Tarpon fishing can be a lot of fun, and it can be a lot of work. Below are six tips that you can use to help you be successful when you are fishing for tarpon. They’ll help you with successfully catching your fish.
The majority of your tarpon fishing is going to be done using circle hooks. You won’t have to set it hard when you’re fishing for tarpon. Since it has a hard mouth, your best approach is going to be to drop about ten feet of your line back and allow it to tighten, or simply leave your rod in your rod holder until your tarpon is stripping the line from your reel. You can also put your rod’s tip into the water, then reel fast.
A lot of anglers will set their drag tight when they’re fishing for tarpon. 20-25% of your line’s weight will be good. Remember that knots will weaken the line as much as 25%. If you’re tarpon fishing with a 20 lb test line, set your drag at 4-5 pounds. One of the ways that you can be sure of your setting is by using a handheld scale for double checking settings. If your line keeps breaking, you should be using a heavier line. Make sure you’re maintaining the drag and that your drag washers are kept clean. You can also make sure your drag is running smoothly by lubricating your washers using STP.
Tarpons are very strong and will usually give you an initial run that is very hard. A lot of times you’re going to wind up with a broken line during your drag. If you’re fishing and you’re in the open water, allow it to run until it’s lost some steam. Then apply the pressure. If you’re fishing near obstacles that could cut your line, work with heavier tackle and line. Then put additional pressure on your tarpon, then chase it using your boat.
It’s a good idea to learn how to tie knots that are needed for fishing for tarpon. To tie your swivel or hook onto a monofilament line as much as 50 pounds, you’ll want to use the polomer knot. You can also use loop knots, which a lot of fisherman like. When you want to join your heavy leader and your main line, a good choice is a uni knot or a blood knot. The knots should be pulled up tight.
The body of a tarpon and their gill plates will be very abrasive and they’re able to damage your line quickly. 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. If you’re using lead weights, make sure you’re attaching them using rigging wire that is made of light copper. This way they’re drop off prior to the fight. They are often bullet like when your tarpon is throwing the hook.
Once the tarpon is close to your boat, keep its head up. This will prevent it from starting another run. During your fight when you’re gaining line, make sure it stays up. Pump fast and hard so that you have control over the fish.
When you go tarpon fishing, remember these tips. They’ll help you with having a really good fishing trip.
I have a lot of experience in the fishing industry, especially in Southwest Florida. To find out more about me, you can go to my website, or give me a call at 239-280-6246. I want to make your Florida fishing experience the best it can be, so don’t hesitate to call today!