Visibility is best between May and August, and from January to March you can fish for giant tarpon.

At this time of year, when the moon is full and tides run high, giant tarpon lurk off the tip of Gasparilla Island feeding on calico crabs, shrimp and baitfish.

Off the bow of the skiff, the giant tarpon was rolling, gulping air, savoring freedom.

On each trip, my guide, Capt. Pat Casey, would regale me with stories of giant tarpon.

Soon sportsmen from the north as well as from Britain flocked to the area in quest for giant tarpon.

This would be appropriate for all save the truly large saltwater game fish, such as giant tarpon.

Large tarpon have an ability to jump - as high as 10 feet and up to 20 feet horizontally - and some anglers have endured a giant tarpon in their lap.

But most anglers are willing to take that chance; it is said that a giant tarpon is the consummate game fish and that an angler who catches one may never feel equal elation.

Before the late 1800's, giant tarpon, those fish that range between 70 and 300 pounds, were considered not catchable on conventional sport tackle, let alone on a flyrod.

More likely than not, they're trying to catch sight of the giant tarpon that have taken to swimming around in the shallows.