The Tampa Bay Times
Saturday while scouting for an upcoming trip, we were able to observe a Fourth of July weekend celebration of a bit different kind. We anchored near the Crisp’s, a well known – long time tarpon fishing family around here. Three generations of them tarpon fishing together near the Gandy Bridge . Seven year old Alyssa Lynn, her dad Bryan and his dad Charlie – a retired United States Air Force fighter pilot, along with Alyssa’s mom Crystal rounded out the crew. Alyssa fought, caught and released the first one – an estimated 135-140 pounder that peeled off 250 yards of line before it jumped. Fitted with a custom harness, fighting belt and perhaps a little military training is how the little 55 pound warrior can take on fish over twice her size. Half hour later her dad caught and let go one that we all happened to be looking right at when it came out of the water and knew it was a monster. It ended up being one of those special father-daughter moments in time. A feel good story on a feel good weekend. If forecasted south then westerly winds the rest of this week are accurate, tarpon fishing along the gulf beaches will be a challenge. South wind even in Tampa Bay can be hard to hide from. The somewhat protected areas like the Manatee River , Terra Ceia or Palma Sola Bays could be an option.
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