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

DoubleA_FL · 10-13-2009, 02:51 AM

Hey guys, ive been reading the old threads on Tarpon and they are mostly about bait, hooks, leader and braided line.

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.

They are going to be my favorite game fish! i cant tell!

Thanks a lot for any help!

Tight lines
aaron

SkirtChaser32' · 10-13-2009, 11:05 AM

aaron, I use a Shimano 6500 Bait-runner spinning reel on a Sea-Striker "Billfisher" rod. I'll check the action and all that..and get back to you. I caught 3 Tarpon this summer on these rods weighing from about 90-170lbs. I have 25lb mono on these rods. For a hook, No. 8 Gomakatsu "Octopus" snellable circle hook.

DoubleA_FL · 10-13-2009, 11:56 AM

oh wow - thats a lot lighter than i thought.... hmmm. i was thinking you would have to go conventional and heavier with Tarpon

SkirtChaser32' · 10-13-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleA_FL

oh wow - thats a lot lighter than i thought.... hmmm. i was thinking you would have to go conventional and heavier with Tarpon

well, let's just say I was wishing I had something heavier on the largest one I caught..I fought the fish for over 4 hrs and even had to do some chasing with the boat! But the other 2 around 90-120lbs, I had to the boat in less than an hour. You can go heavier, but I like the whole spinning setup, the rods that actually bend and allow you to really feel the fish. I know several other guys, even a guide who use the same setup. (-Matt)

SkirtChaser32' · 10-13-2009, 02:07 PM

Here's a pic of my 'lil ole momma whipping a Tarpon on one of those rods. The fish was around 90lbs, we touched the leader after about a 45 min. fight. We use those rods for BIG DRUM also..they're sweet!

paul708 · 10-13-2009, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleA_FL

oh wow - thats a lot lighter than i thought.... hmmm. i was thinking you would have to go conventional and heavier with Tarpon

nice back bone and good action.
and spinners work well.
our Drum rods will work for them
there are a few good choices

Asylum · 10-13-2009, 02:45 PM

Get in touch with the guys at Riley Rod.
Tell them you want a 7'6" spinning rod. I cant remember what blank he gave me as it was a prototype he was working on. He built one for himself and one for me. IT IS THE BALLS.
I have a Stella 10k on it with 50lb braid.

Logan9581 · 10-13-2009, 03:01 PM

First off, where will you be fishing for these? Beach? Bay? around structure? Deep passes? Will you be making long casts to rolling fish? I use spinners and conventionals just depends on where I'm fishing.

DoubleA_FL · 10-13-2009, 05:23 PM

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

floridadeckie · 10-13-2009, 06:02 PM

I like a Penn 750 or 950 loaded with 20 or 30 mono on a corresponding ugly stik. You can put some grunt into the rod and turn the fish, as well as easily rebuild the reel.

10-13-2009, 11:05 AM	#2
SkirtChaser32' Stop staring at my Avatar. Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 393 Credits: 1,461.9	aaron, I use a Shimano 6500 Bait-runner spinning reel on a Sea-Striker "Billfisher" rod. I'll check the action and all that..and get back to you. I caught 3 Tarpon this summer on these rods weighing from about 90-170lbs. I have 25lb mono on these rods. For a hook, No. 8 Gomakatsu "Octopus" snellable circle hook. Last edited by SkirtChaser32'; 10-13-2009 at 11:08 AM.

10-13-2009, 02:07 PM	#5
SkirtChaser32' Stop staring at my Avatar. Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 393 Credits: 1,461.9	Here's a pic of my 'lil ole momma whipping a Tarpon on one of those rods. The fish was around 90lbs, we touched the leader after about a 45 min. fight. We use those rods for BIG DRUM also..they're sweet! Attached Images

10-13-2009, 05:23 PM	#9
DoubleA_FL "If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving" Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 122 Credits: 443.9 Boat: anyone i am let on :) Home Port: St. Petersburg, FL Best Catch: 64" Sailfish in Key West, 04-09	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 Last edited by DoubleA_FL; 10-13-2009 at 05:24 PM.

10-13-2009, 06:02 PM	#10
floridadeckie Crab mustard is good Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Big Bend, Fl/Islamorada, FL Posts: 645 Credits: 2,309.0 Boat: hula girl Home Port: islamorada Occupation: fulltime freelance deckie	I like a Penn 750 or 950 loaded with 20 or 30 mono on a corresponding ugly stik. You can put some grunt into the rod and turn the fish, as well as easily rebuild the reel. __________________ *SALTWATER COWBOY OUTFITTERS* Serving the Florida Big Bend to the Keys with all your guiding, deckhand, and detailing needs PM me for rates and details www.saltwatercowboyoutfitters.com Jimmy D.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-13-2009, 11:56 AM	#3
DoubleA_FL "If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving" Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 122 Credits: 443.9 Boat: anyone i am let on :) Home Port: St. Petersburg, FL Best Catch: 64" Sailfish in Key West, 04-09	oh wow - thats a lot lighter than i thought.... hmmm. i was thinking you would have to go conventional and heavier with Tarpon

10-13-2009, 02:45 PM	#7
Asylum Just bought a 65' hat! Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 79 Credits: 562.4 Occupation: Asset Management	Get in touch with the guys at Riley Rod. Tell them you want a 7'6" spinning rod. I cant remember what blank he gave me as it was a prototype he was working on. He built one for himself and one for me. IT IS THE BALLS. I have a Stella 10k on it with 50lb braid.

10-13-2009, 03:01 PM	#8
Logan9581 Crab mustard is good Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 670 Credits: 5,312.5 Boat: 27 Oceanmaster, 18 Mako Flats Home Port: Bradenton, FL	First off, where will you be fishing for these? Beach? Bay? around structure? Deep passes? Will you be making long casts to rolling fish? I use spinners and conventionals just depends on where I'm fishing.