Hooking and Fighting Tarpon

The number one mistake I see new Tarpon anglers make is trout striking the rod high and too much. You want to keep your rod tip pointed down and strip line after the hook set to clear all the loose line until you feel the Tarpon turn away, which will result in the Tarpon finishing the hook set against the taught line for you.  Raising the rod tip even after a hooking the Tarpon will result on a missed opportunity for the fish to finish the hook set for you, as well as the opportunity of the fish throwing the fly on its jump for air.  Always, keep the rod tip low, tuck the butt of the rod into your stomach area during your tug a war with the Tarpon.  The only time you will vary from this position is to give the Tarpon line (Bowing to the Tarpon) when it jumps for air and thrashes itself side to side in its aerobatic prose. 

 

You will need to use your legs and torso when fighting the Tarpon and resist the temptation to over use your arms which will cause fatigue.  The rod tip should never be above your waist and use it as the lever to direct the Tarpons movement.  If necessary to add more drag, dip your rod tip in the water and the line/water connection will add drag without adjusting your drag knob. Your Guide will direct additional drag adjustment if needed.  On the subject of drag, I set my drag for casting at about 2lb max to keep from having backlash on my fly reel and palm drag the reel until additional drag is needed during the battle. Rarely will you ever use over 12lbs of drag anyway in the Tarpon battle is my experience, so palm dragging the reel is an affective tool in your arsenal.

 

Now that you are in the heat of the battle of your dreams, there will be a lot to remember and through the excitement and entertainment you’ll be hearing directions from your Guide from the time the Tarpon is sighted and the fly lands in front of the Tarpon for feeding, until you land the Tarpon boat side.  Listen carefully, do as you are instructed and your reward will be a fish of your dreams.  Please remember, your Guide is with you through this entire experience and they are also catching this fish through your actions, so enjoy your triumph or loss together.

​