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Gold-tinted tarpon is for real at Boca Grande

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 13, 2009

Updated: 06/13/2009 12:12 am

GO FISHING is a look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Billy Nobles, left, with "Reel Animals" partner Mike Anderson.

Many of you who knew me when I was younger know that I did a lot of crazy things back in the day. With that being said, take this for what it's worth.

Three days ago, every tarpon in Boca Grande Pass migrated up onto the hill (the 12-foot flats inside the pass at Charlotte Harbor). It was hot, hazy and humid. That's when I saw it.

A pod of tarpon rose to the surface, and there it was. A tarpon with a head the color of a goldfish (yellow-orange) and below the gill plate jet black with gold flecks. I could not believe my eyes.

Only a week earlier, captain Phil Dugger had called me, and he reported seeing such a creature. I asked him if he was having a flashback to his younger days as well. He assured me he was not and he saw what he saw. When I saw it I called Mike Anderson and captain Jeff Hagaman, who told me he saw it two years ago and he was called a liar when he reported it.

Then I told captain James Godwin, who told me he has seen it every year for the past three years. I was relieved to know I was not losing my mind.

What a cool fish. Everyone who has seen it wants to catch it - not to kill it, but to photograph it. Years ago, those who wanted to catch it would have no doubt killed it so they could show it off. I commend my brethren for taking that stance on releasing the creature if they catch it. I can only pray others who have seen it will feel the same.

The tarpon bite continues to be on fire, with blue crabs the bait of choice. You can get quite a few casts out of a crab, if you love your crab, and at three bucks a pop you'd better love them. Loving your crab means not dragging him through the water or letting him dangle when he's on the hook. Hold him gently, and place him in a cool bucket of fresh saltwater.

The kingfish bite is still quite strong, and permit, amberjack, grouper, snapper, snook and pretty much whatever you want to catch is here and ready to party.

Catch Billy Nobles and Mike Anderson on the "Reel Animals Fishing Show" on Saturdays from 6:30-7 a.m. and Sundays from 11-11:30 a.m. on NBC, Channel 8, and on Sundays from 8-10 a.m. on 1040 AM. To book a charter, call 1-866-GAMEFISH or visit www.reelanima

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