The tarpon is among the fish that is most looked for in Key West. Also known as the Silver King, it grows to more than 200lbs. As long as one knows what to expect and proper techniques to use, Key West tarpon fishing can be a massive success. Using fly rods is among the easiest and basic ways to catch tarpons. When the fish are trying to get picky, one should try feeding them on flies.
With the wide range of colors and patterns available, the guide can offer some select choices to make hook up more successful. In the course of early migration, they travel most of the ocean side flats and tend to come in large pods. One thing that is worth remembering is that tarpons will rarely go out of their way to eat, thus one would have to take the flies to them. Some effort should be made so that they see them.
The hooks do not need to be set up too hard. Given that they have hard mouths, thus the best approach with the majority of live baits is dropping back about 10 feet of the line and letting it tighten up. Alternatively, the rod can be left in the rod holder until the tarpon strips the line off the heel. The other trick is putting the rod tip in the water and then reeling fast.
The drag should be set just right. Most anglers tend to set the drag too tight for fishing. Between 20 and 25 percent of the line weight would be fine. Knots usually weaken lines by as much as 25 percent. One effective way of ensuring the drag setting is right is using hand held scales for double checking the settings. A heavier line should be used in the event that the tarpons keep breaking it.
Drag washers should be kept clean and running smoothly by being lubricated with STP. The tarpons ought to be left to run. They are really strong and one should expect a hard initial run. For persons fishing in open waters, the tarpons should be left to run until they lose some steam before applying pressure. A heavier line and tackle will be required when fishing is done around obstacles that may cut the line. More pressure will be required.
Before going fishing, one should learn to tie the best knots that should also be tight to avoid disappointments. When one hooks up with a tarpon in open waters, it is not the time to apply too much pressure. After the initial frantic run, one can start applying pressure. The rod is used for fighting tarpons and the reel to store the line.
A tarpon should be fought closely while ensuring that not too much of the line is gotten out. This would make it much easier to have control over them. One should remember not to underestimate the ability of tarpons as this can make the entire exercise to fail.
For those that look to go for Key West tarpon fishing, success will be determined by use of effective techniques. Heads of tarpons should be kept up so that they do not start running again. At the same time, enough pressure should be applied to keep them in position.
With the wide range of colors and patterns available, the guide can offer some select choices to make hook up more successful. In the course of early migration, they travel most of the ocean side flats and tend to come in large pods. One thing that is worth remembering is that tarpons will rarely go out of their way to eat, thus one would have to take the flies to them. Some effort should be made so that they see them.
The hooks do not need to be set up too hard. Given that they have hard mouths, thus the best approach with the majority of live baits is dropping back about 10 feet of the line and letting it tighten up. Alternatively, the rod can be left in the rod holder until the tarpon strips the line off the heel. The other trick is putting the rod tip in the water and then reeling fast.
The drag should be set just right. Most anglers tend to set the drag too tight for fishing. Between 20 and 25 percent of the line weight would be fine. Knots usually weaken lines by as much as 25 percent. One effective way of ensuring the drag setting is right is using hand held scales for double checking the settings. A heavier line should be used in the event that the tarpons keep breaking it.
Drag washers should be kept clean and running smoothly by being lubricated with STP. The tarpons ought to be left to run. They are really strong and one should expect a hard initial run. For persons fishing in open waters, the tarpons should be left to run until they lose some steam before applying pressure. A heavier line and tackle will be required when fishing is done around obstacles that may cut the line. More pressure will be required.
Before going fishing, one should learn to tie the best knots that should also be tight to avoid disappointments. When one hooks up with a tarpon in open waters, it is not the time to apply too much pressure. After the initial frantic run, one can start applying pressure. The rod is used for fighting tarpons and the reel to store the line.
A tarpon should be fought closely while ensuring that not too much of the line is gotten out. This would make it much easier to have control over them. One should remember not to underestimate the ability of tarpons as this can make the entire exercise to fail.
For those that look to go for Key West tarpon fishing, success will be determined by use of effective techniques. Heads of tarpons should be kept up so that they do not start running again. At the same time, enough pressure should be applied to keep them in position.
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If you want to experience Key West tarpon fishing at its finest come to Key West Flats & Back Country Fishing. To find out about our fishing charters, visit us on the Web today at http://www.keywestflats.net.
