Tarpon

For the beach I have found that fresh mullet live or dead is irresistible to a hungry tarpon. You want to try and wade out a little, because normally they will be off the beach 30 to 40 yards. I use a stout spinning outfit, normally spooled with 40lb test power pro. I use 80lb test fluorocarbon leader tied directly to my main line. It is important to have such heavy leader, there mouths are like sandpaper and after a few jumps it will ware through anything less than 80lb test quite easily. If using a live mullet, hook the mullet through just the top lip not the bottom and top. The fish must be able to circulate water through its gills to stay alive. If you sing dead mullet, I usually hook it through the eyes and let is soak. I use a 6/0 live bait owner hook. These hooks are chemically sharpened offering the best penetration.

It is important that you do not use weight unless you use a break away sinker. You are probably wondering what a breakaway sinker is huh? Well it is exactly how it sounds. It is a sinker that breaks away when the fish is hooked or when it jumps. I normally will use light copper wire to hook my sinker to the swivel. The reason you don't use weight when tarpon fishing is because when they jump they shake there head normally shaking the hook loose. Once you have a fish hooked, when you feel that the fish is about to jump lower the rod tip, this keep the proper kind of pressure so the hook is not thrown. If or when you land the fish be sure to remove all of your tackle and properly revive the fish. If not properly revived there is a good chance that they will die. Wouldn't you feel guilty to kill a monster fish that weighs almost as much as you for nothing? Well I hope this information helps in your journey to catch the king. If you have any questions please just post them on the forum I will be happy to answer.