What’s everyones favorite tarpon setup? From rods, reels, line, leader, rigs, hooks, bait, etc.
7.5ft custom Dogfish stick tarpon series matched with a Shimano Thunnus 1200F spooled with 30# ande tournament green. Afew different rigs work well but I like to freeline a big live mullet on a 6ft leader of 100# fluro and a big ass circle hook on the end.
rods and reels???
Personal preference/opinion is that you can’t beat a TLD 25 for price/performance. Spool up with 30# and you’re in business with any tarpon that swims. The TLD has several things going for it including an exceptionally smooth drag, great price, and great line capacity for it’s weight. Match that with any quality 6 to 7.5’ fast action rod with quality guides.
I’d recommend setting the strike position of the lever drag to a force that you think is the correct pull to set the circle hook for you and begin the battle. Then, just put it in the rod holder in the strike position and don’t touch it until it’s doubled over (unless it goes slack and you think the fish has picked up the bait and is coming towards you – in that case reel fast until the rod is loaded up).
FYI: Same circle hook technique is optimal for cobia and sharks as well.
Tim
how about a spinning setup?