The Tarpon 



Tarpon 



Tarpon atlanticus (Cuvier & Valenciennes) 



The tarpon occurs on our Atlantic Coast from Long Island to 

 Brazil, being most common southward, particularly on the coasts of 

 Florida. It is a common fish about Porto Rico, where it evidently 

 breeds. 



The tarpon reaches a length of 2 to 6 feet and a weight of 30 to 

 more than 300 pounds. The largest one on record taken with a hook 

 weighed 209 pounds, and the largest taken with a harpoon weighed 

 383 pounds, if we may believe the record; but examples weighing 

 over loo pounds are not often seen. Among other names by which 

 the tarpon is known are tarpum, savanilla, savalle, sabalo, grand 

 ecaille, and silver king, the last being one of its best and most expres- 

 sive designations. 



The silver king is the greatest of game fishes. There is none 

 more celebrated or deserving of higher praise. Only the few for- 

 tunate anglers who, happily situated, are able to spend their winters 

 in Florida or elsewhere on our southern coast,- have actually ex- 

 perienced the pleasure of tarpon fishing, but every lover of the rod has 

 heard of the silver king and has hoped that he might some day have 

 an opportunity to test the great fish's strength and skill. 



Among the places on our southern coast where excellent tarpon 

 fishing has been obtained are along the west coast of Florida from 

 Punta Gorda southward to Indian River and Lake Worth, about 

 Key West, in Mississippi Sound, and at Galveston and Corpus Christi, 

 Texas. Fort Meyers, on the west coast of Florida has, perhaps, been 

 the most popular resort. 



