Atlantic Tarpon
Megalops atlanticus
A large air-breathing sport fish famous for jumps and coastal migrations. This guide covers field identification, habitat, bait choices, fishing notes, and local rule reminders.
Freshwater
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Identification points
- Large silver scales.
- Upturned mouth.
- Long trailing dorsal filament.
Habitat
passes, beaches, estuaries, lagoons, rivers, and warm coastal waters
Bait notes
live mullet, crabs, shrimp, flies, swimbaits, and plugs
Behavior
rolls at the surface and feeds on fish, crabs, and shrimp
Caution
Rules can differ between marine, brackish, and freshwater zones; check the local authority.
Fishing notes
many fisheries are catch-and-release; handle large fish carefully