Tarpon

If you're looking to tangle with the Silver King, Melbourne Beach offers some excellent tarpon opportunities. The key here is understanding the seasonal bait migrations along the beaches and in the Indian River Lagoon. Spring and early summer are prime times as tarpon follow the mullet and other baitfish schools. Live bait like mullet or crabs are always a good bet, but don't rule out artificials like swimbaits and lures that mimic the local forage. Pay close attention to water temperature; tarpon prefer warmer waters, so focus on areas where the sun has been warming the shallows. For access, try launching from one of the public ramps along the A1A and working the nearby inlets and bridges. Remember to adjust your leader size based on the size of the fish you’re targeting, as the tarpon in this area can be quite large.