CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For decades, the Texas tarpon has been a symbol of coastal fishing mystique, earning anglers bragging rights and drawing visitors from across the country. But experts say the once-thriving fish is now difficult to find.
Researchers with the Harte Research Institute are studying what they believe are key factors behind the tarpon’s decline, including overfishing and habitat challenges along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Tarpon, often called the “silver king,” has deep roots in Port Aransas. The town was once nicknamed “Tarpon,” and the iconic Tarpon Inn still displays massive scales collected by anglers over the years. Fishermen once traveled long distances for the chance to hook the powerful species…