Tarpon are one of those wild little sportfish that punch well above their size. In northern Australia they are famous for big jumps, hard runs and eating flies, lures and live baits in tight water.
In Australian waters they turn up mostly across the tropical north, from Kimberley creeks through the Top End and across Queensland estuaries. They like mangrove-lined rivers, back creeks, drains, harbours and coastal lagoons, and they often hold in deeper holes or slow eddies not far from structure.
Tarpon feed on small baitfish, prawns and other tiny estuary snacks. They are ambush hunters and will sit around current lines, snags and drains, then smash passing food with a quick burst. They often feed best when bait is concentrated and there is some water movement doing the work for them.
Tide matters a lot, with the better bites usually around run-in or run-out periods when drains, creek mouths and current edges funnel bait. Low light is a big plus, especially early and late, because tarpon will push higher in the water and hunt more confidently. Light to moderate wind is usually best since it keeps the surface fishable and lets you work small lures or flies properly. Big swell can shut them down in open coastal spots, but tucked-away creeks and sheltered estuaries can still fish well when the outside water is rough.
A light spin outfit or fly rod is ideal, with small hardbodies, soft plastics, surface lures and tiny flies all doing the job. Live prawns or small baitfish under a float can be deadly around snags and creek mouths. Use fine but strong hooks and keep steady pressure, because their bony mouth and aerial jumps make them good at throwing hooks.
Tarpon can gulp air at the surface, which helps them handle low-oxygen water in warm tropical creeks.