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

[DoubleA_FL]

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

[scattered_grass]

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]

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

[scattered_grass]

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)

[scattered_grass]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.