    
Capt. Jon Zorian
Unregistered guest
Rating: 
Votes: 2 | | Posted on Monday, April 28, 2003 - 1:32 am: | |
Subject: Boca Beacon
Tarpon Are Here and Sharks Will Follow
By Capt. Jon Zorian, Boca Beacon
** The wait is over for tarpon to arrive at Boca Grande! Members of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association are reporting that fish are increasing in numbers daily at the pass. The annual migration to our area is taking place not quite as quickly as during the past several years due to the cold front we experienced last week and the recent red tide.
However, tarpon are beginning to gather at the pass and larger numbers are expected during the next few days.
Gulf water temperature at this time is in the low 70’s, which is sufficiently warm enough for tarpon to inhabit local waters. While warm water ushers in the large number of tarpon to Boca Grande Pass, it also attracts several species of sharks. Hammerheads and bull sharks, especially, love tarpon and show up to feed on them, usually after the water temperature has reached the mid to high 70’s, or more.
Sharks are a nuisance to tarpon guides, although the sight of one chasing a hooked fish is plenty exciting. The sight of the shark’s dorsal fin protruding two or three feet above the water, accompanied by the large, ominous dark shadow just beneath the surface that is attached to that dorsal fin, will get your attention, to say the least!
What is far more gripping is the sight of a tarpon, well over a hundred pounds, that suddenly becomes engulfed to the head by one bite of a hungry, charging shark and leaving only a shredded reminder of what was just seconds before a very powerful game fish.
However, shark fishing is not what we are about during tarpon season. Although there are some clients who specifically hire guides to fish for sharks, the reason for fishing at Boca Grande during April through July mostly involves the world famous tarpon population we are so lucky to experience.
The 2003 tarpon season will be fully underway in just a matter of a week or ten days. Guides have spent the past several months getting boats and gear ready for the continuous days of fishing with customers. Once the melee begins, there will be little time for anything but charters at the pass and some sleep. Time to maintain and repair boats will be a luxury, just as much as getting a good night’s sleep.
It appears that all of a sudden, interest in tarpon fishing this season has increased and guides’ phones are ringing. Even though slightly later than normal due to the war and the economy, there is no doubt that charter interest and scheduling will make a sudden surge during the next few weeks prior to the season getting under way.
The Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce “World’s Richest” Tarpon Tournament is close to filling up with 47 committed teams at this time and others in the process of sending in their paperwork and entry funds. In fact, anyone thinking about fishing the “Big One” should call Debbi Ricci, Tournament Coordinator, as soon as possible. She can be reached at 941-964-0568.
For those who haven’t scheduled their 2003 tarpon charter yet, visit the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association (BGFGA) web site at www.bocagrandefishing.com for a complete list of local, professional tarpon experts, plus other interesting information about Boca Grande and the association. Guide information can also be acquired through Debbi Ricci at the Chamber of Commerce, Whidden’s Marina, the BGFGA sign located next to Hudson’s Grocery, South Beach Bar and Grill and many other local supporting businesses. |
