There was a time when not a single recorded Silver King had been landed in the state of Florida. But in 1885, near Fort Myers, angler triumphed over tarpon. After that single catch on rod and reel, Southwest Florida became the epicenter of a brand-new sport fishery. The newly crowned “Silver King” lured big-game enthusiasts, the wealthy, celebrities, and even presidents to the Gulf inshore waters. Florida has been hot for tarpon ever since. The video below provides tarpon’s unique history and rise to fame in Southwest Florida.
