5 FT Atlantic Tarpon rare catch
Hans Brings made quite the catch earlier this week.
The University of Rhode Island student was fishing on Cape Cod when he unexpectedly reeled in an Atlantic Tarpon.
Not only was the catch rare — it was almost as big as him. Cape Cod local, Brings caught and released a 5-foot tarpon in the surf while shark fishing from the beach in the middle of the night on August 13.
The Atlantic Tarpon is typically found much further south. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said their habitat range spans from Virginia to Brazil.
Atlantic Tarpon can grow up to 8 feet long and can weigh up to 250 pounds. Their lifespan can be “in excess of 50 years,” according to FWC.
The FWC said the Atlantic Tarpon can only be fished recreationally in Florida, which is where the species is more commonly found. That’s why after marveling at his catch, Brings, who is a junior studying Animal Sciences at the University of Rhode Island, did everything in his power to document the catch and get the fish back in the water quickly. He decided against taking measurements in order to release the fish in healthy condition. In a video shared to social media, Brings at a height of 5’11”, laid next to the fish for reference. He estimates the fish to be approximately 5 feet in length, which would put it in the ball park of 100 pounds… Read full article here
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