So....we headed out the second day for tarpon in Tampa Bay/Gulf of Mexico.
First Captain Matt had to net us some bait.
The weather patterns were similar to the day before; partly sunny in the
upper 80's. We no action at all in the morning (opposite of the previous day), but by mid afternoon small schools of tarpon were spotted "porpoising" on the surface. Many times they playfully take in air. Kurt finally hooked-up to a huge tarpoon.
After 35 minutes of battle, including at least five jumps, the giant tarpon
was gone.
Captain Matt grabbed the leader a couple of times to no avail.
The 50 lb leader frayed because the tarpon broke two pole eyelets.
That was considered a caught tartpon. It was estimated to be between
140-150 lbs.
In summary Tom and Kurt both caught a tarpon. I didn't land one this year.
We jumped about a dozen tarpon all together. I guess I had my day in the
sun last year catching a 110-120 lb tarpon. With a point and shoot camera
(Canon A540)it's really hard to take a picture of a fighting tarpon. FYI,
the guide charged us $800/8 hours. This was split three ways. We fished a
total of 16 hours. With the tip we figured we spent around $35 an hour each.
I can afford to splurge only once a year for this, but it's worth it!
Besides the fishing, the highlight of the trip (for me) was our trek to the
Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburgh. His paintings are fantastic in person.
If you ever go to this museaum make sure you take the narrated tour.
Greg, Kurt and Tom.
Misc pictures
