Late tarpon may be related to Florida Panhandle shark attacks

Tarpon tournament host, Joe Mercurio, believes the late tarpon migration may be related to the rise in recent shark attacks. Mercurio explained that breeding tarpon migrate around Florida's eastern coastline during the last week and the first week of July. This year the tarpon, some weighing 150 to 200 pounds, are late.

Before the tarpon arrive resident bull sharks seek out other prey, Mercurio said. This encourages bull sharks to feed on baitfish found in shallow waters which could be the result of recent attacks. Once the schools of tarpon reach the Panhandle, sharks follow the tarpon offshore to deeper water away from swimmers.

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