Would like to start doing some tarpon fishing. What rod & reel combos do you guys recommend? Line size? TIA
I have a pair of 8’ shimano terramar rods xxh action paired with penn spinfisher 5 6500 series reels with 50lb braid . Got one to the boat so far with the rod and reel mentioned ( just wish I was on the rod ) . I use 100lb mono leader with a 10/0 eagle claw billfish hook . I tend to use about 5’- 6’ of leader on a cork or bottom rig . And also one tip to help you don’t need to use a 12" mullet to catch a big fish perfect size mullet about 5-7" is all you need !
19’ Cobia bay
Like Jeff said, any 7.5 to 8 foot spinner would be a good rod. I personally like the terramar’s as well but have big Cabo’s with 30# on mine. The key is to have a good bit of tip flex to absorb the initial hit, run and jump sequence. It helps to have a light drag initially as well. He was a right on about the mullet size too; tarpon dream about 6’’ mullet. I run about 4 feet of 70 pound seaguar for my leader. BI Guide, Colt, and John Irwin on this site all can offer a wealth of information on tarpon. You can learn about all you need to know just by looking through their archived posts.
Maverick Mirage 17
As an afterthought, if you go with lighter leader (<80#) make sure its something stiff. Nothing like having a big mullet tie your leader in a knot only to get crushed by a tarpon and popped off immediately.
Maverick Mirage 17
quote:
Originally posted by jeff462v ( just wish I was on the rod )
let it go Brah. don’t be bitter
insert smiley face here.
quote:
but have big Cabo's with 30# on mine.
I sure do like those Cabos, that’s all I use now. Smoothest drag I’ve ever seen.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Great info. Thanks fellas
Larry, yeah, they are awesome. Started off using one as a back up for my deep jigging rod but have moved into the flyfishing/inshore game. They are my go to now, esp for tarpon and the big reds in the fall. I haven’t had the chance to use on the inshore versions though, hope to try one out soon. But anytime blackdog, the bite is going off right now with the mullet run in full swing. Get out there at em. Feel free to PM me if anything else comes up.
Maverick Mirage 17
Go big man. Terez with a Stradic 8000.
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
Stradic 8000 is too small, with too little line capacity, for too much money IMO. Battle 7000-8000 are great tarpon reels at a good price.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
New penn spinfishers. Or the stradics…
Ask 5 people, you get 6 opinions
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”