TARPON!: need some help with rod/reel/line choices

[Logan9581]

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Originally Posted by DoubleA_FL

from a boat, in passes(SW FL), probably rolling fish, but maybe some live bait.

i have casting rods that can handle this fish, i was looking for what everyone else uses and likes.


thanks again,
tight lines
aaron

I see now you are in St. Pete. That makes this easier. When I'm fishing the skyway, I use a torium 30 filled with 50lb. I need to have control over the fish around the pilings. Egmont pass, I'll use both the baitrunner 6500's with 50lb braid and the toriums. On the beach, I use the baitrunners because I can let the fish run and I need to have the accuracy to make a perfect cast. I use star rods with the baitrunners and I have Allstar 30-50 lb rods for the toriums.

[SkirtChaser32']

Originally Posted by Logan9581

I see now you are in St. Pete. That makes this easier. When I'm fishing the skyway, I use a torium 30 filled with 50lb. I need to have control over the fish around the pilings. Egmont pass, I'll use both the baitrunner 6500's with 50lb braid and the toriums. On the beach, I use the baitrunners because I can let the fish run and I need to have the accuracy to make a perfect cast. I use star rods with the baitrunners and I have Allstar 30-50 lb rods for the toriums.

It sure is a good sound when you hear one of those bait-runners begin to scream isn't it?

[Phat Mann]

It's a tarpon!!

Every spring, it's off to Islamorada for me and Mrs Phat Mann. You have picked a great favorite fish. There are so many ways to catch these fish. Believe it or not, if you are fishing from a boat, a bass rod with 12 - 14 lb test can accomplish the task (and the right 60 - 100 lb floro leader). However, these fish have such a range in size, I like to be prepared for that fish that makes your jaw drop when he first comes outta the water. (The best way to get a jaw dropper to eat- put a 60 lb leader on!)

My choice is a Shimanno Trinnadad TN - 20 spooled with 25 - 30 lb pink ande mono. I have two strung with Mono and two with power pro Braid. The braid I only use if I have strong current trying to hold bottom- but I far prefer fighting the fish with the mono- I just think the mono stretch helps with the wild jumps and sudden bursts of speed. Any good medium heavy action 7 ft rod will do the job capable of handling that test line. I drift Crabs, live bait like mullet, pinfish, or even deadbait on bottom. I have several "key largo rods" built down there that are reasonably priced and do the job.

Besides the baitrunner by Shimano, the Stella also built by Shimano is an awsome spinner.

I personally believe that if you are not fishing for world records, have enough rod and line test to get these fish to the leader in a reasonable amount of time. 25 to 30 lb test with the right drag can land you a tarpon between ten minutes and __?__hrs.

Good luck!

[Marlinhunter2]

Originally Posted by DoubleA_FL

I was wondering what everyone's favorite rod(action, weight, etc...), reel(capacity and gear ratio) and what # line was. I am putting together a "tarpon rod" but have NEVER fished them before so i have no idea what i should buy.

Hey Aaron - For many years I used, and still do an Ambassadeur 6500C with a flippin stik. Used it on tarpon up to 125# in CR and the Keys with topwater Darters, Rapala Magnums and MirroLures. Tried using a Daiwa BG60 and an Ugly Stik, but it was too heavy and wore me out.