Also known as
- Atlantic Tarpon US
- Silver King US
- Silver Sides US
- Poon US
- Sabalo US
Identification
A large deep compressed powerhouse renowned for repeated acrobatic aerial leaps and sustained screaming runs. Tremendous pulling strength and extended fighting stamina. Females reach significantly larger sizes than males.
- Huge coin-sized reflective silver scales that flash brilliantly in sunlight
- Dark blue to greenish-grey back grading to a bright silvery belly
- Deeply forked tail with elongated trailing edges
- Large upturned mouth with a prominent lower jaw built for engulfing prey with suction strikes
- Last ray of the dorsal fin extended into a long trailing filament
Where it holds
- Inshore
- Estuaries
- Mangroves
- Brackish Lagoons
- Rivers
Behaviour
Opportunistic predators that feed on baitfish, shrimp, and crabs by engulfing prey with powerful suction strikes. Activity peaks at dawn, dusk, and through the night, and spikes hard on strong tidal movement. A primitive air-breathing swim bladder lets them occupy oxygen-depleted water where prey concentrates. Long coastal migrations move fish through productive areas seasonally — rolling groups breaking the surface are the classic visible sign of active fish.
Diet: Mullet, Pinfish, Pilchards, Sardines, Shrimp, Crabs
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Live Lining
Free-line or minimally weighted live mullet, pinfish, pilchards, or crabs on 5/0-8/0 circle hooks around bridges, passes, and mangrove edges on moving tides. Let the fish turn with the bait before coming tight — never strike on the initial take. Use a 30-40kg fluorocarbon shock leader.
Spinning
Cast topwater plugs, soft plastics, and jigs to rolling fish, along mangrove edges, and around bridge shadow lines. Vary retrieve speed and cadence — following fish often need a change of pace to commit. Keep the rod tip low and bow on every jump to prevent a thrown hook.
Fly Fishing
Saltwater Fly
Sight-cast large baitfish streamers to rolling, cruising, or laid-up fish on floating or intermediate lines. Strip with long steady pulls and commit to the strip-strike — never lift the rod on the eat. Bow to the fish on every jump to protect the tippet.
