Megalops Volume 1, Issue 1 | Page 10

Safely releasing a tarpon and getting a memorable photo with your catch is often not as easy as it may look. Since most anglers fish tarpon only for sport, your safety and the health of the fish are the primary focus of any landing and release, but getting that memorable photo, is equally as important. One of the best at accomplishing all three is Boca Grande, Florida guide, Captain Mark Bennett. Here are his thoughts and suggestions for a successful release and how to capture that ideal photo.

A camera has been in my tackle box since I was a kid. I figured out at a very young age that there was no better way to end a fish story than with photos. Photos quickly turn a tall tale into a true adventure. I love to relive old and new fishing trips by looking through the photos. It is one of the ways I make it through the winter. I have three months a year I don't fish for tarpon. Without photos and videos, I would be a lost soul.

Successfully releasing a tarpon and getting the right photo can be tough sometimes. Trying to handle a six foot fish by the boat is a challenge, even if you are not trying to take a photo. Getting that great photo can be tough on everyone involved. Tough on you, the fish and the photographer. Now that I think about it, all of

the major arguments I have had with my wife over the last 30

years had something to do with a fish photos.

For those that don't know, my wife Jenni has been the full time first mate on my boat during tarpon season for over 20 years. She has had photos published on the covers and inside the pages of Sport Fishing, Florida Sportsman, Saltwater Sportsman and Texas Fish and Game magazines. Of course they have adorned my websites (and unfortunately the websites of others) for years.

After years of successfully releasing tarpon while getting that perfect photo, we have come up with a system of getting it done. Here are a few tips that might help get your tarpon released healthy while taking home the perfect hero shot of the fish of a lifetime.

A Professional's

Guide to Releasing Tarpon

When it comes to releasing tarpon, few have the experience of Capt. Mark Bennett. In the three years that Capt. Bennett participated in the DNA sampling of tarpon, he caught, sampled and released more tarpon than any other angler or guide. Mark's wife Jenni joins him on most tarpon trips as his first mate and photographer. When it comes to releasing tarpon in a safe, healthy and responsible way, nobody does it better than Capt. Bennett. For more information on his charter service, check out is website www.tarponsnook.com.

By Capt. Mark Bennett