Tarpon fishing, often associated with the crystal-clear waters of the Florida Keys, is making waves along the Mississippi coast. Recently, anglers and fishing enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling announcement: a new state record tarpon, weighing in at a staggering 185.5 pounds, has been caught in Mississippi waters, showcasing the untapped potential of this region.
A Record-Breaking Catch
Jeremy McHugh, the owner of Stillwater Fishing Charters, along with his partner Mark McDonald, recently guided client Don Ruiz of California to this remarkable catch off the Mississippi coast. Despite being an experienced angler, Ruiz admits that the idea of targeting tarpon in Mississippi had never crossed his mind. “It never occurred to me to fish for them in south Mississippi,” he remarked, highlighting a common misconception among fishing aficionados.
The adventure began shortly after Ruiz and his friend Colin Jones arrived on the water. After a brief delay due to impending storms, they quickly found themselves hooked on the thrill of tarpon fishing. In only moments, both anglers were battling sizeable fish, but it was Ruiz who would achieve fishing glory with a nearly hour-long tussle against the record-breaking tarpon.
“The fight felt like I was reeling in a Volkswagen,” Ruiz said after the exhausting struggle. The battle culminated in capturing a fish that not only surpassed the previous state record of 167 pounds, set in 2001, but also opened the door to recognizing Mississippi as a legitimate destination for tarpon fishing.
Expanding Horizons for Anglers
Though McHugh has only recently begun advertising tarpon fishing trips, his passion for these fish runs deep. Over the past three years, he extensively studied tarpon behavior and fishing techniques, learning from experienced guides in neighboring Louisiana. His diligence paid off, as he has been able to locate tarpon consistently during prime fishing months in July and August.
“We see them every single day,” McHugh noted, describing the abundance of tarpon in these waters. “The majority of our fish are over 100 pounds.” This promising statistic is sure to entice anglers from near and far, eager for the opportunity to catch their own tarpon, which McHugh affectionately describes as a “crazy addiction.”
An Invitation to Adventure
For those who might consider themselves seasoned fishers or novices looking for an exciting new challenge, tarpon fishing in Mississippi is definitely worth a try. McHugh notes the pure joy of introducing newcomers to the thrill of catching tarpon, saying, "I’ve put over ten people on their first tarpon this year, and the look on their faces — that never gets old."
The successful record-breaking catch and the passionate approach by local charters like Stillwater Fishing Charters underline a growing movement to highlight Mississippi’s potential as a premium fishing destination. As more anglers discover the thrill of battling tarpon close to home, the Mississippi coast might just emerge as the next hot spot for fishing adventures.
So, whether you’re a lifelong angler or looking to cast your first line, don’t overlook the Mississippi coast. With its blossoming tarpon fishery and the expertise of local guides, you may just set your own record in these exciting waters!
