Top Indo Pacific Tarpon Fishing Countries

The Indo-Pacific tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) is a robust, silver-scaled fish found in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their acrobatic leaps and resilience, Indo-Pacific tarpon are prized by sport anglers for their fighting spirit, though they are generally not targeted for commercial harvest due to their bony flesh. The top countries for Indo-Pacific tarpon fishing include Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, and Australia, where both recreational and small-scale artisanal fisheries exist. In these countries, tarpon are often caught using traditional nets, rods, and lines, with most catches released by sport fishers, while some are consumed locally or used as bait. The species supports vibrant catch-and-release sport fishing industries, especially in Australia and Southeast Asia, contributing to local tourism and community livelihoods.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.