rsimms, Gulf of Mexico, Bucket List Tarpon, 5/16/2017, Barbara

[rsimms]

If you follow me on Facebook, you know I have posted "tarpon talk & photos" ad nauseum in recent days. If you're lucky, it will end with "The Reel Story": http://bit.ly/rheatarpon

However it's really not the story, but the video shot by Big Bully Outdoors (www.BigBullyOutdoors.com) you need to watch for the full flavor. I edited and I will admit that I preach to my friends to "keep videos short or else no one will watch the whole thing." I broke my own rule. I decided that to illustrate the full flavor of the epic battle required much more than two minutes.

And for my trash-talking CFF friends, I provided "full disclosure" in the story. They'll know what I mean. Thanks for reading.

 

[Maude]

Congratulations! I have just added another item to my bucket list!

 

[Labman]

good video, I got wore out just watching you work. they are just like the crazy skipjack here only 100 times larger and stronger. note to self take catching a tarpon off bucket list. waited too long. fun seeing you win the battle.

Regards, Norman

 

[rsimms]

Labman - 5/22/2017 9:48 PM

good video, I got wore out just watching you work. they are just like the crazy skipjack here only 100 times larger and stronger. note to self take catching a tarpon off bucket list. waited too long. fun seeing you win the battle.

Regards, Norman

If/when I catch another one... I'll be hoping for a 50 or 60-pounder. emoBigsmile

 

[RobN]

Richard - that is awesome - that is a fish I have tried to catch multiple times and I have to get one to the boat. I fought one for 45+ minutes before losing the fish and missed/lost multiple others over multiple trips - very well done and Congrats!
Rob

 

[rsimms]

RobN - 5/23/2017 10:31 AM

Richard - that is awesome - that is a fish I have tried to catch multiple times and I have to get one to the boat. I fought one for 45+ minutes before losing the fish and missed/lost multiple others over multiple trips - very well done and Congrats!
Rob

I know I can count myself as VERY fortunate to have brought my very first one to the boat.

I actually have hooked a couple of others... but they were "incidental" hookups while using small tackle when fishing for other inshore species and those hookups typically lasted mere seconds. This was my very first "dedicated" tarpon trip, so yea, I was lucky.

 

[porthos33]

This is my dream!!!!

 

[gman0804]

Awesome!

 

[Strato-G]

emoUpsmile emoDoh emoDance emoPlease emoBadLanguage emoFish :emoticon: emoThanks .....................Well done........... emoGeezer emoUSA

 

[Randy H]

Get video, too bad Barbara didn't get in the boat. Now you have a reason to go back.

 

[jsb]

Now that's a real fish. I've had dreams like that. The one time I got to go we never hooked up with one. Now one like that would kill me. What was the final weight estimate? Good job and I am envious!!!!!!

 

[rsimms]

jsb - 5/23/2017 10:48 PM

Now that's a real fish. I've had dreams like that. The one time I got to go we never hooked up with one. Now one like that would kill me. What was the final weight estimate? Good job and I am envious!!!!!!

On video the guides use the number 140.... personally I'd say 120.

 

[dlsmith6]

That looks like a great time. Some of the best fishing pics I have seen in a while.