In 1885, a single, sensational catch at Sanibel Island’s Tarpon Bay made international news – and revolutionized sport fishing. For the first time on record, a mighty, silver-sided tarpon was taken on a rod and reel, a feat that created a frenzy for the fierce-fighting – and made Southwest Florida the epicenter of a brand-new sport. The newly crowned Silver King of fish lured celebrities and presidents and transformed Southwest Florida into the birthplace of big game fishing.
