11/12/14 Some November tarpon fishing in Islamorada

Well we were after sharks today in the backcountry of Islamorada.  A gorgeous november day light winds and cool weather.  We caught some mullet on the way to the backcountry and set up in some channels.  We were able to bend the light rods while waiting, and stock up on a few more ladyfish.  We caught a nice black tip while sitting there, and then hooked a nice 50 lb tarpon.  Several jumps later and a few good runs, we landed the fish.  Later on we moved to a different area.  Tide still falling hard.  Some big muds kicked up and we had some more shark activity, this time big lemon shark and some other blacktips.  We saw a tarpon bust and moved over in that area, though did not get a bite out of them.  Last part of the day we tried another skinny channel and had a big blacktip at first, then right after hooked a smaller 20 lb fish.  We jumped him off near the boat though, and almost immediately after the other rod went off and a tarpon spit the bait right away.  We finished the day with some nice size trout.  Not bad as I said in my previous post, not doing tarpon fishing by default anymore, but when the conditions are right there are still shots at catching them.  That usually means calm, warm weather!

Capt. Rick Stanczyk