SPRING FLY FISHING FOR TARPON
After a long winter the saltwater fly fisherman is more than ready to get out of the house and hunt for one of the best sport fish anywhere, the tough fighting and high jumping Tarpon. For most, saltwater fly fishing for Tarpon is more than a hobby or sport, it’s an obsession. There is no greater thrill than hooking up with a large Tarpon on a fly rod.
In the Florida Keys the Tarpon season starts early. Usually by the first of March the big Tarpon become very active. The larger Tarpon in the Keys tend to be more of a resident fish while the smaller ones are more of a migratory fish, moving north as the weather warms. By June many of these smaller to medium sized Tarpon have migrated as far north as the North Carolina sound and Outer Banks.
It seems popular today for many Tarpon fisherman to believe that a bigger saltwater flies are better flies. I hate to burst anyone’s bubble but that is just not true. A nicely tied Tarpon Sand Devil or Big Eye Tarpon Glow on a 1/0 will catch even the largest Tarpon. The largest Tarpon I have ever caught was actually caught on a #2 foam crab. When presenting saltwater flies to a Tarpon do not attempt to put the fly on the Tarpon. A fly presented ten to fifteen away from the fish and then worked, either by stripping or by the currant will be much more likely to get results. Though Tarpon tend not to be a very easily spooked fish, I do prefer to use a side arm cast. This will keep your fly and line closer to the water and a much gentler presentation.
Saltwater fly fishing for Tarpon will probably be the most exciting fly fishing you will ever do.
Tight lines and clear water,
Brian
Tags: tarpon, Saltwater Fly Fishing
