Often, an angler’s tackle is a well-kept secret. It’s said that there’s an art to developing an arsenal of tackle, some anglers refuse to publicize which Fly they used to reel-in the big catch, rather keeping their arsenal a secret like a poker player and the winning hand. However, the key to reeling-in Tarpon from the Key’s waters is diversity. Possessing a wide range of tackle increases the chance of reeling-in a mammoth Tarpon.
Much to the chagrin of Key West’s Flyfishing enthusiasts, there isn’t a universal Fly for reeling-in a Florida Key Tarpon. “I use the Coachman to catch Tarpon offshore and the Royal Wulff when targeting post-spawning inshore mangrove Tarpon,” an angler might say, but this is merely what works for that angler in particular. Experience, knowledge of the season and marine, is the best guide to deploying the correct tackle and lure.
Although the Fly debate continues among Florida Key’s offshore anglers, one Fly has recently garnished the spotlight, the Tarpon Toad. It’s noted as “the greatest Tarpon Fly ever,” and was created by Gold Cup recipient Andy Mill. This green monster of a Fly is highly regarded by many anglers, yet it’s not the only Fly for reeling-in the Key’s Tarpon.
Flies are a constantly evolving technology. Tarpon, although not the most intelligent species of the brine (that’s most likely the Dolphin) may have learned to recognize Fly patterns. An angler, at Flyfishingthefloridakeys.com, informs us that the region’s Tarpon, traditionally, were caught via splayed saddle hackle on large hooks, but “no one would dream of throwing those Flies at wary oceanside Tarpon these days.” It’s possible that Tarpon have learned to recognize this Fly pattern.
Tarpon will bite for a variety of Lures and Flies. These fish will strike at most anything, however, it’s experience with the waters and possessing an array of tackle that ensures a bite from Florida Keys Tarpon.
World Wide Sport Fishing 