Catching baby tarpon

Question
I have found a freshwater spring off a river close to the flats that has baby tarpon that come up to the surface frequently. They dont look like they are gulping air like big ones do. They look like they are eating bugs but I dont see bugs floating on the water. I have tried to use small flies, live bait, cut bait, jigs etc. They dont want to eat anything. After hours I was able to hook a 5-7 pounder. I have tried many days for many hours and cant figure it out.  

Answer
Hi Steve,

Those tarpon you see are gulping air even though they take in only a small amount.  Tarpon must do this for oxygen.  How to catch them is not too easy as you've found out.  Small fish like that eat small minnows and flies that imitate them. I would use small flies designed to look like the minnows where you are fishing. A very light fly rod with a light leader so as not to interfere with the action of the flies would be my choice.  And fish at various water levels as you can't be sure where they will feed.  Good luck.  Boris