A routine charter trip turned extraordinary when 15-year-old Cruz Gomez from Belle Chasse caught a massive tarpon that could become a new junior world record. The trip, led by renowned tarpon fishing Captain Lance ‘Coon’ Schouest, took place on September 21, a day that would etch itself in the memories of those aboard.
Schouest, often referred to as the godfather of tarpon fishing in South Louisiana, harnessed decades of experience during the outing. Known for co-developing the popular Coon Pop lure, Schouest, alongside his son, Lance Schouest Jr., has helped redefine tarpon fishing in the region.
"We saw several schools of fish and began casting," said Schouest, recalling the initial excitement of the trip. "By his fourth cast, he had hooked into a good one."
Cruz, fully equipped with a Penn spinning reel loaded with 60-pound braid and a Coon Pop lure, made his strike around 7 a.m. "I cast into a pod of fish and felt him hit it and came tight on him," Cruz shared, reflecting on the pivotal moment that ignited a fierce battle.
The fight was nothing short of epic, as the sizable tarpon breached the surface, displaying its power with eight exhilarating jumps. "Son, you’ve got one over 200 pounds," Schouest told Cruz, emphasizing the magnitude of the fish they were dealing with. With every leap, the anticipation grew, and Cruz felt the adrenalin surge.
"Every time it came to the surface, it seemed to get bigger and bigger," Schouest recounted. The battle waged on for two and a half hours, testing Cruz’s stamina. "I couldn’t feel my arms," he admitted, encapsulating the physical toll the struggle had taken on him.
Upon their return to Cypress Cove Marina in Venice around 11 a.m., the fish was weighed, tipping the scales at 228.8 pounds. This remarkable weight surpasses the current junior world record of 222 pounds, 9 ounces. "It’s an unreal feeling to have caught this as my first tarpon," Cruz exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "I’m definitely hooked for life now. To catch a fish that size is special."
Following the catch, Schouest ensured that Cruz's tarpon was delivered to the Bourg Wildlife and Fisheries office for scientific analysis. "We collected ear bones and other samples for study, which will help determine the fish’s age," he explained, emphasizing the importance of preserving such a catch.
Louisiana boasts a reputation for being a prime destination for tarpon fishing, thanks to its abundant baitfish populations and optimal spawning conditions. Schouest, who has spent over four decades in the charter fishing industry, has witnessed his fair share of behemoth tarpon, participating in seven of the Top 10 catches on record in the state.
In light of this recent triumph, the veteran captain is planning to relocate his operations to Venice, citing, "That’s where the big fish are. That’s where I want to be." As the season progresses, Schouest intends to continue offering charters through October, weather permitting, in pursuit of the next 200-pounder.
As Cruz continues to revel in his impressive catch, the fishing community watches closely to see if his remarkable tarpon will be officially recognized as a new world record. With a passion ignited and a record on the line, both Cruz and Schouest are sure to keep the spirit of tarpon fishing alive in Louisiana’s waters.