Family-Friendly Miami Fishing: Kids' Adventure

Blackfin Tuna

Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) Fish Description

Also known as Deep-Bodied Tunny, Albacore, or Bonite Nore in French, the Blackfin Tuna is the smallest tuna in the Thunnus genus. This fish has an oval-shaped body colored black with some faded yellow near the finlets and on the sides. 

Sometimes, the Blackfin Tuna’s sides can be bluish-black, whereas its belly is white. It possesses a vast, brown stripe along the portion of its eye. It has an eye-catching lateral band colored yellow or gold which fades upon its death. Its silvery abdomen has some vertical rows embedded with pale dots. 

Another feature that adds to the Blackfin Tuna’s beauty are the bronze reflections on its dusky dorsal finlets.

Diet and Size

In general, Blackfin Tuna reaches up to 39 inches in length and up to 46 lb in weight. On the other hand, it falls prey to Skipjack Tuna, Blue Marlin, and Dolphinfish.

Blackfin Tuna love mesopelagic and epipelagic meals alike. They feast on squid and fish primarily, but they also like the larvae of decapods, stomatopods, amphipods, and crustaceans especially crabs and shrimps.

Interesting Facts About the Blackfin Tuna

• A five-year-old Blackfin Tuna is already considered old since this species grows fast and typically lives for a very short period of time.
• Greenpeace International added many tuna species under its seafood red list; fortunately, Blackfin Tuna were not added to it.
• The Blackfin Tuna is a migratory species that creates big schools along with Skipjack Tuna.
• Blackfin Tuna transfer to more temperate waters during summer; this species has a limited range in the US.
• Despite its wide array of food choices, Blackfin Tuna can be cannibalistic.
• The Blackfin Tuna can host many parasites including copepods, gillworms, tapeworms, and flukes.
• Its genus name Thunnus is Greek for “tuna”.

Blackfin Tuna — Fishing Techniques

The Blackfin Tuna is listed as one of the most important species for both commercial and recreational fisheries. Anglers love to catch them because they are noted for being fierce fighters. Moreover, their flesh is superbly tasty; they are usually marketed fresh then processed and canned.

Some of the most common methods used to catch them are drift fishing, and trolling. You can also try capturing them using live bait and poles. According to the most seasoned anglers, what works best in hauling Blackfin Tuna are vertical jigging and chunking. Make sure to scale down your leader and hooks; this is because Blackfin Tuna have sharp eyesight.

Apart from using #30 fluorocarbons for leaders, you should also have a 5/0 to 6/0 size circle hook. Note that you can lure Blackfin Tuna into your boat by using some live chum particularly pilchards.

Blackfin Tuna Habitat and Distribution

Most of the Blackfin Tuna population is concentrated in the Gulf of Mexico to Rio de Janeiro, the Caribbean Sea, and Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts.  They prefer swimming in warm waters over 68 °F. 

Blackfin Tuna usually occur in oceanic waters near the coastline. They usually inhabit the areas near the continental shelves. They are at their peak during autumn, winter, and spring in Florida Keys.

Crevalle Jack

## Crevalle Jack Fish Description The Crevalle Jack (Caranx Hippos) is a large fish that is part of the Jack family. The colorations can vary from brassy green to blue on the back, golden scales on the sides, and a white belly and bright yellow/gold on the tail and fins. It is an extremely popular game fish for anglers as well as important for the commercial fishing industry. ## Fish Habitat and Distribution The Jack Crevalle inhabits both inshore and offshore water.  In the shallow water, they prefer seagrass beds, flats, sand-bottomed bays, or shallow-water reef. The larger adults prefer deeper water compared to the juveniles. They can also inhabit brackish waters and freshwater tributaries, although these are rare occurrences. While they do not often leave the continental shelf, they will inhabit waters as deep as 1100 feet. They also inhabit man-made structures like oil rigs as well as floating vegetation mats. They use these structures to hunt prey. Crevalle Jack are found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Florida (especially the Keys), Gulf of Mexico, and Texas are hotbeds for these fish. The broader range includes the eastern coastal waters of the U.S. and the eastern South American coast as far south as Argentina, not to forget the Caribbean Sea and the eastern coast of Central America. ## Crevalle Jack Size The Crevalle Jack can reach up to 4 feet and 60 pounds, but the average size range for this Jack species is 12-24 inches in length and 3-5 pounds in weight with females being larger than males. The current world record was caught off the coast of Angola in Africa and weighed in at 66 pounds. ## Crevalle Jack Fun Facts The Crevalle Jack is a powerful fish and should be handled with care. They reach maturity at 5 to 6 years of age and can live up to 17 years or more. Anglers chasing Jack Crevalle sometimes report the smell of something similar to watermelon when approaching schools when they are feeding. The dorsal fin is split into two, the first consisting of eight spines and the second consisting of one spine following 19 to 21 soft rays. While most fish species are cautious around divers, schools of the friendly Crevalle Jack will actually approach and swirl around divers, possibly due to the bubbles given off by divers, or simply out of curiosity. ## Fishing Methods and Lures One of the biggest indicators to the angler when looking for these fish is to watch for schools of birds. The Crevalle Jack schools push baitfish to the surface and the birds attack from above. Unlike other schooling fish that jump you will rarely see this fish jump while on the surface. Some great lure choices consist of silver spoons, hard and soft plastic baits that imitate their prey of mullet, sardines, and herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits are great options as well as live bait (mullet, herring, or sardines) . For fly fishermen, streamer flies and topwater popper flies are popular. Use flies larger than an inch to really help them stand out, along with baitfish patterns. They are the bullies of the ocean and enjoy the chase. The fast and continuous movement of the bait will attract them. Cast the bait over and away from the school, and then retrieve it rapidly. If you are fishing in deeper water, quick and aggressive jigs will be effective. If they are closer to the surface, sight casting with topwater plugs is the way to go.

King Mackerel

King Mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) Fish Description

Also known as Spanish Mackerel or Kingfish, this migratory species belongs to the mackerel family specifically found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. 

What makes the King Mackerel striking are the small and vaguely visible, loosely attached scales on their entire body. Its dorsal fin is totally without color and usually folded back into a groove (same with the pelvic fins). Generally, King Mackerel are olive in color on the back parts, with a white underbelly, and rosy, iridescent sides. The smaller King Mackerel may have some brown to yellowish spots on the flanks, smaller than that of the Atlantic Mackerel. Interestingly, the teeth of King Mackerel are highly similar to that of the Bluefish. 

King Mackerel Diet and Size

As an opportunistic carnivore with a voracious appetite, King Mackerel have several choices on their food menu. Depending on the season, they may feast on Blue Runner, Northern Mackerel, Striped Anchovy, Weakfish, Cutlassfish, Jack, Menhaden, and squid.  

This fish is considered of medium size, typically weighing around 30 pounds; some King Mackerel caught weighed a little over 90 pounds. Females weigh more than males. For example, at 7 years old, a female King Mackerel can weigh 22 pounds, whereas the male is only half as heavy.

Interesting Facts About the King Mackerel 

• The sperm and eggs of King Mackerel are spread into the sea; they are fertilized by chance.
• Fertilized eggs of King Mackerel hatch in less than a day!
• King Mackerel started being marketed fresh only in 2005. Their grayish flesh has a high fat content.
• Along with Tilefish, Shark, and Swordfish, King Mackerel should be avoided by children and pregnant women due to their high mercury content.
• The King Mackerel is often mistaken for the Atlantic Spanish Mackerel and Cero Mackerel. To distinguish them, know that the last two species’ lateral aliens slope gradually from the gill’s top edge to the tail, whereas the King Mackerel’s stops mid-body.

King Mackerel — Fishing Techniques

King Mackerel belong to the most sought-after gamefish in Texas to North Carolina. They are popular due to their speed which is matched only by the Wahoo, their distant relative. 

The most common ways of capturing King Mackerel are by jigging, trolling, and using live or dead bait, spoons, and other artificial lures.

Commercial anglers use gear consisting of run-around gill nets. Recreational anglers typically troll using large planers, heavy tackle, and lures. 

If you plan to use live bait, make sure to tie two hooks to a strong metal leader. The first hook (single/treble) must be attached to the live bait’s mouth and/or nose. The second hook (treble) must be put through the bait’s back or allowed to dangle. You must do these because King Mackerel are known to bite the rear section of a live bait.

King Mackerel Habitat and Distribution

As a subtropical fish, King Mackerel are found mainly in the Atlantic Coast along the US. They are highly abundant in Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, and are also found in North Carolina. This fish also inhabits the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Maine, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

King Mackerel are commonly found in depths ranging from 40 feet to 150 feet. The bigger King Mackerel are usually found inshore, particularly in harbors and inlets with waters as deep as 590 feet. They occur in waters with temperatures in the range of 68 to 84°F. 

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) Fish Description

The Mahi Mahi or common dolphinfish, also known as the dorado, are distinctive because of the play of colors on their bodies. Their sides are golden, with splotches of bright blue and green on the back and sides, and pectoral fins a shimmering blue, and underwater they can boast a myriad of other colors depending on where the light hits. However, once taken out of the water, they change colors drastically like a light show, before finally fading to a silver or muted yellow-grey upon demise.

The head of this fish species is also quite distinct. It is characterized by a single dorsal fin that extends from the head to the tail or caudal fin. Male Mahi Mahi have a protruding head, while the female head looks a little more rounded.

The Mahi Mahi or common dolphinfish belong to the family Coryphaenidae, with the other one being the pompano dolphinfish. The juvenile common dolphinfish are often mistaken for the pompano as the latter are quite small. One way to distinguish them is to look at the pectoral fins. The pectoral fins of the common dolphinfish are longer compared to that of the pompano. They also differ in color once out of the water. The common dolphinfish will look a little more yellow, while the pompano will sport a more prominent silver.

Why are Mahi Mahi called Dolphin Fish?

The confusion over the name Mahi Mahi started in Hawaii. The answer to why lies in the history of the Hawaiian Islands where this fish species was first discovered. In Hawaii, mahi mahi means very strong or strong-strong and fisherman referred to the fish as Mahi Mahi. That phrase caught on and the fish went from Mahi to Mahi Mahi and sometimes spelt Mahi-Mahi. It is also referred to as "dorado," However, when mahi-mahi made its way to the US mainland, it was commonly referred to as "dolphin fish." This led to confusion among consumers who thought they were buying or eating meat from actual dolphins.

There are a couple of local stories as to how that happened. It is believed that early American fishermen visiting Hawaii heard locals referring to the fish as "mahi-mahi," mistook it for a reference to dolphins and started calling it "dolphin fish." A second theory suggests that mahi-mahi's long dorsal fin may be responsible for its common name. But the Mahi Mahi, Dophinfish, Dorado is not related to Dolphins in any way. 

Why are Mahi Mahi called Dorado?

Mahi Mahi are also known as Dorado, which means golden in Spanish. This name is derived from their distinctive golden-yellow coloration, which is most prominent when the fish is removed from the water. When they are in the water, their coloration is more blue and green. The name Dorado is commonly used in Latin America, occasionally in Hawaii and is also used in other parts of the world where Spanish is spoken.

Is Mahi Mahi Good to Eat?

This fish is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and has become popular due to its mild taste and firm texture. But the question remains - is mahi mahi a good fish to eat? Yes, Mahi-Mahi is a popular food to eat, especially in coastal regions where it is readily available. It is a firm, white-fleshed fish that has a mild, sweet flavor, which makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes. It is also a versatile fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilled, baked, fried, or broiled. In many parts of the world, Mahi-Mahi is used as a substitute for other popular fish species such as tuna or swordfish. It is a healthy fish that is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients. Overall, Mahi-Mahi is a popular and delicious fish that is enjoyed by many people around the world.

When it comes to taste, many people enjoy mahi mahi because it has a mild flavor that isn't too overpowering. Its flesh is typically white with pinkish hues and has a slightly sweet taste compared to other types of fish. When prepared properly, it can be a flavorful and satisfying meal. Some people describe its flavor as being similar to that of swordfish or tuna, but with a slightly milder flavor profile. The versatility of Mahi-Mahi also makes it a popular choice for a range of cuisines, from Caribbean to Asian. Overall, if you enjoy seafood, there is a good chance you will find Mahi-Mahi to be a tasty and enjoyable fish to eat.

Mahi Mahi Size and Diet

The Mahi Mahi or common dolphinfish do not live long, with some reaching five years but rarely exceeding four. They, however, spawn all year long and mature quite quickly, making their population quite strong and stable. The average size for the Mahi-Mahi is 39 inches, weighing from 15 to 29 pounds. The Mahi-Mahi world record is 87 pounds.

The Mahi Mahi are carnivorous and are known as great swimmers, making them fantastic predators. They are not very particular with what they eat, though they do adapt as they mature. The juveniles of this fish species feed on crustaceans, while the adults focus on bony fishes. They are quite partial to the flying fish. They feed mostly during the day.

Interesting Facts About the Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

• This fish species mature quickly at three to four months. They practice broadcast spawning, a reproductive behavior wherein both females and males release their respective eggs and sperms into the same water column. This practice apparently guarantees a better chance of fertilization.
• Female Mahi Mahi spawn two to three times annually. In their lifetime, they can produce millions of eggs.
• Big consumers of this fish species: the United States and the Caribbean. The Japanese, Hawaiian, and Australian markets are also significant.
• If you're catching a Mahi-Mahi to eat, make sure to store it with lots of ice before you clean it. This serves two purposes: it keeps your fish fresh, and it makes cleaning much easier.
• The flesh of the Mahi-Mahi is similar to that of the swordfish. It tastes best pan-fried, grilled, roasted, or simmered in sauce. Because its flesh is firm, it is also good to cook it over wood or coal.
• The Mahi-Mahi is also has a small instance of ciguatera poisoning, which is caused when the toxins from Gambierdiscus toxicus are consumed by the fish accidentally and grow in their bodies through time.

Fishing Technique: How to Catch Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish 

The common dolphinfish are prized both as game fish and as commercial species. Anglers love fishing for them because they are quite stunning to look at and can also make great food.

When fishing for the common dolphinfish, one should look for an area that has a lot of floating debris by the edge of the reef, as this fish species are attracted to such. Also, anglers should keep a look out for frigate birds trolling any floating debris as they can take you to some big catch.

This fish species can be caught with trolling near weedlines, floating debris, and currents. If you choose to do so, make sure you employ the use of 30- to 50-pound class rods and reels. With trolling, you can use live bait (ballyhoo or squid are most recommended) or artificial lures. Make the bait skip on the surface of the water to excite the common dolphinfish (they love a good flying fish for their meal, after all).

The common dolphinfish are quite strong swimmers and are quite hard to reel in, so anglers will do well with an equally strong tackle, and perhaps another one for back-up just in case the one you're using breaks off while you're reeling this strong fish in.

Is a Mahi Mahi a Tuna?

No, Mahi-Mahi, also known as dolphin fish, is not a type of tuna. Mahi-Mahi is a species of fish in the Coryphaenidae family, while tuna belongs to the Scombridae family. Although both Mahi-Mahi and tuna are popular fish to eat, they have different characteristics and are not closely related. Mahi-Mahi has a mild and sweet flavor with a firm texture, while tuna has a more robust and meaty flavor with a soft and flaky texture. Additionally, Mahi-Mahi is typically found in warmer waters, while tuna can be found in a wider range of habitats.

Why is Mahi Mahi called Dolphin?

There has been some confusion regarding whether or not mahi mahi is a dolphin. Mahi-Mahi is sometimes referred to as a dolphin or more likely, a dolphin fish, because of its similar appearance to the mammal dolphin. While both species share similar physical characteristics such as their long dorsal fins and bright colors, they are distinctly different animals. Mahi mahi belongs to the Coryphaenidae family of fish, while dolphins belong to the Delphinidae family of mammals. However, it's important to note that Mahi-Mahi is not related to dolphins in any way. 

It's important to clarify this misconception because many people avoid eating mahi mahi due to their belief that it's related to dolphins. In reality, consuming responsibly sourced and properly prepared mahi mahi can be a healthy and sustainable choice for seafood lovers.

Is Mahi Mahi Safe to Eat? 

When it comes to questions about its safety as a food source, many people are left wondering whether it's safe to eat or not. In general, mahi-mahi is considered safe to consume, but there are some risks associated with eating this fish that must be taken into account. 
One of the main concerns regarding mahi-mahi consumption is the risk of ciguatera. Ciguatera is a type of food poisoning caused by eating fish that have consumed toxic algae. Mahi-mahi can be a carrier of this toxin if they have eaten smaller reef fish that were contaminated with ciguatoxins. Symptoms of ciguatera include vomiting, diarrhea, and neurological symptoms such as tingling sensations in the fingers and toes. While ciguatera is most commonly associated with reef fish such as barracuda and snapper, it can also affect pelagic species like mahi mahi.

Where do Mahi Mahi Live? Habitat and Distribution

This surface-dwelling fish species are typically found under floating objects. Sometimes those floating objects are floating sargassum, and sometimes they can even be ships.

The common dolphinfish are found worldwide in warm and temperate waters, distributed along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They occur in both the western parts (particularly the Sea of Japan, around the Philippine Islands, and Taiwan) and eastern parts (from the Oregon and Californian coasts to Peru) of the Pacific Ocean. In the warmer waters of Southern California, their population is quite abundant, particularly in Newport Beach San Diego, Long Beach, and Dana Point. In the Atlantic coast, they are found in Florida, particularly Miami, West Palm Beach, and the Keys.

Tarpon

Tarpon (Megalops Atlanticus)

A giant 6-foot Tarpon jumping several feet out of the water is a sight few anglers will ever forget! This bucket list game fish migrates between the Florida Keys, Costa Rica and the Florida Panhandle. The Florida Keys is widely thought of as the tarpon fishing capital of the world.

Florida Bay is a prime location, particularly in the deeper moats around some of the smaller keys and the channels that cut through the mud and grass flats. Tarpon frequent the Atlantic and Gulf "strips," the edges of flats around Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. The same can be said for Key West Harbor.

Tarpons are classified into two species: M. atlanticus (Atlantic Ocean tarpon) and M. atlanticus cyprinoides (Indo-Pacific tarpon). Atlantic Tarpon can be found along the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, as well as in the Caribbean and along the Gulf of Mexico coast.

Tarpon Description and Typical Size

Tarpon have thin bodies covered with large flat scales. One of its more recognizable characteristics is its large lower jaw and mouth points upward. They are shimmery silver with blue-grey or greenish backs and dark fins and tails. The scales on top of the Tarpon body are darker than that underneath. This color makes it difficult for predators to see the fish when viewed from above or below. The tail has a deep fork, and the dorsal fin is elongated and thin.

Adult Tarpon can grow up to about 8 feet long and weigh up to 280 pounds, but the more common size is 4 feet and 80 - 100 pounds. Their lifespan can be up to 50 years or more.

Interesting Facts

• Tarpon are known for their acrobatics and can jump 10 feet out of the water and swim up to 35 mph.
• They are close relatives of Skipjack and Ladyfish.
• Although edible, people rarely eat them because of their small, hard-to-clean bones.
• Tarpon has been around for a long time - 125 million years kind of time!
• Tarpon are capable of filling themselves with air. This gives it a predatory advantage when oxygen levels in the water are low.

Diet

Tarpon are strictly carnivorous; they hunt mid-water bait fish, both small fish and larger fish they swallow whole.

Spawning

Tarpon spawn offshore in warm, secluded areas, usually in late spring to late summer and with a full moon or new moon cycle.

The sperm and egg are all released into the water in a process referred to as broadcast spawning. The female tarpons will release up to 12 million eggs at a time. Once the eggs are fertilized, they float on top of the water. The eggs look like transparent ribbons, which make it difficult for predators to notice. The eggs will absorb the nutrients in the water through the skin.

After hatching, they enter the juvenile stage, remaining in the shallow water until they have developed into an adult.

Where to Find Tarpon Fish?

Tarpon live in a variety of habitats. They mainly occupy saltwater but also range in the brackish water of rivers like Crystal River. They are primarily found in shallow coastal waters and estuaries, but not unusual if they appear in the open ocean close to coral reefs.

Tarpon can gulp air at the surface when they are in an environment that doesn't provide enough oxygen.

You will find them as far north as New England and occasionally in Nova Scotia, Canada in the summer months. Being migratory fish, you will find them in Southern Florida or Central America in the winter months. Their largest concentration is in South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

Some of the best places to find Tarpon include the Florida Keys, especially Islamorada, Marathon, Key West and the Everglades National Park. Miami is another great spot, especially Key Biscayne, Biscayne Bay, and Biscayne National Park. There are a number of other great places such as Boca Grande near Fort Myers and North thru Tampa Bay to Tarpon Springs and Crystal River. Don't forget Florida's Atlantic Ocean side with St. Augustine, Florida, St. Simons Island in Georgia, and San Juan Puerto Rico.

A Few Related Tarpon Fishing Articles:

Learn the Best Tarpon Fishing Spots 

Florida Tarpon Fishing 

Fishing Techniques - How to Catch Tarpon

Although Tarpon can reach up to 280 pounds, heavy tackle is not required. A 5000 to 7000-size spinning reel paired with a medium-weight rod is a high multi-purpose tackle for Tarpon fishing that will be sufficient. The reel should be corrosive-resistant and have a smooth and robust drag to tame the fish quickly. When fishing tarpon, shrimp, pinfish, mullet, and crabs are the best live bait. Stake out above tarpon-holding areas and drift your live bait down to the fish. Hook crabs in the shell's corner and baitfish through the mouth.

Fly fishing the shallow flats is exciting. Watching a school of the larger fish turn towards the boat, knowing you are one perfect cast from landing a giant tarpon, is exhilarating. An angler armed with a 10wt rod and a perfect cast leads the school of fish, stripping like mad to lure the large Tarpon. A few flies to try while fly fishing includes the Black Death, Purple People Eater, White Lightning, Tarpon Shrimp, Coker Smoker, and the Tarpon Toad.

Their athleticism is one of the most fantastic attractions of Tarpon fishing. When the fish is hooked, it will use its muscular build and incredible speed to jump out of the water. Be careful; often, these jumps help the fish remove the hook.

There is nothing like a successful and enjoyable tarpon fishing trip on a fishing charter. Fishing charters are the best way to ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable tarpon fishing trip. You'll have the chance to explore some of the most beautiful locations in the world not only because you will be able to access the best equipment and professional guidance, but also because you will have the latest fishing report, tarpon migration, and a guide to understand where the large fish are roaming.

Can you Eat Tarpon?

While Tarpon fish are thrilling to reel in, many people wonder if tarpon is good to eat. The short answer is that while you technically can eat tarpon, it's not recommended for several reasons. 
Firstly, tarpon has high levels of mercury, which can be harmful in large quantities. Secondly, their flesh tends to be tough and full of bones, making it challenging to prepare and enjoy as a meal. Additionally, most anglers practice catch-and-release with tarpon as they are highly sought after for sport rather than food. While it may be possible to eat tarpon fish if you choose to do so, it's not recommended due to the high levels of mercury present in their flesh and the difficulty in preparing them for consumption.

If you do want to test the waters and try eating tarpon, you will find a white, flaky texture with a mild taste and oily flavor. It is advised to only consume tarpon caught in clean waters to avoid any potential health risks. When preparing tarpon for consumption, it is best to bake or grill it and avoid consuming it raw. Ultimately, whether or not to eat tarpon is a personal choice, but those who choose to do so should ensure that it is properly cooked and comes from a safe source.

Tarpon History

A review of Tarpon history reveals that these prehistoric fish that have been around for over 100 million years have received much attention from scientists in Florida, especially over the last several years. To determine the survival rate after a long battle, researchers at the Florida Marine Research Institute track and release individual tarpon to determine how well they survive the battle.

There have been a few rare cases in which tarpon has been found in northern locations like Nova Scotia, Canada. Female tarpons can grow to over 300 pounds and can reach almost 8 feet in length. A female tarpon can live for over fifty years, and a smaller male can live for up to thirty years. In an aquarium, the oldest tarpon in captivity died at 63 years of age after living for over fifty years.

Tarpons are extremely slow growers. Juvenile tarpon does not reach sexual maturity until seven, and they can reach sexual maturity as late as thirteen years old. Most tarpon fishing is done right close to shore; the tarpon spawns offshore when the tides are at the highest on major moons when they are at their strongest. Tarpon spawns during the month of April through July. The significant moons are when other fish move into shallow waters while others are moving out to spawn.

For all these reasons, it is very easy to see why it is so important to release each and every tarpon as carefully as possible. For example, a 100-pound tarpon is between 13 and 16 years old. One female tarpon can lay as many as 12 million eggs.

About the Tarpon Population

Tarpons are one of the most sought-after fish in the world, and their population is dwindling.

Tarpons are a threatened species and are considered an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They're also popular game fish for sport fishing and commercial purposes.