How much does a 60 inch Tarpon Weigh

Tarpon Length (Feet)	Estimated Weight (Pounds)
4	20 – 40
5	40 – 80
6	80 – 150
7	150 – 250
8	200 – 300
9	300 – 400
10	400 – 500

FAQs

How do you estimate the weight of a tarpon? The weight of a tarpon can be estimated based on its length. There are various formulas and charts used by anglers to estimate the weight of a tarpon, with the girth and length being the primary factors. However, these are only estimates and may not be entirely accurate.

How much does an 8-foot tarpon weigh? An 8-foot tarpon could weigh approximately 200 to 300 pounds, but this can vary widely.

How heavy is a 40-inch tarpon? A 40-inch tarpon might weigh around 10 to 20 pounds, but it can vary.

How much does a 6-foot tarpon weigh? A 6-foot tarpon could weigh approximately 80 to 150 pounds, but again, it varies.

How old is a 100-pound tarpon? Estimating the age of a tarpon based on its weight can be challenging because growth rates vary depending on factors like habitat and food availability. Tarpon can grow rapidly, and a 100-pound tarpon might be anywhere from 5 to 15 years old or more.

What is considered a trophy tarpon? A trophy tarpon is typically one that exceeds 150 pounds in weight, although the definition of a trophy fish can vary among anglers and locations.

What is a poor man’s tarpon? A “poor man’s tarpon” is a nickname for ladyfish (Elops saurus), a species that resembles tarpon in appearance but is smaller and less challenging to catch.

What is the heaviest tarpon ever caught? The heaviest tarpon ever caught weighed around 286 pounds. However, tarpon weighing over 300 pounds have been reported anecdotally.

How big is a 50-year-old tarpon? It’s challenging to determine the exact size of a 50-year-old tarpon, as growth rates can vary widely. However, some tarpon may reach lengths of 6 to 7 feet or more at this age.

What lb test is best for tarpon? Most anglers use fishing lines in the 20 to 80-pound test range for tarpon, depending on the size of the fish and the fishing conditions.

Are tarpon good to eat? Tarpon are generally not considered good table fare due to their coarse flesh and strong, sometimes unpleasant flavor. In many places, they are catch-and-release only.

What size leader for tarpon fly fishing? For tarpon fly fishing, leaders typically range from 9 to 12 feet in length and can vary in strength from 12 to 20-pound tippet for smaller tarpon and 30 to 80-pound tippet for larger ones.

Can you catch a tarpon on an 8-weight rod? It’s possible to catch smaller tarpon on an 8-weight fly rod, but for larger tarpon, a heavier rod in the 10 to 12-weight range is more suitable.

Why are tarpon so hard to catch? Tarpon are challenging to catch due to their strength, acrobatics, and sensitivity to fishing pressure. They can be selective about bait, and hooking and landing them can be a demanding task.

How long is a 150 lb tarpon? A 150-pound tarpon could be around 7 to 8 feet in length, but this can vary.

What is the lifespan of a tarpon? Tarpon can live for several decades, with some individuals potentially reaching 50 years of age or more.

How long should a tarpon leader be? Tarpon leaders for conventional fishing can vary in length but are often around 6 to 10 feet.

How deep do you fish for tarpon? Tarpon can be found at various depths depending on factors like location, tides, and water temperature. They can be found near the surface, but they may also go deeper, especially in cooler water.

What is the best chum for tarpon? The best chum for tarpon often includes a mix of baitfish, cut fish, and other scent-producing materials. The specific recipe can vary among anglers.

What is the biggest tarpon caught in Florida? The largest tarpon caught in Florida weighed approximately 243 pounds, but larger tarpon have been reported.

Will tarpon eat croakers? Yes, tarpon are known to eat croakers, among other baitfish.

Why aren’t tarpon eaten? Tarpon are typically not eaten due to their coarse flesh and strong taste, which many people find unpalatable. Additionally, they are often protected by catch-and-release regulations in many areas.

Why is it bad to take tarpon out of the water? Taking tarpon out of the water can stress the fish and potentially harm them, especially larger individuals. Catch-and-release practices help conserve the species.

Are tarpon bottom feeders? Tarpon are not considered bottom feeders. They primarily feed on fish, including baitfish and other prey species, and are known for their surface-feeding behavior.

What happens if a tarpon bites you? If a tarpon bites a human, it can cause injury due to their sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Immediate medical attention may be necessary if bitten.

Will tarpon hit a spoon? Tarpon may strike a spoon lure, especially if it resembles their natural prey, but they can be selective in their feeding habits.

What was the largest tarpon caught on a fly? The largest tarpon caught on a fly rod weighed around 202 pounds, but larger tarpon have been hooked and fought on fly gear.

What bait to use for tarpon? Common baits for tarpon fishing include live or dead fish such as mullet, pinfish, crabs, and shrimp.

Is it hard to catch tarpon? Yes, tarpon can be challenging to catch due to their size, strength, and behavior. They are considered one of the ultimate game fish by many anglers.

Can you swim with tarpon? It is possible to swim near tarpon, but caution is advised, as they are large and powerful fish that could potentially be dangerous if agitated.

Do you need a wire leader for tarpon? You typically do not need a wire leader for tarpon, as they do not have sharp teeth like some other predatory fish. However, if you encounter toothy species in the same area, a wire leader may be advisable.

What time are tarpon most active? Tarpon are often most active during dawn and dusk, but they can be caught throughout the day and night.

What is the best crab for tarpon? Blue crabs are a popular bait for tarpon, but other species of crabs can also be effective.

Will tarpon eat dead bait? Yes, tarpon will sometimes take dead bait, but live bait is often more enticing to them.

Is it illegal to eat tarpon in Florida? In Florida and many other places, it is illegal to harvest and eat tarpon due to conservation efforts.

Do sharks eat tarpon? Sharks are known to prey on tarpon, especially smaller or injured individuals.

How far do you need to fly cast for tarpon? The casting distance for tarpon can vary widely depending on the fishing location and conditions. Anglers often need to make long casts of 60 to 100 feet or more to reach tarpon.

How much do you tip a tarpon guide? Tipping rates for tarpon guides can vary, but a common practice is to tip around 15-20% of the guide’s fee, depending on the level of service and satisfaction.

What weight fly rod do you use for tarpon? For tarpon, a 10 to 12-weight fly rod is commonly used, depending on the size of the fish and fishing conditions.

Is 11 or 12wt better for tarpon? Both 11 and 12-weight fly rods can be suitable for tarpon, with the choice depending on personal preference and the specific conditions.

How do you get a tarpon to bite? Getting a tarpon to bite involves presenting the right bait or lure, proper casting, and patience. Understanding their feeding patterns and behavior is essential.

How many pounds is a 36-inch tarpon? A 36-inch tarpon might weigh around 10 to 15 pounds, but it can vary.

What is the best time of year to catch tarpon in Florida? Tarpon fishing in Florida is generally best during the spring and summer months, with peak season typically from April to July.

Where is the best tarpon fishing? Some of the best tarpon fishing locations include the Florida Keys, Boca Grande Pass in Florida, and various coastal areas in the Caribbean and Central America.

Will tarpon bite in the rain? Yes, tarpon can still be active and feed in the rain, although weather conditions can affect their behavior.

Are tarpon hard to hook? Tarpon can be challenging to hook due to their bony mouths and acrobatic jumps. Anglers often miss hooksets or have hooks pulled during fights.

How old is a 150-pound tarpon? Estimating the age of a 150-pound tarpon is difficult, as growth rates vary. It could be anywhere from 10 to 30 years old or more.

Why do tarpon roll on the surface? Tarpon are known for rolling on the surface, which is believed to be related to their need to gulp air to supplement their oxygen intake in oxygen-poor environments.

Will tarpon eat dead crabs? Yes, tarpon will sometimes eat dead crabs, but live or fresh baits are often more effective.

Where do tarpons go in winter? Tarpon are known to migrate to warmer waters in the winter months. In some areas, they move to deeper, warmer waters or travel to regions with a more temperate climate.

How high can tarpon jump? Tarpon are famous for their impressive jumps, which can reach heights of several feet above the water’s surface.

What is a poor man’s tarpon? A “poor man’s tarpon” is a nickname for ladyfish (Elops saurus), a species that resembles tarpon in appearance but is smaller and less challenging to catch.

What is a good size tarpon? A good size tarpon for many anglers is in the 100 to 150-pound range, but this can vary depending on personal preferences and angler skill levels.

How old is a 100-pound tarpon? Estimating the age of a 100-pound tarpon is challenging, as growth rates can vary. It could be anywhere from 5 to 15 years old or more.

What month is best for tarpon fishing? The best month for tarpon fishing can vary by location, but in many places, the prime tarpon season is from April to July.

What is the biggest tarpon ever caught? The largest tarpon ever caught weighed approximately 286 pounds, but reports of larger fish exist.

Will tarpon bite at night? Yes, tarpon are known to feed at night, and night fishing can be productive.

Will tarpon eat topwater lures? Tarpon may strike topwater lures, especially if they are feeding on the surface or near the surface.

What color lures do tarpon like? The preference for lure colors can vary, but lures in natural baitfish colors like silver, green, and black are often effective for tarpon.

What is the best fishing combo for tarpon? A suitable fishing combo for tarpon typically includes a heavy-duty spinning or casting rod paired with a strong reel, loaded with appropriate line for the targeted tarpon size.

Can you catch a tarpon on an 8-weight rod? While it’s possible to catch smaller tarpon on an 8-weight fly rod, it may not be ideal for larger or stronger fish.

How old is a 60 lb tarpon? Estimating the age of a 60-pound tarpon is challenging due to variable growth rates. It could be anywhere from 3 to 10 years old or more.

Where are the most tarpon in Florida? Some of the prime tarpon fishing locations in Florida include the Florida Keys, Boca Grande Pass, Tampa Bay, and the Everglades.

Do you bottom fish for tarpon? Tarpon are primarily surface or near-surface feeders, so bottom fishing is not a common method for targeting them.

What animals eat tarpon? Sharks, dolphins, and larger predatory fish are known to prey on tarpon.

Do dolphins eat tarpon? Yes, dolphins are known to prey on tarpon, especially smaller or injured individuals.

Will tarpon eat live shrimp? Yes, tarpon will often eat live shrimp, especially when they are part of their natural prey.

Will tarpon eat dead mullet? Yes, tarpon will sometimes eat dead mullet, but live or fresh baits are typically more attractive to them.

Why does tarpon taste bad? Tarpon are not commonly eaten because their flesh is coarse and has a strong, often unpalatable flavor.

Why aren’t tarpon eaten? Tarpon are not typically eaten due to their coarse flesh, strong flavor, and conservation efforts that protect the species.

Should you eat tarpon? Consuming tarpon is generally discouraged due to their unpalatable taste and conservation status in many areas.

How deep do you fish for tarpon? Tarpon can be found at various depths depending on factors like location, tides, and water temperature. They can be near the surface but may also go deeper.

Are tarpon fish smart? Tarpon are considered intelligent and are known for their strength and wariness, which can make them challenging to catch.

Why is it bad to take tarpon out of the water? Taking tarpon out of the water can stress the fish, potentially harm them, and is often discouraged to support catch-and-release practices for conservation.

Can you hold a tarpon by the mouth? Handling a tarpon by the mouth is not recommended, as they have sharp teeth and it can be harmful to both the fish and the handler.

What happens if a tarpon bites you? If a tarpon bites a human, it can cause injury due to their sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Immediate medical attention may be necessary if bitten.

How many pounds of drag do you need for tarpon? The amount of drag needed for tarpon can vary depending on the size of the fish and angler preference, but it often ranges from 15 to 30 pounds or more.

What is considered a big tarpon? A big tarpon is typically one that exceeds 150 pounds in weight, but this can vary among anglers and regions.

What is the best fly leader for tarpon? A fly leader for tarpon typically ranges from 9 to 12 feet in length, with a tippet strength of 20 to 80 pounds depending on the targeted tarpon size and fishing conditions.

What time of day are tarpon most active? Tarpon can be most active during dawn and dusk, but they are known to feed throughout the day and night.

Is it illegal to take tarpon out of the water in Florida? In Florida, it is often illegal to take tarpon out of the water, and catch-and-release practices are encouraged to protect the species.

What is the hardest to catch fish? The hardest fish to catch can vary depending on the angler’s skill, location, and fishing method. Tarpon are often considered challenging due to their size and strength.

Do sharks eat tarpon? Sharks are known to prey on tarpon, especially smaller or injured individuals.

Why do tarpon free jump? Tarpon are known for their acrobatic jumps, which are believed to be related to their need to gulp air at the surface to supplement their oxygen intake in oxygen-poor environments.

What lb test is best for tarpon? Fishing line in the 20 to 80-pound test range is commonly used for tarpon, depending on the size of the fish and fishing conditions.

What size leader for tarpon fly fishing? For tarpon fly fishing, leaders typically range from 9 to 12 feet in length and can vary in strength from 12 to 20-pound tippet for smaller tarpon and 30 to 80-pound tippet for larger ones.

Do tarpons bite on a full moon? Tarpon fishing can be influenced by moon phases, including the full moon. Some anglers believe that tarpon are more active and feed more during certain moon phases.

What is the best bait for tarpon at night? For night fishing for tarpon, live or cut bait such as mullet, crabs, or shrimp can be effective.

What is the best dead bait for tarpon? Dead baits such as dead mullet, cut fish, or crabs can be effective for tarpon fishing, but live bait is often preferred.

What is tarpon’s favorite food? Tarpon primarily feed on fish, including baitfish and other prey species, but they also consume crabs and shrimp.

What is the most expensive crab to catch? The most expensive crab to catch can vary depending on market demand and availability, but species like the Alaskan king crab are known for their high market value.