About SLVRKings
Who We Are
Introducing the visionaries behind SLVR Kings: two brothers hailing from the heart of Florida, where their childhood was adorned with a rich tapestry of outdoor adventures. With a fervent passion for hunting, fishing, and all things nature, their bond was forged amidst the sun-drenched landscapes and beautiful waters of the Sunshine State.
However, it was their deep-seated love affair with tarpon fishing that truly set their souls ablaze. To them, tarpon fishing wasn't merely a pastime; it was an odyssey of unparalleled excitement and connection to the untamed beauty of Florida's coastal waters. From the electrifying chase as they sought out elusive flashes of silver amidst the waves to the pulsating rush of adrenaline at the first tantalizing "bite," every moment spent in pursuit of tarpon was a symphony of thrills and challenges.
Above all, it was the intrinsic beauty of the tarpon and the unspoiled wilderness of Florida that captivated their hearts, inspiring them to embark on a journey to share their passion with the world through SLVR Kings.
Our Mission
At SLVR Kings, our mission is deeply rooted in a commitment to education, conservation, and preserving the natural wonders of Florida's coastal waters and the southeastern U.S. Our primary goal is to raise awareness about the significance of the tarpon and the delicate ecosystem it inhabits. Through education initiatives, we aim to enlighten people about the importance of safeguarding this fragile habitat, which serves as a vital breeding ground and sanctuary for countless marine species.
Additionally, we are committed to promoting responsible tarpon fishing practices, providing guidance on proper techniques and guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the fish.
Our ultimate goal is to safeguard these precious resources for future generations, ensuring that they too can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Florida's coastal waters and the magnificent tarpon that call it home.
Meet the Megalops Atlanticus a.k.a. The Silver King
Species Identification
Air-Breathing Capability
Species Identification
Large, air-breathing fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Florida and the southeastern U.S. They are easily recognizable by their large size and shiny, silver scales.
Size and Lifespan
Air-Breathing Capability
Species Identification
Tarpon can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh as much as 280 pounds. They have a long lifespan, often living more than 50 years in the wild.
Air-Breathing Capability
Air-Breathing Capability
Air-Breathing Capability
Tarpon possess a unique swim bladder that allows them to gulp air from the surface, enabling them to survive in oxygen-poor waters. This adaptation is especially useful in shallow coastal habitats.
Habitat
Conservation Status
Air-Breathing Capability
Tarpon thrive in a variety of coastal habitats, including estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, and coastal marshes. These areas provide essential breeding and nursery grounds for young tarpon.
Ecological Role
Conservation Status
Conservation Status
As apex predators, tarpon play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems by controlling the populations of smaller fish and crustaceans.
Conservation Status
Conservation Status
Conservation Status
While not currently listed as endangered, tarpon face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts are critical to maintaining healthy tarpon populations.
Best Tarpon Fishing Practices For Survival
Hooks
Keep the Tarpon Alive!
Fighting
- Fishing Gear - Only use single hook rigs
- When tarpon fishing with bait, use non-stainless barbless circle hooks.
- If a hook is deep within the throat, cut the line as close to the hook as possible this causes less damage than removing a deeply-set hook.
- Most fish are able to reject the hook or the hook dissolves over time.
Fighting
Keep the Tarpon Alive!
Fighting
- Keep the Tarpon Fishing fight short. Long fight times result in an exhausted tarpon, which is more vulnerable to predators.
- Use tackle that matches the fish and conditions.
- If the tarpon rises to the surface or jumps, point rod tip towards the fish and drop rod tip down while reeling in.
Keep the Tarpon Alive!
Keep the Tarpon Alive!
Keep the Tarpon Alive!
- If a shark appears while you are fighting a tarpon, break the tarpon off so it has a chance to escape the shark before it is too tired.
- Move to another fishing location if sharks are observed.
- Have a long handled dehooking tool to quickly and easily remove hooks.
Catch and Release Best Practices
Handling a Tarpon for Best Survival
- Keep handling to a minimum and be sure to work quickly to allow for a successful release.
Tarpon > 40 in. Fork Length
- Tarpon over 40 inches MUST remain in the water
- Removing from water causes too much damage and stress, and decreases their chances of survival.
Tarpon < 40 in. Fork Length
Minimize handling, since this can remove protective slime from the fish.
- If you handle a fish, use clean wet hands.
- If you hold the fish out of the water, support the fish beneath the head and belly.
- Minimize exposure to air.
- If you want a photo, get the shot set up before removing the fish from the water.
- If the fish is not still dripping water in the photo, it has been out of the water too long.
- Avoid using mechanical lip-gripping devices on active fish, since this can cause jaw injury.
All Tarpon Fishing
- If a tarpon’s weight is desired, measure the length and girth and use a chart to estimate weight.
- Keep fingers away from the gills and eyes; damaged gills make it hard for the fish to breathe.
- If a fish loses equilibrium (it rolls over or goes nose-down on the bottom), revive it until it can swim upright, then shorten the fight time on future fish.
- When reviving a fish, be sure that water passes over the gills from front to back. Move the tarpon forward or hold it upright in the water allowing it to pump water through its gills.
- In warmer water, reduce fight and handling time.
Contact Us
Send us pictures of your tarpon or tell us about your tarpon fishing trip.
We love our customers, so feel free to reach out by email. We would love to hear about, and see pictures of your tarpon fishing adventure.
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