SUBJECT: # 39947: Florida Winter Tarpon

Submitted by Matt Taylor (66.137.92.109) from TEXAS on 11/10/2007 2:42:00 PM

Can anyone recommend a consistent winter tarpon spot in Florida? Not looking for giant fish, just numerous shots. I appreciate any info y'all can share. Looking for a trip between now and Feb.

Thanks!

Matt

1. 11/12/2007 5:48:00 PM Submitted by MikeF from FL says winter tarpon
   If you're going soon you can probably still catch some in the Keys. I would try 7 Mile Bridge or south. As the water cools they head for Central America. They've already left the Tampa area.

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2. 11/12/2007 8:29:00 PM Submitted by Swflbldr (205.188.116.19) from FL says Winter Tarpon
   There will be some around Miami most of the winter barring any weather in the 40's. Call Bouncer Smith, Ton Calendra, Dennis Forgione or Dave Kostyo. If there are any around they will put you on fish. Personally I just never have any luck arount St Paddys Day.

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3. 11/13/2007 1:41:00 PM Submitted by Capt. Ken Roy from FL says Lots beside Tarpon.
   Take a light spinning rod or bait caster and walk Miami/Lauderdale area canal banks for Mayan Cichlids, Snook, Peacock Bass, Largemouths and Tarpon too.

   If we have a warm winter, all of these fish could be available.

   Small, loud, shallow running crank baits like the Mann's Baby Minus 1, Bandit, and some of the smaller Rebel and Rapala are killers. Large, soft plastic jerk baits work great on Snook. Small Rattletraps are killers on Peacocks.

   Doggone, I wish I was going with you. I live too far north for most of this.

   If you can take a kayak with you, great fishing is easily within reach. Some of the parks have rental boats. There is a park on the Okeechobee Canal way out west on Griffin Rd near Dania that has rental boats and great fishing.

   The IGFA Museum in Dania is a must see and, of course, the Johnny Moris SW Angler sport store is in the same parking lot.

   If the water is cold, however, sorry Charlie. Come back in May.

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