Species guide
How to catch Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
The Tarpon is a powerful game fish known for its impressive size and spectacular fighting ability. It thrives in a variety of water types including freshwater, brackish, and saltwater. Tarpons often gather in large schools near coastal waters, estuaries, and river mouths.
Where they live
Found in coastal waters, bays, estuaries, mangrove lagoons, and rivers across North and South America, Africa, Europe, and the Atlantic. They inhabit shallow to moderate depths, frequently entering freshwater areas.
Typical size
Most run 150–250 cm
What they eat
- small fish such as sardines and anchovies
- mullets
- snooks
- cichlids
- crabs
- shrimps
- insects
Best baits
- live baitfish
- crabs
- shrimp
- cut bait
Best lures
- large soft plastic swimbaits
- topwater plugs
- large spoons
- jigs
How to fish for them
- live bait fishing
- bottom fishing
- casting with artificial lures
- fly fishing
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