Are you ready to catch the most revered sport fish in the world? Tarpon fly fishing is a challenge that many anglers dream about, but few are willing to take on.

Luckily for you, we have put together this blog post with everything you need to know about tarpon fly fishing. From how to fly fish for tarpon, where is the best place to catch them and if it's legal - we've got it all covered! So read on and learn more about one of the most challenging endeavors an angler can take on!

How Do You Fly Fish For Tarpon?

Fly fishing for tarpon can be a challenge, but with the right knowledge, you will have an easier time. Here are some of our tips to help make your next trip fly fishing for tarpon successful:

• Imitate the type of bait that a tarpon is going to eat with your fly.
• Don't cast too far.
• Always go with a heavy fly rod, either sinking or shooting head weight, and an appropriate line to suit the water you are fishing in.
• Flyfish for tarpon as they come up towards the surface of the water while moving away from the shoreline. This is where most tarpons will be found during high tide periods when feeding on shrimp that have been washed ashore by waves crashing against rocks near shorelines!
• Make sure your knots are always tight so there is no chance of any type of hook movement which could lead to losing any catches along with valuable tackle such as flies and hooks if it's done incorrectly! Be aware that freshwater fishing regulations might be different than saltwater.
• When possible use a sightseeing deck of a Carolina Skiff to do sight fishing for tarpon. This will allow a person to keep their tarpon fly fishing setup and flies within arm's reach.

Tarpon Fly Fishing Setup

Tarpon fly fishing setups can be complicated. If you are a novice tarpon fly fisherman, it's best to stick with simple equipment and techniques before moving on to more difficult systems that require intricate rigging.

To start out with, your tarpon fly rod should have an action that is medium-fast or faster. This will allow for quick line pick up when the fish starts pulling drag. A reel spooled with a 20-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line would work great as well (0x-weight backing).

You'll also need some weight in order to use this setup properly--a couple of split shot about 12 inches above the fly is good enough at first if you're not sure how much weight you want/need to figure out what size tarpon you think you can catch.

The most important thing to remember with this technique is the timing. You need to make sure your fly lands on top of the tarpon's head or near its mouth so that it can see/smell what you're presenting and strike quickly.

If at any point in time, you notice an unusual pause after a big take (which could mean they've seen it), reel up just enough line from the spool then let back out--keeping tension on their suspicion will help them bite again if they are indeed interested in eating. If not - and there is no initial response- wait for 15 seconds before trying anything else.

In order to land these monster tarpon, use your thumb over the rod handle as leverage when trying to hook them. It will help you to keep the rod from straightening out and gives you a better chance of landing them.

What Size Fly Rod For Tarpon?

There are many types of saltwater fishing fly rods out on the market. Finding the right one for tarpon fishing can be difficult if you don't know what it necessary for them.

A fly rod for tarpon fishing is typically a lot of weight and power. The type that you use will be largely dependent on your casting distance, the fish's size, and where in the world you are fishing.

Some people prefer to use long rods because they require less back cast time but there are also short rods available if necessary. When considering what kind of fly rod to purchase it might help to know how far away from your target you would like to land them or how deep down they'll be catching them out of.

It could make sense then for somebody who wants their catch close by with little wind interference to go with a shorter lighter rod while someone up north using longer casts may find more success with something heavy.

As you can see, it all depends on what kind of fishing you are doing and how you want to do it. Like most things, there is more than one way to do them. Find a way that works for you and then do your best to get the highest quality in that category.

Where Is The Best Place To Catch Tarpon?

When most people think about tarpon fishing they think of only Florida. there are some other places in the Gulf of Mexico where they can be found as well. It can become more of a question of what area within Florida you want to fish. The best time to fish for tarpon is in the spring. In Florida, it's always a gamble on when you might reel one of these massive beasts into your boat.

The Gulf Coast states have some great fishing for tarpon, but they are usually more accessible during the winter months. When fishing around Tampa Bay there will be fewer boats and generally better sport than if you were trying to find them from Miami down through the Keys where most people live year-round. It really doesn't matter what state or area of Florida you choose because either way it can be exciting-any day could bring about that once-in-a-lifetime catch!

In Texas, many fly fishermen head up towards Tyler which has plenty of good water access with not too much boat traffic. In the summer, they're able to fish in some great small rivers that have less boat traffic.

The Atlantic coast is also a good location for tarpon fishing with many of our fly fishermen finding success on their trips north into New Jersey and Delaware. The action can be fast-paced, but you'll need an early wake-up call because these beasts like to rise before dawn!

Tarpon Fly Fishing Florida Keys

Tarpon is an iconic animal of the Florida Keys with a rich history in both natural and cultural terms. Tarpon numbers have declined dramatically over recent decades, but there is some good news because tarpon populations showed signs of recovery during 2017-18.

The best time to fish for tarpon is year-round, although it's always better when they're spawning which is usually from February through April; you'll need all your gear including fresh bait! They can be found in many different areas around the state so it doesn't really matter where you go or what season as long as you take care of possible heavy boat traffic. You should also keep an eye out for red snapper that may indicate a feeding frenzy nearby.

A lot of tarpon fishing involves keeping your eyes open for action. You need to be prepared when the fish are rising because it's not always easy to tell just how close you are. Your best bet is laying out as much line as possible without tangling and then wait for action like a hooked tarpon (you'll know!) or an oncoming school of baitfish that could indicate some really big ones in the area.

Tarpons will take anything from shrimp, clams, croakers, squid - pretty much any small animals they can get their mouths around! Sometimes if all else fails, live bait works too.

You should also have your gear at hand so that you're ready for whatever comes up next: rods with reels loaded with 30-50lb test monofilament lines work well, but you can also use braided lines with a little more weight. You'll want to have a variety of flies for different situations, and it's important that they're securely clipped onto your line - tarpons are some of the fastest fish in saltwater!

Tarpon Fly Fishing Texas

Another place where tarpon fishing has gotten big is Texas. Tarpon fly fishing Texas has always been a great destination for tarpons, but in the last few years they have really started to take off. There are many different places that offer an incredible opportunity for catching this legendary fish and we've listed some of our favorites below:

• Matagorda Bay - 168 miles from Houston on TX Hwy 35 South - This is one of those locations where you show up around sunset with live bait or shrimp, as these creatures feed heavily during night hours. You can also use fresh-cut mullet or other small sharks if you want more options. The bay offers plenty of water depths and sizes so even beginners will find success here!
• Gulf Coast Fisheries Center - 61 miles from Houston on TX Hwy 35 North - This is a great location for people who are new to fly fishing and want hands-on instruction. You'll be able to learn from some of the most experienced tarpon guides in Texas, as well as get good tips about how to bait your hook and cast accurately. Be sure you're not hungry though because they only offer snacks!
• Galveston Bay - 57 miles from Houston on TX Hwy 146 East - Another great destination if you're looking for more opportunities during nighttime hours since these fish feed heavily at this point in their life cycle. With plenty of saltwater marshes nearby, this makes an ideal spot for catching them with live shrimp or cut mullet that's been prepared for fishing.
• Florida - 190 miles from Houston on I-45 North - This is the time of year when these fish are migrating to different areas, but if you can find a prime location and get in early enough, there's some excellent night fishing waiting for you. It isn't uncommon for anglers to have catches tipping over 50 pounds each here! In addition, they're often very close so it's possible to catch several at once with just one cast or two.

Tarpon Fly Fishing Guides

Finding the right guide for your tarpon trip can help you get on them fast! With anglers coming from all over the world to experience these big fish, there are many fly fishing guides in Florida and Texas who know how to find them. In addition, they're often very close so it's possible to catch several at once with just one cast or two.

You will find tarpon guides for fly fishing all around the state, but mostly around areas of shallow water and around the major ports. If you are looking for the most popular places to find a guide you should look no further than the most popular places to fish for tarpon. The majority of the guides are found in and around Destin, Captiva Island, Pensacola Beach, Tampa Bay Area (Anna Maria Island), Venice Pier near Miami.

Tarpon fly fishing is one of the most exciting types of fly fishing because they are so big! The size can be intimidating to many novice anglers but it only takes a few casts before you start getting used to them. They're also very fun fish to catch with their vibrant colors and large jumps when hooked. If there's anything better than catching tarpon then tell us what it is!

It doesn't take much time for someone who knows how to cast properly get on these reared sportfish as soon as they arrive at their destination. A fly fishing guide will help you do this even faster.

Tarpon Fly Fishing Guides Islamorada

A popular place to fly fishing that many people look for guides ins Islamorada. If you frequent HGTV house hunters you will see a lot of retirees who love the outdoors try to find a small home around here near the water... or on it!

You can simply do a Google search of this area by typing in "Tarpon Fly Fishing Guides in Islamorada" and you will get a list of the ones that are good at SEO and have been around the longest. Of course, this doesn't mean that they are the best. But it does mean that they are reputable.

• Islamarada Tarpon
• Out Of The Blue Charters
• Beats Land Charters

You can also ask around in the area and do a little research as to whether or not these guys know what they are doing with gear, casting techniques, knots, etc. There is nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on an expensive outing only for you to be stuck at home all day waiting for someone who doesn't actually show up!

Fly Fishing For Giant Tarpon

If you want to catch the big boys you will have to do your research and get the knowledge of the regulars. Huge tarpons are found in both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, but you will often find them near saltwater areas.

The best season to catch a big tarpon is during the early summer when they are fresh from their winter slumber. Be prepared for a big fight, for these fish can weigh up to two hundred pounds and measure three feet in length! Don’t forget that old tarpon tale of hanging on tight once you land one because if you let go it will be gone forever!

The best time of day to catch them is during what we call slack tide which occurs about an hour before or after high tide. Tides vary based on location so do your research beforehand and plan accordingly. When fishing at night using lighted flies might help attract these large creatures since tarpons have both rod receptors as well as reflectors located near their tails.

You should always have an effective rod holder or reel case so you do not lose gear while fighting a big one! One of the most important things when it comes to tarpon fishing though is presentation (what does bait look like? how fast are movements?), technique (where should I cast?), and position (should I be casting from shore?).

Best Tarpon Fly Fishing In The World

If you are an international fisherman who roams the 7 seas for the next big one, finding the best place to catch tarpon might be of importance to you.

The tarpon fly fishing in the world is found on either coast of South America. The Amazon River offers some excellent opportunities for catching this fish, as does the Orinoco Delta. If you are looking for a little warmer climate then you might want to head south and try your luck with these amazing creatures in Venezuela or Colombia!

You can also find them around Puerto Rico and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. This area will have a large number of guides and head boats that will take you around to where you want to go. You will be surprised how many opportunities there are and you should look into them!

You may find any one of these locations more preferable than another depending on what type of trip you're going after. Tarpons are an amazingly fun (and large!) sportfish so hopefully, no matter where you go your next day out will be amazing.

Is It Illegal To Keep Tarpon?

No! If they are over 40 inches long or have more than 15 pounds' weight on them then you can keep them. Otherwise, they must be released back into the wild.