[VIDEO] Tarpon Fishing Shallow Flats with Side Imaging and Swimbaits

Florida saltwater fishing pros Ed Zyak and Nestor Alvisa of Hooked on Flamingo guide service demonstrate how to use Side Imaging Sonar to locate and catch tarpon in shallow waters. The hosts take you through a practical approach to tarpon fishing, leveraging modern sonar and boat control tools to identify and stay on the fish when they aren’t visible on the surface. This video provides valuable techniques, tackle setups, and insights on using sonar with smart boat control to enhance your tarpon fishing experience.

BOAT SETUP (retail links)

TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Riptide Instinct QUEST: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Minn Kota
SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Minn Kota Raptor Active Anchoring Shallow Water Anchor – 10′ – Black: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
FISH FINDER – Humminbird APEX 16 MEGA SI+ Fishfinder/Chartplotter CHO: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird
TRANSDUCER (thru-hull) – SSTH 14 HW MSI+ T – SOLIX MEGA SI+, DI+, DS CHIRP w/ Temp Thru-Hull Transducer: Buy at Humminbird
MAPPING – Humminbird CoastMaster V1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Humminbird

*Additional boat-related links at the bottom.

TARPON FISHING WITH TECHNOLOGY

In the past, anglers relied solely on rolling tarpon to locate fish. However, with the integration of Side Imaging, Zyak explains how they can now find tarpon even when they stop breaking the surface. Side Imaging acts as “eyes underwater,” allowing anglers to target tarpon in all conditions effectively. On this morning, the duo target tarpon spread out across a large flat draining tributary waters. Mullet are the primary food source, so paddle tail swimbaits are the ideal lure for covering water and triggering bites.

TACKLE SETUP AND BAIT CHOICE

Regarding tackle, Alvisa recommends using a 4-inch swimbait rigged with a 1/8- to 4-ounce jighead, depending on the fishing conditions. For larger tarpon, Alvisa upsizes to bigger swimbaits and rod setups. The hosts suggest matching your bait color to the water’s clarity, with tannic colors for murkier water and lighter shades for clearer conditions.

TACKLE (retail links)

SWIMBAIT – Egret Baits Vudu Shad Lure, color – Glow Chartreuse: Buy at Academy
Soft Swimbaits at Bass Pro Shops
Saltwater Jigheads at Bass Pro Shops

BIG FISH ROD SETUP

ROD – Daiwa TD SOL Inshore Spinning Rod, 8′ Heavy: Buy at Tackle Direct
REEL – Daiwa Saltist MQ (SALTISTMQ8000H): Check out at Daiwa | Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LINE (braided mainline) – Daiwa J-BRAID x4, 30- to 50-pound: Check out at Daiwa
LINE (fluoro leader) – Daiwa J-Fluoro Leader, 50- to 80-pound: Check out at Daiwa | Buy at Tackle Warehouse

SMALLER FISH ROD SETUP

ROD – Daiwa TD SOL Inshore Spinning Rod, 8′ Heavy: Buy at Tackle Direct
REEL – Daiwa BG MQ (BGMQ4000D-XH): Check out at Daiwa | Buy at Bass Pro Shops
LINE (braided mainline) – Daiwa J-BRAID x8 GRAND, 15- to 20-pound: Check out at Daiwa
LINE (fluoro leader) – Daiwa J-Fluoro Leader, 30-pound: Check out at Daiwa | Buy at Tackle Warehouse

BOAT CONTROL BASICS FOR INSHORE FISHING

Zyack and Alvisa showcase how to quietly and strategically navigate the shallows without spooking tarpon. The team uses their trolling motor and Drift Mode function to cover water while focusing on fishing. Depending on the depth, they also discuss using the trolling motor Spot-Lock functionality or shallow water anchors. Each tool quietly keeps the boat in position so you can focus on casting.

CONCLUSION: MAXIMIZING YOUR TARPON FISHING SUCCESS

With the combination of modern technology, the right tackle, and some strategy, Zyak and Alvisa take the intimidation out of tarpon fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned tarpon angler or new to the game, this video offers practical tips to help you succeed.