March 20, 2014 Report

What an epic tarpon battle we found ourselves embroiled in this afternoon! Joe had just landed in Miami and took a cab ride straight to the marina where we jumped onto my skiff and sped off to a tarpon spot that had been holding fish for me. With slick calm conditions tarpon were rolling all around us and within minutes one of the rods doubles over and the drag starts to scream. In a burst of silver rage, 150lbs of tarpon makes a few majestic jumps and starts a long drag burning run. Two hours into the fight, in spite of our best efforts, he takes us into a dock and wraps himself around two pilings! Using a guide trick we somehow manage to keep him on and the battle continues. With the line stretched to the max, a passing bird smacks into the line and nearly breaks us off. Then, he dashes under the boat and once again we avert disaster. To add more drama, twice the line wraps around the rod tip and I clear it a split second before he takes off on another run. After a 3 hour battle, Joe subdued the fish, snapped a few pictures and let it go free. Having dragged us nearly 2 miles back towards to boat ramp, Joe had a short run back as he began to feel the physical and emotional exhaustion that is brought on by triple digit tarpon. This fish took three years off my life! Capt. Mo Estevz www.MiamiBoneFishing.com