When it comes to fishing, Larry Lenon and Roger Percival consider themselves a two-for-one deal. One drives the car, the other drives the boat. They met about 10 years ago in a bass fishing club. Fishing became a permanent hobby for both men after each retired from their long-time careers and settled down in central Florida. They currently fish twice a week for fun and compete in three monthly tournaments for sport. When asked what they talk about while waiting to hook a fish, the answer lies somewhere between opinions and Oreos. Once a year the Oreos and opinions are set aside for a bigger catch.
For the past eight years, Lenon and Percival have traveled to Tarpon Springs to fish with Florida Snook Fishing Charters. The men never return empty handed, either in fish or stories. They can’t speak highly enough about their guides Saki and Ryan.
Sak and Ryan are ranked among the top few inshore fishing guides in Florida who specialize in targeting trophy snook. Their clients see continuous success year after year because of their belief in the use of large, lively baitfish. A large baitwell was specially installed on Saki’s custom boat for the sole purpose of keeping the baitfish healthy.
Snook is considered a prized food fish. It has long been a popular sportfish in Florida. Over the decades The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission adopted regulations that prohibited the commercial harvest or sale of snook, they implemented a “snook stamp” requirement, and refined seasons and slot limits. These regulation changes are instrumental in snook recovery efforts.
Lenon and Percival always begin their trips enthusiastic and return exhausted. Snook fishing checked every box on their list, apart from tarpon fishing. It was the one thing that remained at the top of their “fishing” bucket lists.
April 28, 2025, a date Roger and Larry will never forget.
Like so many times before, Captain Saki and Ryan departed the sunny shore of Boca Grande to fish for tarpon on the Gulf of America. But this time Roger and Larry were in tow, beaming brighter than the sun that was just rising. Their venture surpasses all expectations and proves to be the trip of a lifetime.
En route to their destination Lenon and Percival caught a bounty of keeper snook, Spanish mackerel, and sea trout. In addition, they were able to witness a few friendly manatees emerging just feet from the boat. But as the old saying goes, “no rest for the weary.”
The tarpon fish tests the veracity of every fisherman’s skill. It is a popular gamefish that is prized for its tenacity to break free after being hooked. Tarpon are rarely eaten because their flesh is notoriously bony. In most places, only hook-and-release fishing of tarpons is allowed. A tag must be purchased to possess or kill tarpons in Florida. Currently, only one tag per fisherman per year is allowed, and fishermen must agree to provide the Florida Marine Research Institute with information about their catch. No tarpon was going to die today.
It was early afternoon when the crew arrived at their destined fishing spot. Believe it or not, the water was a mere 50 feet deep. Despite the 30 other fishing boats in the same area, Larry hooked a tarpon on his first cast. Larry fought the fish for as long as his body would allow, then Roger, then Saki, and finally Ryan. That fish was not giving up without a fight. Tired but not defeated. It took a team of four men an hour to reel in an estimated 150-pound tarpon! This would be the first and last tarpon catch of the day for Larry and Roger. The team contentedly headed home with broadened opinions and new flavored Oreos.
Thank you to Florida Snook Fishing Charters for helping two “young” men check tarpon fishing off their bucket list in a big way.
Saki and Ryan are experts when it comes to catching giant tarpon. Their extensive knowledge comes from years of experience and observation. They perfect their craft by continuously monitoring the location of fish during various conditions. Their willingness to pass on his knowledge is what keeps their clients coming back.