Light Tackle
Tackling a tarpon or any other large prized game fish is all a matter of who breaks first. You may
be in for the fight of your life, signaling hours in the horizon trying to wrestle with this giant.
Sooner or later, one of you will have to give in. Usually, it’s the tarpon whose spirit breaks first.
Nevertheless, it is important to understand just how to tackle this prized beast of the flats of
the Florida Keys. If the tarpon gets a green light and scrams away from you, using a light tackle
won’t stop it dead on its tracks. However, it will eventually grow tired and will slow down or
even stop. That’s the time for you to apply gentle pressure, just enough to bring the giant back
towards you. You can employ a spinning tackle by placing your fingers on the spool while at the
same time lifting your fishing rod. Alternatively, you can cup the spool with your hand while
lifting the rod. Either way will bring in the catch a lot closer to you.
The Tarpon Spectacle
One of the greatest frustrations of many anglers, even the pros, is fighting with a great tarpon.
These giants are known for really spectacular jumps right after being hooked. Part of this wild
splashing display is their large silvery bodies that can really displace huge volumes of water
making the big splash.
It’s particularly frustrating to fish for these giants as no amount of casting will ever reel them in.
This is despite the fact they leave a very characteristic rolling sign to signal their presence.
During rolling, they occasionally rise to the surface to gulp fresh air. They often do this in
significant numbers especially those found in the mouths of rivers such as the Little Shark River,
off the shores of Caps Sable, and the backcountry waters of Lake Ingraham.
And when tarpons do bite, they don’t necessarily care the direction of their jump. They don’t
care if they will be hitting trees in the process or even smack right into your boat. They don’t
even care if they land right on the shore. They will resist and they will continue to fight. Now, if
you’re fishing in a canoe, better watch out because it can be pretty dangerous fighting a tarpon.
Where to Catch the Mighty Tarpon
You may already have your mindset on reeling that mighty jumper of the shallows but if you
don’t know where to look then everything will be for naught. Here’s a tip: if you want larger
tarpons aim for the outside of bodies of water; otherwise hit the interior as these are naturally
teeming with smaller and baby tarpons. Head out starting March, peaking in April all the way
through June. Fishing in October means aiming for the outside.
Here are some of the best places to start your tarpon adventures.
Flamingo – Aim for the outside of the East Cape, the sandy Key Basin, the Northwest
Cape, and the Middle cape. It is also advisable to try the sandy beaches of Cape Sable,
Big Sable, and Little Sable creeks. If you want smaller tarpons, aim for the inside of Joe
River. You may also try Pence de Leon Bay especially near the mouths of the Shark River
and the Little Shark River. Look for falling water on the Lostman’s, Harney, Rodgers, and
Broad.
Chokoloskee – Try the outgoing current from the Fakahatchee Pass, the Rabbit Key pass,
or even the Indian Key Pass. If these areas don’t produce, you can always head to the
waters around Rabbit Key as well as Pavilion Key. Experts also recommend Faka Union
River as well as the channelized section of the river which eventually leads to the Port of
the Islands Resort where anglers and fishermen can have their much-needed respite
after a grueling day in the flats.
Marco – Try the Cape Romano area as well as the beach that line Marco Island
especially in late summer. You may also want to try your luck in the outskirts of
Caxambass Pass, Goon Key Pass, and Morgan Beach. If you fancy a baby tarpon you
might want to try the canals and waterways that run parallel to the Marco Road of old.
Or, you can always give it a shot at the different backcountry bays in the area.
Now, when fishing in these waters, know that blackwater rivers as well as murky green bays can
make fly fishing particularly challenging. What you need is plug-casting or using natural baits.
When you head out to clearer waters, however, you can resume your fly fishing duties.
Generally, fishing for tarpon in the Everglades proceeds in a see-em- fish-em manner. You cast
the moment you see their signature rolling behavior. This simply means that there are plenty of
tarpons in the area, some in the dozens. That is why it is imperative that you have your gear
always on the go because when you see the roll, it’s casting time.
As for the lure, many find the 52M MirrOlure to be quite effective. Additionally, a 12-Fathom or
Bubba jig complete with a swimmer tail designed in gold flake can also do the trick. Or, you
could try a ¼-oz to ½-oz Cotee. If you’re heading to deeper waters, you’ll need heavier sinking
lures such as the 65M MirrOlure and the Hot Flash.
The good thing about fishing in the Everglades is that you may be catching a tarpon now then a
redfish, snook, or even trout the next. This should make for an interesting mixed bag fishing.
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