| 13 June 2011
When is it OK to have a tarpon out of the water? Lifting a small tarpon out of the water briefly for a photo-release is acceptable, but hoisting a large fish onto a boat or out of the water is considered bad form, and in some cases may be interpreted by Law Enforcement as 'possession' of a tarpon, (illegal unless you have a $50 tag-permit). photo: Jeff Nelson
Guidelines from FWC
Catching, Photographing, and Releasing Tarpon
So you're fishing inshore for Snook, Redfish, Trout, or other inshore species and happen to hook up with a Tarpon. After many breathtaking jumps and a challenging retrieve you bring close a beautiful silver king. Large or small, this fish has earned your respect, and what a gleaming sight! You aren't going to keep this fish (unless you've pre purchased a tarpon permit).... How will you release it?
Here are some options to consider:
Getting a shot-- Keep the Tarpon in the water if possible.
"According to FWC rules, tarpon must be immediately returned to the water free, alive and unharmed at the place where the fish was caught, unless a tag has been securely attached through the lower jaw of the fish. It’s ok for someone to take a picture of the fish while it is being released, but it should not be held in lengthy poses just for the purpose of taking a picture," according to Lee Schlesinger, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries Management.
[ Photo Tips ] from the FWC based on their guidelines for photo submission.
Good hook placement is easier to achieve with live bait and circle hooks. Photo: Merry Beth Ryan
Collect a tissue sample: you can aid Tarpon Genetic Studies by collecting a tissue sample using a kit they will provide. Kits and refills (additional vials and data sheets) are available by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1-800-367-4461.
Use a swab kit provided by FWC, or in tournaments such as the [Angry Crab]. If you don't have a DNA sampling kit, you can still take a sample. Here's how:
- Use a clean pair of scissors to take a one-half inch (1/2") fin clip preferably from the long "thread" part of the dorsal fin.
- Place the fin clip into a clean plastic baggie (e.g. Ziploc) and immediately place on ice in your cooler.
- Place a label with your name, contact information, date and location of capture, and approximate length of tarpon in the baggie with the sample or write it on the bag.
- When you arrive home, place the Ziploc with the DNA sample(s) in your freezer until they can be dropped off at FWRI or you receive a sampling kit. Finclips from your freezer can then be transferred to the vials of storage solution in the sampling kit.
- Remember to rinse and dry the scissors between uses for different tarpon. Always use a clean baggie and new label for each different sample.
All samples can be dropped off at one of the collection sites listed here, (Collection Sites for Tarpon Tissue Samples) at an FWRI facility near you or just mail them to FWC FWRI, Attention: Tarpon Genetics, 100 8th Ave SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
If you need to rest and revive the tarpon in the water at boatside before release, this may be an opportunity to get a good photo. Giving the tarpon time to recover energy will reduce their risk of becoming a meal for large predators that have been drawn to the battle. Photo: Merry Beth Ryan
Give your released fish its best chance for survival. In one recent study by FWRI, approximately 19% of tarpon caught and released with sonic tags stopped moving and were presumed dead. Keep your fish in good condition, and you may have a chance to see them again (tarpon can live up to 50 years or more).
Plan ahead: Use medium/heavy to heavy tackle and tighten your drag to minimize fight time. This applies to all big fish as it will shorten the fight and leave the fish with needed energy. Never gaff a fish unless you are going to harvest it. Gaffing leaves an open wound reducing your fish's chances of survival. Use circle hooks and/or hooks that will corrode quickly if left in a fish when released. Keep wire cutters handy in case you need cut the leader rather than wrestle with a deeply placed hook.
[ Proper Handling of Fish ] provided by the FWC
