Rich tutor from saltwater experience jumps a tarpon near big pine key, florida
Question:
Do you think Big Pine tarpon prefer dead bait as the amount of weeds washed up on shore deplete O2, which kills baitfish and feeds the tarpon on outgoing tides? Do you see this anywhere else? I've caught them from less than a pound to 100 pounds just soaking dead bait.
Big Pine Key's Unique Tarpon Environment
Great question—and it sounds like you’ve been spending real time on the water around Big Pine. You’ve picked up on some local behavior that’s absolutely worth paying attention to.
For those who haven’t fished Big Pine much: this area has a unique floating grass phenomenon, especially in the calm summer months. Massive amounts of weed mats collect and settle—far more than in other areas of the Florida Keys.
These floating grass piles aren’t alive—they begin to degrade and rot, creating a sulfur-like smell and leading to oxygen-depleted water in certain zones.
Why Tarpon Thrive in Low Oxygen Zones
Here’s where it gets interesting. Tarpon are physiological outliers—they’re able to survive and even feed actively in oxygen-poor conditions.
They can breathe through their gills like most fish
But they can also gulp air from the surface, using a specialized lung-like swim bladder
This gives them a huge advantage over other fish in low-oxygen zones
As a result, they can hunt in areas other fish simply can’t, especially when baitfish are weakened or dying from lack of oxygen. That makes places like weed-choked flats on an outgoing tide absolute hot zones for opportunistic tarpon.
Dead Bait: Preference or Opportunity?
Your question about whether tarpon prefer dead bait is tricky—because fish behavior is complex, and we’re always interpreting through our own experience.
Even when I’m catching fish regularly, I try to avoid overthinking what they “prefer.” Instead, I observe what works, and focus on repeatability.
But here’s what I’ll say:
In areas with low dissolved oxygen (like Big Pine weed zones), dead bait might mimic the most natural, abundant food source
Weakened baitfish and decay are common in these environments, so a soaking chunk of dead bait could be the most realistic presentation
Where Else Does Dead Bait Work for Tarpon?
One of the most effective dead bait tarpon fisheries I know of is Long Key Bridge.
Here’s the twist: Long Key has the highest water flow of any bridge in the Florida Keys. That means tons of oxygen, not the low-O2 situation you described.
But even there, dead bait produces big bites—often more than live bait.
So why does it work?
Possibly because in high current, dead bait drifts more naturally
Tarpon are energy-efficient predators—they’ll strike the easiest meal available if it looks natural
It may not be a preference for dead bait—it may just be how we’re presenting it in the conditions
Tarpon: Always Looking for an Easy Meal
Remember: tarpon aren’t making decisions the way we do.
They don’t waste energy unless there’s a clear return
They seek out high-calorie meals for minimal effort
If dead bait checks that box in the right conditions—they’ll take it every time
That’s why I think your strategy is smart—and why I encourage anglers to experiment with dead bait presentations, especially when fish seem “off” or unresponsive to live offerings.
Final Thoughts: A Tool Most Anglers Overlook
Honestly, most tarpon anglers never even consider dead bait. But you’ve figured out a productive strategy that can absolutely be used beyond Big Pine.
Try it:
When fish aren’t eating
When grass mats choke the flats
When strong currents limit your live bait control
Keep soaking that bait—you’ve added one more effective weapon to your tarpon arsenal.
Tight lines,
Capt. Tom Rowland
Here is a show we shot in the Big Pine area. I hope you enjoy it. Keep in touch and send us a picture of those big tarpon!
and part 2
Have a question? Use our Ask a Question form or send me an email directly at Tom@saltwaterexperience.com
Be sure to follow us on Instagram: @saltwater_experience, and like us on Facebook. We have a very active Youtube page. Please SUBSCRIBE HERE to see our daily posts and keep up with our contests for a chance to win free gear!
If you enjoyed this post, please share on social media by clicking the share button below and selecting your favorite social platform