| The photo here is one of my good old guide buddies, Capt. Jim Long, who looks like he's getting ready to be pulled off the bow of his boat by the large tarpon. |  |
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Actually, Capt. Long did a superb job in landing the fish once Earls had it alongside. It took several tries with the gaff and as he tried to gaff the fish I snapped the shot of the leaping tarpon as Long held onto the line. The tarpon's weight of 173 pounds was estimated by the formula method. The fish was 80 inches long and had a 41 inch girth. |
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Kevin Earls of Tulsa landed the giant tarpon on his first trip ever with Capt. Jim Long. His Dad Michael of Tallahassee was along for support and cheers. Kevin says there is nothing to catching a tarpon on the fly rod! I helped them revive the tarpon and it swam away like she was all right. |
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Seems like all my clients can do lately is hook the tarpon on the fly to have it get away before it jumps. Circle Hook Bill Crimes had three eaters and got one to tighten up on the fly-line. Buddy Tuard broke a 20 pound tippet strip striking the fish with too much juice. |
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However, Tommy Redman of big game fame caught his first tarpon at Hampton hole using a spin rod and a sand angel that was estimated to weigh 140 pounds. |
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Landing a big tarpon, particularly on a fly rod is the ultimate big game fish challenge. Nothing about tarpon fishing is easy. To start out with it is almost impossible to land a big fish by yourself. But let’s back up a bit and see what type of gear you will need. |
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Twelve weight fly rods are the choice size. A nine foot rod is the standard length. Rod manufacturers like G-Loomis, Orvis and Sage come with warranties from 25 years to a lifetime. |
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A fly reel that will hold 350 yards of 30 pound micron backing and the fly line is necessary for the long runs tarpon make on the first run. The drag must be smooth and the reel must be of superior craftsmanship. Manufacturers like Ross and Tibor are but two good choices in the field of many. |
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The terminal end of the fly line consists of a 5 to 6 foot butt section that actually protects the fly line from chaffing of the tarpon’s back. Ranges between 40 to 80 pound tests vary depending on sea conditions and size of fish. |
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Then a class tippet tied made of two bimini twist, a double surgeon loop and a huffnagle knot in which connects the shock or bite tippet that can be no longer than 12 inches including the knot. |
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Bait is chicken feathers or pheasant hackle tied on Owner Hooks in sizes between 3/0-5/0. Colors are black brown, purple, yellow, orange, red and white. A fly when finished is about 3 to 4 inches long. |
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A 60 to 80 foot cast is necessary to present the fly directly in front of the fish path. They are picky eaters or lazy feeders and do not stray far out of their path to eat an offering. |
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Tarpon anglers are not born or bred but made. Anyone whoever caught a tarpon on the fly had to learn to cast a fly rod. Double hauling is necessary to load the fly line enough to propel it to the proper distances. |
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Many fresh water fly fishers find salt water fly fishing a new challenge. The biggest challenge is casting long distance accurately, in some cases against wind of more than 10 knots. |
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This sport is a rich man’s game because a rod and reel can cost up to $1300. It is a difficult sport in which to break into because of the high cost of the equipment. However for those who wish to learn the sport, the best source is local knowledge. Guides like Capt. Jim Long, Capt. John Bazo and I have the equipment and expertise to guide a new person into the sport. Current guide fees are in the $450 range for a day of fishing including instruction, use of equipment and 8 hours of fishing. |
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Have a Great Weekend and Be Safe! |
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Capt. Mike |
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About Capt. Locklear
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