130lb Tarpon in the Live Well Tank

[apollobeachsam]

I Finally got something different and interesting to post about.

I was invited to join Glen and Jmsnooky poon fishing, but I had to turn it down as I had to head out of town early. Glen ask how early and I told him I had to be on my way by 8am at the latest 8:30am. He said no problem we get out there early get a couple and be back by 8:30am. Sounds good to me! Beats beating myself up in the heat all day.

The 5am it was nice out but the fish wasn't biting too well. Flipper was starting to steal a bait here and there, quite annoying. As the sun comes up we see a FWC boat approaching. We waved hello and continue fishing.

Just when we thought it was going to be a bust Glen hooks up and the drag starts to scream. He hands off the rod to Jason(Jmsnooky) and I had to dump the anchor for the persuit. The FWC boat approached us. We assumed they wanted to tag the fish, they said no... then we assumed they wanted a DNA sample.. they said nope.. they wanted the poon alive. They had a monster fish tank to keep him alive.

Holy cow...that was cool. Now were under pressure to land the fish. Glen steered the boat, I clear the deck, roll film and Jason fought the fish. Being careful not to lose the fish we followed him to middle of the channel to put the most pressure on him. All this commotion got the attention of the local Action News 10 helicopter as they hover and watch us for a bit.

The storm is now brewing and the waves are picking up... they skies turns grey and it starts to rain. We decided the best way to boat him properly, would be for Jason to hop on the FWC boat. They agreed .. the fight ended soon after. They used a poon life vest looking thing to support the big fish, as they lifted him into the monster tank.

I jump on the FWC boat to snap a few pictures. The coolest Tarpon landing I've ever done and I got it all on video sweet! Jason and I hopped off and were thanked by the FWC. I tell you we were glad to help. The rain faded away and we were rewarded with a double rainbow over the skyway. I looked at my watch it was 815am... we were back at the ramp by 8:30am as Glen promised... wow what timing.

Thanks Glen, Jason, FWC... good memories today fellas.

Great stuff fellas

Video

Improved the video quality... next move HighDef?.



http://www.saltyshores.com/vids/tanktarpon.html

[Capt_John]

Great story and vid.

[hunt4fish]

Great report and pics,congrats on the feesh!!

[Reel Fanatic]

That's awesome. Some pretty fancy angling footwork switching boats in mid fight. Great vid and great story.

Tight lines

[Ravens16]

Holy crap! That was so gooooooooooooooood
Great video bud
Thanks, it doesn't get much better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My favorite fish on LT!

[Fish Biz]

That was killer. Did they say what kind of research it was going to be used for. Cool goin guys. Thanks Tim

[Logan9581]

I saw this post on capmels too. That is some GREAT footage!

[hotrodmarlin]

Whoa! Awsome video! Great fish! Fancy footwork! very very cool!

[apollobeachsam]

That was killer. Did they say what kind of research it was going to be used for. Cool goin guys. Thanks Tim

Thanks guys it was fun putting it together..

I got this info from a local Tarpon Captain that talks to the FWC a lot. Captain Tommy Z.

"I believe Kathy(person in charge) said they were going to a "hatchery" somewhere. FWC researchers will being doing blood draws, genetics research and a laundry list of other studies. So far, all fish captured are alive and doing fine. She said, if I behave myself and was nice, maybe I should would take me over to see the 2 I help capture in a few days."

[Flatdog]

stunning dudes just stunning did they say what research they were doing?
its a big fish for a marine tank in your lounge