Day 5 in Islamorada. It was our last day to fish before heading back to the 727. We had sunset poon (tarpon) charters booked and they did not disappoint.
Will and I were paired up together with our guide Capt. Mike Venezia. We headed out to the Long Key bridge and drifted two healthy sized, lively mullet under corks. Something violent was about to happen. It didn’t take long before we got our first bite.
I’ve caught my fair share of big fish – tarpon included, but I will always remember grabbing the rod and the spool being almost emptied on the first run. It was unbelievable. I let him take his runs and bowed to him when he jumped, but even with the drag locked down and palming the reel, this fish wouldn’t quit. After a 45 minute fight and the skiff being drug nearly half a mile, I had him boatside.
Poon Tamed
Dripping in sweat, muscles aching. Worth every second.
The release
After I released my fish, we set back up at the bridge. We used the same set up as before, and within 10 minutes Will was hooked up. Will’s fish was more acrobatic than mine, which was pretty cool. He settled his fight rather quickly and I got some great shots with the GoPro.
After we landed both our fish, storms had started to roll in so we called it a day.
When you go tarpon fishing you always lose more fish than you catch. Will and I went 2/2. It was an awesome day. A special thanks to Capt. Mike Venezia of Boned up Charters. Super cool guy who’ll put you on the fish!
If you want to book a trip with Captain Mike please contact Bud N’ Mary’s here.
Until next time, Tight Lines.