How do I get a Tarpon to bite?

[luceror]

Was off Dickson bay this morn, several rolling tarpon,I thru everything I could come up with,including a float rig w a nice lookig paddle baittippe3d w frsh shrimp. No takers.I probably cast a large mirrodine twitch a hundred times, no tarpon but did catch 3 nice trt.What would be a go to lure for these fish? They were just slow rolling, I saw no feeding activity.

[DixieReb]

I hooked 2 of them in 2006 fishing for trout. Both on pinfish under a cork. That would be my guess, but use a big rig and not a trout rig like I had. Neither of mine stayed on long!

[EddieJoe]

Big live bait will get them, usually. Big LY, big mullet, big pin. Side benefit is you will also catch some big trout, but also some sharks. A big gulp eel or soft plastic might also, black is a good color.

[fishinfool]

I have not had the pleasure, but I have heard from reliable sources, that as far as artificial baits go the D.O.A. Baitbuster works well.

[FUTCHCAIRO]

IF YA WANT TO REALLY GET YA A POON, GET AT LEAST 80 POUND TACKLE , USE AT LEAST 6 FT. LEADER, HOOK A HARDTAIL CATFISH JUST BEHIND THE DORSAL FIN AND FREELINE, IF THERE ARE ANY TARPON AROUND THEY WILL HIT IT. I HAVE LOST MANY MIRRO-LURE M-24 BLUE TO TARPON FISHING FOR TROUT.
PA
SEMPER FI

[MudDucker]

All I have to do to get them to bite is throw my newest most expensive lure on my lightest line and then watch them do the striparoo.

[silverking]

I have not had the pleasure, but I have heard from reliable sources, that as far as artificial baits go the D.O.A. Baitbuster works well.

Tarpon 101:
Medium-heavy spinning rod with a 5000 class reel, loaded with 30-pound braid doubled three feet with a Bimini twist. Add four feet of 60-pound fluorocarbon leader tied on with a double uni knot. Tie on a deep runner DOA BaitBuster in black back/silver or white/red head with a non-slip loop knot. Make sure the drag is set fairly tight.

Cast far enough in front of rollers so the lure swims away or across the projected path. When you see a couple rollers there are usually several more following, but the first couple lead fish are typically the ones that eat. Retrieve with a steady speed and let the lure's action do its thing. The deep runner version will give greater casting distance, but crank it fast enough where it's swimming near the surface. When you feel a thump, set the hook hard a couple times and make sure the line clears (especially around fingers). The initial run often takes 100+ yards of line. Whenever the fish jumps, hold the rod tight and point the tip at the fish (bow to the king!) to hopefully keep it from throwing the hook. Keep steady pressure on during the fight. That often means chasing after it with the boat. When you get it close, fight down and dirty or pull in the opposite direction with the rod tip low to shorten the fight and keep the fish disoriented. If a shark shows up in the vicinity, stomp your feet on the deck or crank the engine. That usually drives them off. A shorter fight gives a tired tarpon a better chance of survival and escape from Jaws afterwards.

Don't bring the fish aboard the boat. Keep it in the water instead to shoot photos and revive it by holding it by the lower jaw and idling slowly forward until it swims off on its own. Remember, you must purchase a $50 tarpon tag to kill one and there's no need to do that. There are plenty of replica mounts if you want a trophy. Also, the Florida Wildlife Research Institute is trying to collect DNA samples from fish in our region to complete a comprehensive tarpon study. The free kits are available on-line or through various local outlets like Shields Marina and Lanark Mart. http://www.myfwc.com/research/saltwater ... /genetics/

EZPZ, nothing to it!

[FHC]

i got a fly that caught two last week

[silverking]

i got a fly that caught two last week

Way to go, FHC! On a fly you tied?

Tarpon will often eat a fly over anything else. The quiet approach and subtle presentation are a good way to go, if the angler is proficient with the buggy whip. And then there are times when the perfect cast and movement are totally ignored. That's why they are such a challenging--and cool--fish.

[luceror]

Thanks people for all the info, Ill definetly put some of those suggestions to work if I see them this comming week. Thanks!