We planned to fish Thursday for Tarpon on the beach. The day started out by meeting two customers at the gas station at about 6:15 am hours. I bought live blue crab, to start the day out with. The plan was to catch bait during the day if needed. We went strait to the beach to check for rolling Tarpon. The sky was clear and the water looked like we were in the keys. The six-mile run produced no Tarpon at all. As soon as we entered Boca Grande pass we saw all the boats were fishing the hill. There were Tarpon rolling all around us in 20 to 25 feet of water. We picked a pod of fish and free lined crabs to them. The first bite lasted about three seconds. There was no doubt about a bite as the line was ripped from the reel. The next bite was as if a hammer hit the rod. Bam and it was gone. The next bite was a hook up. The Tarpon was about 80lbs and jumped right away. We were lucky the Tarpon moved away from the pack for a 30-minute fight. It was some quick photos and a safe release. We had two more hits with no hook ups. The bite slowed down at about 10 am. One angler fought a Tarpon for about 20 minute until a shark took it for breakfast. We moved back to the beach and found small pods of 12 to 15 Tarpon in about 12 feet of water. They were moving around slowly on top of the water. As we moved closer, they would go to the bottom. The were offered live blue crab, live threadfins and artificial baits. No takers at all. These Tarpon were very large and probably ate during last night's bright moon. If your looking for a fishing trip contact Capt. Darel Carter www.hookedoncharters.com or face book swflflatsfishingguide.{%image_id=43352%}