Fishing For Tarpon
Tarpon are the largest, strongest and most acrobatic of the flats lineup. Even juvenile fish will put your angling skills to the test. They will also strain your tackle as well. Primarily known for its small mid sized specimens (20 - 70 lbs.), Ascension Bay's tarpon should be considered an added bonus since the numbers found in these waters are fairly limited. These are plenty to cast to in order to complete a Slam, but you should not consider Casa Blanca primarily as a tarpon destination.
A majority of these fish are natives which remain in the area throughout the year. Migratory fish begin to show up in the beginning of April and, there after, numbers will increase significantly through July. On "dead calm" days in June and July, the tarpon fishing on the Caribbean side of the lodge can be excellent. Fish can be taken up to 150 lbs. but most are from 30 - 50 lbs.
Other non migratory tarpon are attracted to the area near Sacrificio because of their affinity for brackish water which is found in the mangrove lagoons. Adult and juvenile fish will often remain in the protected waters because it offers refuge from larger deep water predators. Perch and other small fish provide year round forage.
Fly Rods For Tarpon
Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 14:58 Monday, 29 June 2009 09:03
For tarpon, it is important to have a rod with enough backbone to actually move the fish during the fight. The ideal rod for the larger sized tarpon is a 10 wt. For fish under 90 lbs. you can get away with a stiff 9 wt., but if you hook a hundred plus pound fish or your guide asks you to cast a 3/0 fly in a 20 knot breeze, you might wish you had the backbone of a heavier rod. The rods listed in the bonefish section in 9 wt. or 10 wt. are ideal. Many of these rods also come in a model with a beefed up butt section for added power.Tarpon Fly Presentation
Monday, 29 June 2009 09:02
Once fish have been spotted, it is important to quickly and accurately place the fly/lure in front of the fish's path. Tarpon are not easily spooked and you can place the fly/lure quite close to the fish. A distance of about three to five feet is perfect. Allow it to sink to the level of the fish and then begin to strip to retrieve it at a moderated pace. If the tarpon is in the dining mood, it will take the presentation. If you get refusal, just continue to cast until you get its attention. If you get refusals from several different fish, change flies.
Tarpon have concrete lined mouths, so a super sharp hook is an absolute necessity. Correct hook setting will also help put the odds in your favor. If fly fishing, point the rod tip at the fish and firmly set the hook with your stripping hand only. Then keep your rod tip close to the water, to eliminate slack, and pump the rod sideways with short, sharp tugs as you pull on the line and the rod simultaneously. This sounds very nice on paper, but the sight of a tarpon inhaling your fly can cause even the experienced fisherman to lose his cool and occasionally choke.