By Captain Steve Roff

Barrier Island Guide Service, Pawleys Island SC

www.barrierislandguide.com

The journey begins the first time you see a tarpon roll or smash fleeing bait fish. We call it "Tarpon Fever."

Once the hook is set there is no cure. The signs are evident.

You begin to purchase offshore tackle and huge spinning reels loaded with 65 lb. braid. You weld rod holders in your johnboat, you begin to search out anyone with a boat, you study the migratory patterns of mullet. Or better yet, you hook or catch your first tarpon and begin to tell everyone (over and over) regardless of their interest. Then reds, trout and flounder become a distant memory. Or better yet you try to schedule everything including family and church according to the tides.

Some have tried to tame the tarpon for years just to have the tarpon explode from the water and throw the hook into tomorrow. We all have a lot to learn.

A lot of fishermen ask, "Where is the best place to go? What about the tides, bait, rigs?"

The answer is in just going. Years ago, I questioned a local guide and was advised "find the bait and you'll find the fish." Vague but true. Not only go, but study these fish. Put in the time on the water.

Tarpon Fishing 101

Go Big or Go Home - Most of our fish are large, mature tarpon ranging from 60 to 120 lbs. I get regular reports of broken rods, lines, leaders and hearts. Use heavy gear to land the fish under 30 minutes and release in the water or quickly tag if equipped. I shop local, and Pawleys Island Outdoors is loaded with gear needed, and if they don't have it they will order it for you.

After the initial jump and long reel screaming run, I recommend following the fish and keeping them within 20 yards of your boat. You will be able to apply more pressure, reduce the line cutting obstacles (crab traps, sharks, other boats etc. ...) and you'll get a great view of the next jump.

I spoke with others who have "the fever" and Capt. J.R. Waits of Fish Call Charters recommends "fishing areas where the tide and wind are moving in the same direction. This will promote smooth clean water. The fight should last more than 20 minutes, so go with heavy tackle, 10/0 circle hook, and 50 lb. braid."

Captain Newman of Kingfisher Guide Service recommends "going in the right boat and be prepared. Often the fish will show in high energy rips, not a place for a small boat. Bring an anchor that can hold your position and design a quick release system so you can get after the tarpon and decrease the fight time."

Hunter Allen has been tarpon fishing the South Carolina coast for over 12 years and mentioned "The tarpon's arrival every year is something I look forward to all winter long. For me it begins in the Florida Keys in the spring, followed by yet another arduous wait until they show up here in S.C. Luckily this year, they wasted no time and were around in good numbers in early June."

Lots of beginning tarpon fisherman report troubles of keeping them on the hook. Too often their hooks are too small, drags too light, or equipment just not up to the task. If I could offer one piece of advice, is to fish a tight drag with circle hooks (regardless of whether fishing on top or bottom) and leave the rod in the rod holder until the fish has jumped and is running."

Upcoming events

Tarpon fishing seminar

Pawleys Island Outdoors and Capt. Steve of Barrier Island Guide Service will host an interactive Tarpon Fishing seminar on Thursday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Food and soft drinks will be provided. Seating may be limited, so attendees are encouraged to bring a chair.

Lowcountry Tarpon

Tournament

Anglers and guides from all over the Southeast are getting ready for the first "Lowcountry Tarpon Invitational" tournament taking place Sept. 17 and 18 in McClellanville.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust to further their research and conservation efforts related to Tarpon, the Silver King.

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Suggestions for future articles relating to the outdoors are welcome. To contact Captain Steve Roff by e-mail:

redfish@sc.rr.com.