Tarpon are large, powerful fish known for explosive runs and dramatic jumps once hooked. They feed on baitfish, crabs, and shrimp, and their diet shifts depending on their size and the water they're in.
Tarpon range across coastal waters, river mouths, mangrove shorelines, and inland lagoons throughout Florida, the Gulf Coast, Central America, and parts of West Africa. They migrate seasonally, following water temperature and baitfish movement, and can grow well over one hundred pounds.
Rod weight for tarpon depends heavily on the size of fish being targeted. Juvenile tarpon in the 10 to 30 pound range can be handled with an 8 or 9 weight rod, while adult tarpon over 80 pounds typically require a 10 to 12 weight rod matched with a heavy duty weight forward floating line built for turning over large flies and standing up to long fights.
Saltwater Flies
