Nice effort Brad. I caught and boated my first tarpon fishing with a guide friend of mine at Boca Grande Pass on live pin fish, took me 40 minutes to get it to the boat, guide Greg DeVault est weight at 185+, photos to prove it in 2008. Caught my last one off of Lighthouse Point Everglades City, Fla after casting a lipless X Large Super Pogy bait (now discontinued, dammit!!!) in Mullet color saw her swim underneath the boat towards where I had been casting, barely had time to close the bail-40 lb braid w/60lb flourocarbon leader- as she swam back towards me in the boat. When I got tight I set the hook as hard as I could, she jumped straight up in the air less than 15' from the boat, allowed my rod tip to point at her to give a little slack, but she was looking down at me, standing at the back of the boat, 4 times she jumped straight up, so close you could hear her gills slapping as she shook her head, me yelling at my friend to get the damn camera 2 ft from his hand as he froze, unable to move, as he was as awestruck as I was at the enormous size, looking down at me w/that left eye and crashing back down only to jump straight out of the water again and again. On the 4th jump, she finally straightened 2 of the 3 hooks on rear treble and spit the lure right back at me. We both were so impressed we didn't move for almost a minute and couldn't speak. Finally I cursed my friend because he hadn't taken any photos, just froze in place. We both estimated easily over 200+ lbs. Had to rebend the hooks, retie my leader as about 10'' were frayed and on the very next cast, casting in the same location, caught a 39" snook and landed it, took photos-oversized and out of season, Aug, again retied my leader frayed again by snook, then hooked an even bigger one I could not turn around and had my friend unfreeze and follow it with trolling motor I might have brought it to the boat before she straighten the same 2 hooks on the rear of my plug and pull off. Leader frayed again, I clipped off the lure and retired it, and quit fishing for the day. Good times living in Everglades City until Irma 09/2017 destroyed my business and home there.
this video had me pumped, especially as a dad who takes his 5 year old daughter to fish with him, I can relate. makes me want to go to my local tarpon spot and give them a try
What a feel good moment . Can be emotional working that hard for one fish and get have your little buddy along for the ride . He was such a trooper too ! He was like , “ 2 more casts dad 2 more and then we will go back to the house ! “ …. My daughter is a couple months away from turning 2 , can not wait for moments like these to share with her .
Brad, Love the video! While dad is fishing, Dad's biggest fan is giving play by play in the back ground. Precious times. I lived it. took mine fishing at 4. by 8 he knew his way around bait casting equipment. He is now in his mid forties, successful business man, and now takes me fishing. You sir, are establishing your legacy. I pray for your success and provision. You have a very good video presence. Enjoy your valuable family time. God bless you and your family.
Congratulations on your first tarpon. But I must say, Kelton’s commentary made this video so much better. Not sure who was more excited, him or you! Awesome.
Nothing like "Catching Reel Memories" with your son. Kelton is a champion. Keep him interested and he will be a fine young man before you know it. Great video. How much weight have you lost ??😊
Kelton needs his own broadcast. He could call it: Kelton's commentary!😂 This is going to be such a great trip for you! Congratulations on the first Tarpon!👍👍
Sitting in my work van eating lunch loosing my shiz on this one!! Every time the tip dipped I yelled come on brad!!! Total fishin dork over here ha!! I’m in the exact boat too. Hooked a few monsters from the beach but still haven’t landed the silver king. Imma loose it when it happens!! Great vid!!!!!
First time fishing the keys last week. Tried and tried to get one with no luck. Fished live pins for 3 nights. They were eating shrimp and wouldn't hardly touch anything else. Had 1 hookup and 2 more eats. It was awesome watching the one hookup jump in real life though. Such an adrenaline rush.
Way to go Brad! I could only imagine the feeling of spotting them, let alone catching one! That is straight fishing brother! Cheers, and hope you and the fam had a blast!
Good shit Brad... I go to the keys every year from. Pennsylvania chasing my first tarpon... I am still chasing.... Awesome video... Congratulations my dude!!!
Really enjoy your videos. Vacationing in Sandy Key and made it a point to stop by the store. Really nice store and super friendly and nice staff. Bought some supplies to fish the beach but realized I enjoy watching you guys more and that from an air-conditioned easy chair 😅
I was down there about a month ago. I caught a 50 pounder on a piece of cut mullet. I didn't realize they would eat cut bait until that trip. We also caught some on live mullet and pilchards. Good luck!
Way to go Brad!!!!!! You may be lucky there was grass there to keep that fish from jumping. When i was fishing for those little tarpon my hookup to landing ratio was only 50% cause those little guys went airborne.
My suggestion is skin hook the lure on the side next time you fish with plastics, really helped my hook up ratio bass fishing. I have two fish I've yet to catch that I want to catch, tarpon and bull red, caught some small red fish but no big one yet. I hope you and the family enjoyed the vacation!
Congratulations on your success! Looks like your swim bait did the trick, but I can also suggest an artificial shrimp for those baby tarpon. I’ve had some luck in the Keys with that approach. Also - it’s great you have a fishing companion who will encourage you to cast more, and also narrate for you, so you can focus on catching fish!
Bull Bay is the best man. I have one of most almost all of their different rods and they’re all fantastic. If you plan on grabbing more in the future I would look at the bolt or the banshee!
You were lucky to have as much room to cast as you did. Where I live trimming the mangroves like that is illegal! For a first fish on a new rod you scored well.
All right. Great catch. It helps to know what you are looking at. I probably would have ignored that thinking they were mullet or something. Looks like you have a great helper in Kelton. You might lose your youtube channel to him in a couple of years. lol. Great video.
Rich from fishaholic fishes the area alot and targets alot of the same fish there and closer to miami area. He may also be able to give you some bait/lure pointers as well as tell you about some other species you only find down there
We were on the Atlantic side a few weeks ago in tavernier key largo area, I had luck on the tarpon with a yo-zuri crystal minnow. Also got to check out Bud and Marys and say hi to Nick that’s a cool place.
Awesome catch! Cool that your boy got to see it. As a full time single father, I will say, it makes it tough to watch your videos with the kids in them only cause if I get a few quiet minutes at the house to watch a video, I’d rather not hear more questions from that age demographic (my daughters do the same question bombardment). Not hating on it, just giving some feedback from that standpoint.
@Bearded Brad Early riser I see, must have some plans for today 🤣. Solid size poons, still haven't got one myself. Doing any snorkeling, spearing? Those are my plans for the Keys in a few
lmaoo dude a couple tips for you my brotha with the little mullet give it some twitching action don’t just reel it on top especially with a weighted hook and two u gotta set the hook really good to get it in there cuz the hookset ratio sucks on those things and u have to bow to the silver king when he jumps😉🙏🏻
You should post more vids with your shirt off. 😘
I will, just for you!
@@BeardedBrad92 so is Matt coming out as a Bud Light drinker?🤔
@@williambenner701 😂😂😂😂
Great video, excellent bait 😉😂
Haha
Man, having a six year old who loves filming his shenanigans, this warms my heart.
Congratulations Brad , and having Kelton filming, you will remember this tarpon,, it's special,
Father son fishing. Doesn’t get any better than that. Told you last year Kelton should be your camera man
Kelton gets so excited I love it he makes a good fishing partner for you looks like is taking over your channel for this trip LOL, good first catch.
Your son is a hoot!!! Gonna be narrating his own lifestreams shortly!!! Nice fish! That Bama Beach Bum is an instigator!!
Awesome video love Keltons view point you need to hire him . He is awesome like Dad great memories for both
Nice effort Brad. I caught and boated my first tarpon fishing with a guide friend of mine at Boca Grande Pass on live pin fish, took me 40 minutes to get it to the boat, guide Greg DeVault est weight at 185+, photos to prove it in 2008. Caught my last one off of Lighthouse Point Everglades City, Fla after casting a lipless X Large Super Pogy bait (now discontinued, dammit!!!) in Mullet color saw her swim underneath the boat towards where I had been casting, barely had time to close the bail-40 lb braid w/60lb flourocarbon leader- as she swam back towards me in the boat. When I got tight I set the hook as hard as I could, she jumped straight up in the air less than 15' from the boat, allowed my rod tip to point at her to give a little slack, but she was looking down at me, standing at the back of the boat, 4 times she jumped straight up, so close you could hear her gills slapping as she shook her head, me yelling at my friend to get the damn camera 2 ft from his hand as he froze, unable to move, as he was as awestruck as I was at the enormous size, looking down at me w/that left eye and crashing back down only to jump straight out of the water again and again. On the 4th jump, she finally straightened 2 of the 3 hooks on rear treble and spit the lure right back at me. We both were so impressed we didn't move for almost a minute and couldn't speak. Finally I cursed my friend because he hadn't taken any photos, just froze in place. We both estimated easily over 200+ lbs. Had to rebend the hooks, retie my leader as about 10'' were frayed and on the very next cast, casting in the same location, caught a 39" snook and landed it, took photos-oversized and out of season, Aug, again retied my leader frayed again by snook, then hooked an even bigger one I could not turn around and had my friend unfreeze and follow it with trolling motor I might have brought it to the boat before she straighten the same 2 hooks on the rear of my plug and pull off. Leader frayed again, I clipped off the lure and retired it, and quit fishing for the day. Good times living in Everglades City until Irma 09/2017 destroyed my business and home there.
These are perfect examples of, just one more cast, and being percistant. Well done Brad and your son for not giving up on you.
this video had me pumped, especially as a dad who takes his 5 year old daughter to fish with him, I can relate. makes me want to go to my local tarpon spot and give them a try
Way to start a vacation. So enjoyed you and Keltons energy and excitement
What a feel good moment . Can be emotional working that hard for one fish and get have your little buddy along for the ride . He was such a trooper too ! He was like , “ 2 more casts dad 2 more and then we will go back to the house ! “ …. My daughter is a couple months away from turning 2 , can not wait for moments like these to share with her .
Congratulations on your first tarpon!! Kelton was great to have with you. He very excited as well.
Brad, Love the video! While dad is fishing, Dad's biggest fan is giving play by play in the back ground. Precious times. I lived it. took mine fishing at 4. by 8 he knew his way around bait casting equipment. He is now in his mid forties, successful business man, and now takes me fishing. You sir, are establishing your legacy. I pray for your success and provision. You have a very good video presence. Enjoy your valuable family time. God bless you and your family.
Congratulations on your first tarpon. But I must say, Kelton’s commentary made this video so much better. Not sure who was more excited, him or you! Awesome.
Nothing like "Catching Reel Memories" with your son.
Kelton is a champion. Keep him interested and he will be a fine young man before you know it.
Great video.
How much weight have you lost ??😊
I absolutely loved this video. Remembering fishing with my son when he was that age. Totally exciting. Glad you landed your Tarpon.
So happy for you landing your first Tarpon and your son getting excited is just great to see … Your a Fantastic Parent !!!😁
Kelton needs his own broadcast. He could call it: Kelton's commentary!😂
This is going to be such a great trip for you! Congratulations on the first Tarpon!👍👍
Congratulations on your 1st tarpon. Kelton makes a great video partner.
Yes he does!
Sitting in my work van eating lunch loosing my shiz on this one!! Every time the tip dipped I yelled come on brad!!! Total fishin dork over here ha!! I’m in the exact boat too. Hooked a few monsters from the beach but still haven’t landed the silver king. Imma loose it when it happens!! Great vid!!!!!
First time fishing the keys last week. Tried and tried to get one with no luck. Fished live pins for 3 nights. They were eating shrimp and wouldn't hardly touch anything else. Had 1 hookup and 2 more eats. It was awesome watching the one hookup jump in real life though. Such an adrenaline rush.
Beard, let Kelton narrate. I like him! Was that chocolate on his face or mud? 😂
Way to go Brad! I could only imagine the feeling of spotting them, let alone catching one! That is straight fishing brother! Cheers, and hope you and the fam had a blast!
Congratulations!!! Love this video!! Kelton is quite the commentator.😊
Awesome catch!! Congrats BB!!!!! I was just in Marathon (Key Colony) a few weeks ago. Live Mullet was the ticket for the Tarpon!!! Tight Lines!!
Good shit Brad... I go to the keys every year from. Pennsylvania chasing my first tarpon... I am still chasing.... Awesome video... Congratulations my dude!!!
Really enjoy your videos. Vacationing in Sandy Key and made it a point to stop by the store. Really nice store and super friendly and nice staff. Bought some supplies to fish the beach but realized I enjoy watching you guys more and that from an air-conditioned easy chair 😅
Looks like a great place. Love seeing Kelton with you.
Hi Brad, good stuff! On the South Carolina coast, tarpon will readily hit a silver or gold spoon..sharp hooks.
Tight lines!
I was down there about a month ago. I caught a 50 pounder on a piece of cut mullet. I didn't realize they would eat cut bait until that trip. We also caught some on live mullet and pilchards. Good luck!
I’m gonna try to find some mullet and go after the big ones. I’ve seen a bunch but they won’t touch a swimbait
Silver kings are the hardest to hook, toughest to land and the most fun to fight. Nice job Brad!
For sure! Time to get a big one!
Awesome video! My sons the same age and I was right there with ya hyped on that tarpon!
Way to go Brad!!!!!! You may be lucky there was grass there to keep that fish from jumping. When i was fishing for those little tarpon my hookup to landing ratio was only 50% cause those little guys went airborne.
The lucky last cast!!! Good job!
Hey Brad. Had I known you did a overnitter in Port St Lucie, I would have opened my home to you and the rest of the fam. Maybe next time.
Awesome catch and landing. Still trying to hook my first one and bring it in. Happy to see you accomplished your goal.
My suggestion is skin hook the lure on the side next time you fish with plastics, really helped my hook up ratio bass fishing. I have two fish I've yet to catch that I want to catch, tarpon and bull red, caught some small red fish but no big one yet. I hope you and the family enjoyed the vacation!
Congratulations on your first landed tarpon Brad!
Congratulations on your success! Looks like your swim bait did the trick, but I can also suggest an artificial shrimp for those baby tarpon. I’ve had some luck in the Keys with that approach.
Also - it’s great you have a fishing companion who will encourage you to cast more, and also narrate for you, so you can focus on catching fish!
Congratulations Brad. Should be an amazing week. Can’t wait.
Fun vid man! Good job Kelton 😎
Kelton gives the play by play like Howard Cosell
Bull Bay is the best man. I have one of most almost all of their different rods and they’re all fantastic. If you plan on grabbing more in the future I would look at the bolt or the banshee!
Leaving out of Birmingham in the morning heading that way. Will be in Marathon on Sunday. Hopefully I can catch my first tarpon.
Awesome! There’s a bunch on Long Key bridge. I couldn’t get them to eat any swim baits, might need some live bait
Congrats on finally catching one
Thank you!
It must've felt great to catch your first! Awesome video! Congrats man!
Thanks man!
Congratulations on your First Tarpon Brad, they are so fun to catch!
You were lucky to have as much room to cast as you did. Where I live trimming the mangroves like that is illegal!
For a first fish on a new rod you scored well.
I love your videos Brad !! Enjoyed each of your videos !!!
Great vid BB, landed on the 2nd to last cast, so COOL.
Love the play by play! "Well they're not that big." LOL
Whoohoo!! We are heading to Key Largo and Key West starting tomorrow!!! Bud n Mary’s is a great place to find some fishing options!!
Bearded. you did amazing traveling~ be well! ))
I loved the Kid take the camera and do commentary that was GREAT!
Love Keltons play by!❤
Your son giving you one more cast was the key to this catch!!!
Enjoyed the video brother! Congrats on the tarpon an I like that rod n reel setup!!
Thanks!
All right. Great catch. It helps to know what you are looking at. I probably would have ignored that thinking they were mullet or something. Looks like you have a great helper in Kelton. You might lose your youtube channel to him in a couple of years. lol. Great video.
No better way to start a family vacation than a pre-dinner tarpon!
Rich from fishaholic fishes the area alot and targets alot of the same fish there and closer to miami area. He may also be able to give you some bait/lure pointers as well as tell you about some other species you only find down there
We were on the Atlantic side a few weeks ago in tavernier key largo area, I had luck on the tarpon with a yo-zuri crystal minnow. Also got to check out Bud and Marys and say hi to Nick that’s a cool place.
What a location! It’s beautiful 🤩! Have a good one! GBO 🍊🏈
I use the DOA soft plastics in trinidad for smaller size tapon.
Love your sons commentary.
Met you down on the bridge this past weekend. Thanks for taking a few minutes to talk
Good meeting you!
Excellent video! I'm coming to the keys and everglades this fall to smash the tarpon! I can't wait
I spend a lot of time in Marathon. Looking forward to the Keys content!!
Love it down here!
Congrats my my friend, still on my bucket list.
I am excited for you Dude!! I look forward to the time when I can catch a tarpon.
that just spere of da moment fishin! good job staysafe..
Welcome to the Florida Keys brother, and you done did well 👍☝️🙏 Viva Cristo Rey
He makes a great co host!❤
hell yea, dude. great end to a first day traveling
I hooked a few Tarps from the Skyway Bridge. They were monsters, did not bring them in. lol
Great Job Brad!!
Take your boy to Robbie's to feed the tarpon brad !!!
Who goes tarpon fishing with only one lure? The same guys always forgetting to bring a net. Brad, Matt and Brant!😂
You uploaded this and I’m literally driving to the keys right now lol going to islamorada
White Swim shad paddle tails is what I use for tarpon
Anything that looks like a finger mullet Brad..👍 Throw it!!!!
So much fun- great vid
hi great videos im from puerto rico, use small fluke or paddle tail
Your boy is a great hype man
Awesome catch! Cool that your boy got to see it. As a full time single father, I will say, it makes it tough to watch your videos with the kids in them only cause if I get a few quiet minutes at the house to watch a video, I’d rather not hear more questions from that age demographic (my daughters do the same question bombardment). Not hating on it, just giving some feedback from that standpoint.
I caught my 1st tarpon down there on dock off conch key with a slam shady.
That’s awesome!
What size jighead did you use with the paddletail?
I mean if Stancyk says let’s go fishing the only thing to say is ok and when? Going on his boats is on my bucket list
my first tarpon was with a pinfish and a cane pole
Brad!! If youre still down there, try and get together with Dibs! (Key West Waterman)
I’ll look him up. Thanks!
@Bearded Brad Early riser I see, must have some plans for today 🤣. Solid size poons, still haven't got one myself. Doing any snorkeling, spearing? Those are my plans for the Keys in a few
@@chris6054 headed out with Nick Stanczyk today!
@@BeardedBrad92 Hope it's going great out there man, can't wait to see the content! Nick seems like a very genuine dude.
Did you try a gotcha plug? Might have success with that
Great catch!!! Hold it up next time!!!
Cameraman Kelton!
Gotta remind him he’s gotta point it at me lol
He's the same height as Ron.
You could also try reaching out to Keywest Watermen while your down there. He has 2 boats I think? Seems like a really good dude. Just a thought.
lmaoo dude a couple tips for you my brotha with the little mullet give it some twitching action don’t just reel it on top especially with a weighted hook and two u gotta set the hook really good to get it in there cuz the hookset ratio sucks on those things and u have to bow to the silver king when he jumps😉🙏🏻
You're working hard Brad😅
Nibln’s slay!!! IYKYK!
Great teacher 1 more No 2 more cast 👌
Pretty work.
Well done bro. You hook em up