Silver Kings

[Termo]

Saw in the GD news where the tarpon are rolling near the shore on the west end near San Luis Pass. I fished Florida for the last 23 years and tarpon was one of my favorite targets (snook will always be #1). Seven Mile Bridge and especially Islamorada was my favorite location. FYI the favorite lure, by far, for Florida guides was the DOA "TerrorEyz-Big One (white). We would anchor and let it drift back in the current and lob it in front of a rolling tarpon and they hit it as it sinks ahead of them as they submerge. Of course a great big ole shrimp ain't no slouch either for live bait. Another guide friend of mine (from the west coast) told me he preferred hard head catfish (break fin spines off before using) as his favorite bait. Called 'em "tarpon candy". I told him to come on over to Texas and get all of them he wanted.

[Robalo]

I hooked a 6' under the Causeway in 1984-lost it on the bridge pilings after 3 jumps-No. 6 treble, popping cork and small live shrimp and 15# test-knew I was gonna lose her. Saw one swimming around Dickinson bay that was about the same size, but she wouldn't touch my baits I threw at her-that was in about 1987. Hooked 4 at Port O (live shrimp), boated two on 12# test, Curado silver 100 model with a castaway light action-but those were about 25-35#s each (woulda had all 4 but I was being nice and let buddy try on last two hook ups-he thumbed the drag and POP-when he did that on last one, I just gave him a glaring stare that said "you idiot")!! Aint hooked one off beachfront yet-maybe someday. Fun, but slimey as a gafftop or a skipjack.

[SUPER SPOOK]

have to love the keys.

[WestEndAngler]

I saw the article too...

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/outdoors/tompkins/7692495.html