Atlantic tarpon

Large scales, an upward-facing mouth and a long filament extending from the last dorsal-fin ray distinguish this silver fish.

The body is compressed from side to side, with a darker back and a deeply forked tail.

Most are around 4.3 ft (130 cm).

Up to about 8.2 ft (250 cm) long and 355 lb (161 kg). Source: FishBase

The tarpon eats schooling fish such as sardines, anchovies, mullet, snook and cichlids, plus crabs.

It lives in coastal waters, bays, estuaries, mangrove lagoons and rivers, and gulps air at the surface so it can live in low-oxygen water. Big schools may use the same spots for years, and it is famous for leaping when hooked.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in coastal channels, flats, beaches, sand/grass edges, passes or estuary mouths that match the species habitat, especially where current concentrates bait. Habitat reference:

Estuaries and coastal waters are important for large fish. Juveniles use mangrove pools and can occupy freshwater; spawning occurs offshore.

From the surface down to 131 ft (40 m), usually in the top 49 ft (15 m).

Release-first species on this BigJoe guide: do not target it for harvest. If caught incidentally, release promptly in the water or with minimal air exposure.

Shore-accessible coastal, inshore, mangrove and freshwater habitats occur in its life cycle; adults also use offshore spawning waters. Shore access does not ensure safe landing or legal targeting.

FAO contrasts mid-May–mid-August spawning off Florida with year-round spawning off Costa Rica. There is no single Caribbean season in this evidence.

No target time is recommended; release any incidental capture promptly.

No target tide is recommended; choose conditions that allow safe handling and release.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Live crabs, mullet, pinfish, threadfin herring and large shrimp.

Swimbaits, soft-plastic jerkbaits, plugs and flies; small jigs for baby tarpon.

Use tackle strong enough to shorten the fight; large tarpon require different gear from juveniles.

For natural bait, FWC recommends a single non-offset, non-stainless circle hook with the barb removed. Size must fit the bait and fish.

20–50 lb line is a common tarpon starting range depending on fish size and structure.

A strong monofilament leader helps resist contact with the gill plate and tail.

Drift or anchor near passes, bridges and beaches where tarpon roll; use a circle hook, bow to the fish when it jumps, and keep big fish in the water.

Keep large fish in the water. Use a dehooker or cut the leader near the hook; minimize handling and release promptly.

Usually released — a sport fish more than a food fish. In Florida tarpon are catch-and-release (a special tag is needed to keep one for a record).

Most anglers don't keep it for the table.

Not provided: this guide is oriented toward release.

Not provided: this guide is oriented toward release.

If sharks begin taking hooked tarpon, stop fishing that location. Do not drag a fish onto a bridge or over a boat rail.

Rules: Tarpon — release only: Puerto Rico territorial rule: release-only or prohibited as listed by DRNA. Do not retain.

Protect mangrove nurseries. FAO reports that tarpon can live more than 50 years; survival after release matters.