Tarpon, Shark, Bull Red Drum

Fish with the best!!

kids love shark fishing in the saltwaters of georgia

girls love to fish coastal georgia for tarpon

Tarpons are large fish of the genus Megalops; one species is native to the Atlantic, and the other to the Indo-Pacific Oceans. They are the only members of the family Megalopidae. The two species of tarpons are Megalops atlanticus and the Megalops cyprinoides. M. atlanticus is found on the western Atlantic coast from Virginia to Brazil, throughout the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and throughout the Caribbean. Tarpons are also found along the eastern Atlantic coast from Senegal to South Angola. M. cyprinoides is found along the eastern African coast, throughout southeast Asia, Japan, Tahiti, and Australia.

Tarpon fishing with Captain mark noble-the fishing icon

Stage-two and -three larvae are found in salt marshes, tidal pools, creeks, and rivers. The habitats are characteristically warm, shallow, dark bodies of water with sandy mud bottoms. Tarpons commonly ascend rivers into freshwater. As they progress from the juvenile stage to adulthood, they move back to the open waters of the ocean, though many remain in freshwater habitats

Both species are found in both saltwater and freshwater habitats, usually ascending rivers to access freshwater marshes. They are able to survive in brackish water, waters of varying pH, and habitats with low dissolved O 2 content due to their swim bladders, which they use primarily to breathe. They are also able to rise to the surface and take gulps of air, which gives them a short burst of energy. The habitats of tarpons vary greatly with their developmental stages. Stage-one larvae are usually found in clear, warm, oceanic waters, relatively close to the surface.

Tarpon:

Tarpon fishing is one of our most sought after as well as most challenging fishing trips we offer in the Summer months. We also offer an awesome opportunity in August known as The annual St. Simons Island Tarpon Tournament. Kids through adults participate. Women as well as men! Get a girls team, bring your family, bring your employees, or bring your clients and let's have some fun! We have a Captain's meeting before the tournament as well as an awards banquet afterwards. Last year we added a Bull Red contest in it as well..get your tournament thinking cap on ..and come get your Tarpon and Bull Red!

Awesome catch for Kermit-who has waited all his 74 yrs of life to catch a tarpon!

For a successful Tarpon Fishing Trip

#1 Choose The best charter fishing guide

 (Captain Mark Noble is known as "The Tarpon King")

Tips for a Successful Tarpon Fishing Trip

Choose the Right Trip Duration

For a successful Tarpon fishing adventure, it's advisable to book a trip lasting at least 6 hours. This extended duration provides ample opportunity to locate and reel in a trophy-sized Tarpon, ensuring you maximize your fishing experience.

Know Your Targets

Tarpons in the area currently range from 50 to 175 pounds, often found in mixed-size schools. Understanding the size range will help you set realistic expectations and prepare adequately.

Use the Best Bait

Leveraging live bait such as Menhaden can significantly increase your chances of success. These baitfish are plentiful and attract large Tarpons, making them an excellent choice for your fishing escapade.

Spotting Techniques

Look for substantial bait schools near the beach and inlets. You'll often find Tarpons actively feeding, known as "busting," within these schools. Spotting this behavior can guide you to prime fishing spots.

Equip Properly

Invest in quality fishing gear and tackle known for strength and durability. Brands like Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa are renowned for producing reliable fishing equipment that can tackle the challenge of landing a heavyweight Tarpon.

By following these tips, your chances of enjoying a fruitful Tarpon fishing trip increase significantly. Remember, patience and preparation are key, so take the time to enjoy the pursuit and the thrill of the catch!

Shark:

Shark Fishing is another awesome trip we offer during the Summer months. Kids as well as adults love to come fish for sharks. Don't worry-our guides are very well acquainted with sharks-we have many different species of sharks in the waters here. Sharks are found in all seas. They generally do not live in fresh water, with a few exceptions such as the bull shark and the river shark which can swim both in seawater and freshwater. Sharks are common down to depths of 2,000 metres (7,000 ft), and some live even deeper, but they are almost entirely absent below 3,000 metres (10,000 ft). Contrary to popular belief, only a few sharks are dangerous to humans. Out of more than 470 species, only four have been involved in a significant number of fatal, unprovoked attacks on humans: the great white, oceanic white tip, tiger, and bull sharks.

Black Tip Shark Fishing with Captain Mark Noble

Bull Red Drum:

Bull Red Drum Some people believe that bigger is better. Red Drum in the 30+ pound range is what one can expect during the late summer and fall months.

RED DRUM FISHING, GEORGIA FLATS

"October Red fish are big and fat. The Georgia coast is a terrific place to catch some big ones. Along with friend and guide, Mark Noble, O'Neill fishes the shallow waters around St. Simons Island to catch over 300 pounds of Reds in less than 2 hours. You can too. Tune in to get all the details."..Watch a Bull Red Drum YouTube Video

Understanding the Seasonal Patterns of Red Drum in Georgia

Red drum, a favorite among recreational anglers, exhibit fascinating seasonal behaviors in Georgia's estuaries and oceanic environments. During the summer months, these fish predominantly inhabit estuaries, enjoying the warmer, nutrient-rich waters. This is a prime time for anglers to take advantage of their presence close to shore.

As the seasons shift, so do the habits of the red drum. In spring and fall, adult red drum form schools and make their way to the ocean. Their migration patterns during these times are influenced by factors such as changes in salinity, water temperature, and the availability of food sources. This transition marks a significant behavioral change as they prepare for different environmental conditions.

For juvenile red drum, the story is a bit different. They remain in the estuaries even through the cooler winter months, finding the conditions suitable for their development. This differentiation in behavior between adults and juveniles ensures that each has access to the best possible resources for their respective life stages.

In summary, the red drum's movement between Georgia's estuaries and the ocean is a strategic dance with nature, showcasing their adaptability and resourcefulness.

How does the current ocean temperature affect fishing conditions?

How Are the Current Ocean Temperatures Affecting Fishing Conditions?

The shift in ocean temperatures is making a noticeable impact on fishing conditions, particularly during colder winter days. The warmer waters, coupled with bright sunshine, provide an ideal setting for catching a variety of fish—a delightful change for anglers eager to fill their coolers.

Inshore Fishing Benefits

With the arrival of spring, regions like Brunswick, St. Simons, and Jekyll Island are experiencing rising water temperatures. This change in temperature is crucial as it signifies more active fish, making inshore fishing increasingly fruitful.

Predictable Fish Patterns

As the ocean continues to warm, it encourages more predictable migration and feeding patterns among fish species, particularly Redfish. The rise in temperature, paired with clearer water, enhances fishing prospects each week. Baitfish numbers are also increasing, adding another layer of predictability for anglers targeting specific catches.

Overall, the warming ocean temperatures are transforming the fishing landscape, promising a successful season for those ready to fish.

Famous Tarpon, Shark, and Bull Red Drum Fishing