Cole Narkiewicz, 11, set the new north Florida fishing record by landing a tarpon after a battle that exceeded 3 ½ hours. The previous record for the longest tarpon fight time was just over 2 hours.
Narkiewicz, who is known as one of west central Florida’s top lacrosse goalies, was on a fishing charter with friends and renowned captain TD Lacoss from the Amelia Angler when they hooked the fish. The group departed from Amelia Island, a sport fishing mecca. They were about 6 miles offshore on the Atlantic Ocean where they were using porgies to target bull reds, cobia and kingfish.
Captain Lacoss stated the fish exceeded 150 pounds which dragged the 35 ft. boat from Florida to Georgia and then back to Florida. The fish harnessed the power of the incoming tide enabling it to drag the boat with little effort. It took the boat past Cumberland Island, down the Amelia River, past Ft. Clinch State Park and into Eden’s Creek which was over 5 miles from where it was hooked.
The fish posed for a quick photo, was quickly released unharmed and immediately speed off to open water to give future anglers the fish tale of a lifetime.
“Cole’s refusal to give up exemplifies one of the many reasons that he gets invited to play on so many teams. The team plays better when he is in the cage” Coach Mo Asif of the elite Tampa Bay Thunder. Narkiewicz will be in goal this fall for several area teams, including the Thunder and Valor Lacrosse.
The epic battle between a boy and the enormous fish was captured on video. You can enjoy the action packed video on his brother’s YouTube channel, Fizzy Fruits.