| A long and large fast moving object appeared on the shallow edge of the shoal. The black back seemed to glow as it swam towards us on the white sand underneath it. |
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Timing is everything in fly fishing for tarpon. My angler was not ready and had reeled up most of his line to trade turns with his friend, when I chirped that he should stay and quickly get ready. Within seconds the fly was laid in front of the poon about 10 feet head on. |
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A couple of strips and the large tarpon opened its bucket size mouth and ate the fly. She was big and we guessed it was over 150 pounds right away. From the second it ate it leaped from the water grey hounding straight away. It leaped six more times and swam fast away. Still anchored the tarpon was into the micron backing about 200 yards. The reel's drag was screaming. |
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We disengaged from the anchor and the motor was started and put in forward gear to get back the line the tarpon took. About a mile away from where we started we caught up with the big girl. More jumps and then the fish settled into a deep swimming mode. |
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It took 30 minutes to get the tarpon close enough to call it a catch. However, we knew that this fish was far from being caught and a summer storm was moving in on us pretty fast. |
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More pressure and drag was applied and Roger backed the tarpon and stopped forward motion several times. The big tail, perhaps more than a foot tall could be seen cutting the surface back and forth. Perhaps her will was being broken. |
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However, the giant tarpon made a wholesome effort and leaped straight away twisting and landed on the 20 pound tippet. The leader was cut clean. She freed herself. I was happy for the fish and Roger said they were both glad she was loose. Tough fish those tarpon are. |
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The good thing was the tarpon was still in great shape and Roger was ok, too. Fighting a tarpon for hours is not healthy for the fish. We were not able to fish any longer due to the storm and high winds. |
The next day we had some shots, but another storm run us in early.
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About Capt. Locklear
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