The current world record is 177 pounds. Capt. Al Dopirak (right) guided Tom Evans to a 194.1-pound tarpon that has unofficially set the world fly rod record for 12-pound tippet.
Table of Contents
Can you fly fish for tarpon?
What size fly rod for tarpon?
A 10-weight is not only a great tarpon rod, but works well for permit, roosterfish, milkfish, and most larger tropical species as well as a host of coldwater gamefish like pike and stripers.
What is the best time to fish for tarpon?
The best time for fishing is May to June, and that’s when people from throughout the world come and catch Tarpon. The flats that surround Crystal River and Homosassa Bay are packed full of huge Tarpon. Another good place to fish during June and summer is Apalachicola Bay.
Where do you fly for tarpon in Florida?
Tarpon Fly Fishing Guides In The Florida Keys Most of the year we fly fish for tarpon in the backcountry of the Florida keys. These areas consist of big basins, channel edges, banks, and mangrove shorelines. The tarpon back here are generally more relaxed and therefore easier to catch on most days.
Where is the best tarpon fishing in the world?
Boca Grande, Florida, namely Boca Grande Pass is considered the Tarpon Capital of the World. This body of water sits between Gasparilla and Cayo Costa Islands with a depth of 40-80ft.
How do you rig a tarpon fly rod?
How do you beat a tarpon on a fly rod?
How do you attach a tarpon to a fly rod?
Do tarpon bites hurt?
What is this? It’s relatively safe to feed tarpon by hand because unlike many large fish, Tarpon don’t have sharp teeth. Rather, their mouths are the consistency of sandpaper. Their bite hurts a bit – I got a good scrape from one massive “hit” which bled a little – but it didn’t stop me going back for more.
What time of day are tarpon most active?
Tarpon are one of those fish that people come from all over the world to catch. By far the best time to target tarpon is in the morning. That doesn’t mean that you can’t catch them later in the day but that is definitely the best.
What is the best tarpon bait?
Best Live Bait for Tarpon Some of tarpon fishing bait are shrimp, pinfish, mullet and crabs. Stake out above areas that hold tarpon and drift your live bait down to the fish. Hook crabs in the corner of the shell and baitfish through the mouth.
How long is a 100lb tarpon?
Tarpon are slow-growing fish and do not obtain sexual maturity until reaching an age of 6-7 years and a length of about 4 feet (1.2 m). Tarpon weighing about 100 pounds (45.4 kg) typically fall between 13-16 years of age. Male tarpon attain lifespans of over 30 years, while females may live longer than 50 years.
How long is a 100 pound tarpon?
That fish measured 8 feet 2 inches long. Typically, a six-foot tarpon weighs about 100 pounds. A seven-footer goes about 200 pounds and a 300-pounder measures eight feet or more.
What’s the biggest tarpon ever caught in Florida?
The Florida state record for tarpon caught with conventional tackle is 243 pounds, caught by Gus Bell in Key West in 1975 on just 20-pound test line.
Is there freshwater fly fishing in Florida?
Winter Haven Lakes – Freshwater Fly Fishing in Florida You can access this canal via boat. All of these lakes are right in between Orlando and Tampa. They’re a great place to fish if you don’t have time to spend a few days on the coasts.
Are there trout streams in Florida?
Trout stocks are doing better in the Panhandle and along the First Coast between St. Augustine and Florida-Georgia state line.
Can you go fly fishing in Florida?
Florida offers saltwater fly-fishing opportunities for more species in more sublime settings than any other state in the nation. And in some of the most productive areas, you can take advantage of this pastime 24 hours a day.
How old is a 100 pound tarpon?
An average 100 pound tarpon is about 13 to 16 years old.
Where is the best tarpon fishing in the US?
The Florida Keys remain the most popular tarpon-fishing destination on the planet, and Islamorada is the fishery’s epicenter. Anglers target giant tarpon around the bridges with live bait and conventional tackle. Fly fishermen stalk the flats and shallow “lakes” sight-fishing for giant fish.
What is the best time of year to catch tarpon in Florida?
The best time to fish for large migratory tarpon in the Florida Keys is when the water temperatures reach and stay above seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit. That can be as early as mid-March, but usually equates to late March to as late as early April. May is all safe as well as most of June.
How long should a tarpon leader be?
Use Proper Leader When you’re setting up your leader for fishing for tarpon, it should be five feet of 50-pound fluorocarbon leader. You should attach this to 15-20-pound main line that is doubled. If you’re fishing off of a bridge, try 6-10 feet of 60-80-pound leader tied right onto 50-pound braided main line.
How much backing does a tarpon need?
The more backing the better, but being that you’ll most likely be fighting the fish from a boat in relatively shallow water you don’t need to go crazy with backing. 200 yards of #30 is usually sufficient.
What weight fly rod for small tarpon?
Fly rods from 6- to 9-weight are ideal for baby tarpon, just let the size of both the flies and the fish you’ll be targeting dictate the tackle selection.
What do you do when a tarpon jumps?
If a tarpon jumps, point the rod tip toward him. When they’re in the air and they shake their heads, they can easily spit the hook, so to try to not put too much tension on the line, point your rod tip toward them. By chasing them down, you’ll able to reel more line in and have more leverage on the fish.