South Carolina Tarpon Fishing / Megalops Atlanticus

South Carolina Tarpon Fishing?!  When people think of fishing for Tarpon they think the Florida Keys, Everglades or other destinations. Atlantic Tarpon have broad range.  As far north as Virginia to the western Atlantic. Mature fish migrate north every Summer and take up residence along the South Carolina Coast. Pods of Tarpon can be seen swimming, rolling or feeding off the beaches, inlets, rivers and bays.  Tarpon have a swim bladder which gives them the ability to gulp air when they surface.  This trait gives them extreme stamina during long battles especially in oxygen deprived back bays. Pound for pound the strength and endurance of the Tarpon is unparalleled.  Explosive jumps and long burning runs are why so many dream about catching the Silver King!

South Carolina Silver King 

When fishing South Carolina waters , the Tarpon we encounter are usually adults and range from 60 – 125 pounds. The South Carolina State Record Tarpon is 154 pounds while the World Record is in the 300’s!   South Carolina Tarpon fishing is very dynamic and is the ultimate challenge of patience, tackle and skill. Tarpon can be targeted in many different ways, however, I feel sight casting is the most exciting way to target these beasts.  On my skiff we cast soft plastic lures, subsurface plugs and flies. On good days we often see numbers of fish rolling, feeding or swimming along shallow bars, inlets and rivers. Having a height advantage from a poling tower or casting platform is essential for sight fishing our inshore waters.

Tarpon Tackle 

Tackle can vary depending on where and how our fishing.  I primarily cast and don’t bait fish so I choose a Medium – Heavy spinning  rod paired with a 6000 size reel. Strong smooth drags with 40 or 50 pound braided line coupled with fluorocarbon leader.  Even though most anglers use heavier line, I prefer light line for casting plugs and soft plastics. It’s important to realize lighter line gives you exponentially more distance, capacity and feel. The distance helps you stay off of pressured fish and allows you to cover more water with each cast. Light Tackle  Spin fishing for tarpon video

Fly Fishing for South Carolina Tarpon

Fly Fishing For Tarpon is the ultimate challenging and really the apex of fly fishing in saltwater.  South Carolina Tarpon are typically large and require stout fly rods in the 11 and 12 weight range, especially if fishing in or adjacent to heavy current and depth.  Reels with strong drags and plenty of backing are a must! Floating, intermediate or full sinking lines can be used depending on the situation.  When fishing sinking lines, we deploy shorter leaders than the standard 9-12′ to prevent the fly from riding above the line. Tide, current and weather all have  influence on fish behavior and movement of Tarpon. To sum it up, Tarpon fishing is ever changing and requires constant study of tides, currents, moon phases and water temperature. Tarpon can and will travel great distances in a single tide. If you’re in Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island or Georgetown, SC and would like to spend a day on the water chasing Tarpon give Captain Jeff Lattig a call to book your fishing charter.