the boat for their first tarpon fishing trip. Hailing from Michigan, the couple had always dreamed of chasing the Silver King, and today, Captain Johnny was ready to make that dream a reality. With live crabs and pinfish prepared as bait, we left the dock at 8 a.m., setting our sights on the waters around Egmont Key and the Skyway Bridge.

Chasing the Silver King

Tarpon fishing in the spring is an experience like no other. These powerful fish, known for their acrobatics and stamina, are a challenge for even the most seasoned anglers. As we stayed within a mile of Egmont Key, Captain Johnny explained the nuances of targeting tarpon: the importance of precise bait placement, understanding the tides, and reading the fish’s behavior.

Not long after arriving at our first spot, Robby’s line suddenly went tight. “Fish on!” shouted Captain Johnny as the tarpon exploded out of the water in a breathtaking leap. The battle was on. While Robby worked to control the powerful fish, his wife cheered him on, capturing every moment on her phone. After a valiant fight, the tarpon spit the hook, but the excitement in the boat was electric. “That’s what it’s all about!” Johnny said with a grin.

Landing the Big One

Our best luck came just off the beach of Egmont Key. As the boat drifted near the shallows, Robby’s line once again went tight. This time, the tarpon stayed hooked, and the fight began. The fish, estimated at 80 pounds, ran hard, testing Robby’s strength and determination. The couple couldn’t believe the sheer power of the Silver King as it made run after run, leaping high into the air in an attempt to shake the hook.

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“Keep the pressure steady, but let it run when it wants to,” Captain Johnny coached. After nearly 20 minutes of battling the fish, Robby finally brought it alongside the boat. The couple marveled at the size and beauty of the tarpon before releasing it back into the water, ensuring it could fight another day. Exhausted but exhilarated, Robby said, “I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life.”

The Skyway Bridge: A New Challenge

After the excitement near Egmont Key, we decided to try our luck near the Skyway Bridge. Known for holding large schools of tarpon, the area offers a unique challenge due to strong currents and deeper water. While we managed to jump a few tarpon, none stayed hooked, but the thrill of seeing these massive fish explode from the water made every cast worth it.

A Short but Memorable Trip

By noon, we were back at the dock, tired but grinning from ear to ear. The four-hour trip had been a perfect mix of action, adventure, and relaxation. For Robby and his wife, the experience was more than just about catching fish—it was about connecting with each other, nature, and the excitement of the chase.

Spring tarpon fishing near Anna Maria Island and Tampa Bay is an adventure that every angler should experience at least once. The warm weather, stunning scenery, and unmatched excitement of battling the Silver King create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer like Robby and his wife, chasing tarpon in the waters around Egmont Key is an unforgettable journey.

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