Got back down to chase Poon's for the June Full Moon on Fly. In 4 days I ended up with 7 Tarpon in the 15-110# size and 7 Permit in the 25-40# size. I landed several Tarpon on Fly in the backcountry casting to rolling, bubbling or laid up fish. Once I got the Tarpon out of the way I start slinging flies to giant cruising Permit in the Salt. They are VERY picky and just wouldn't eat the Fly so we used our back up plan and sight casted them with live crabs (nearly priceless this time of year and really hard to find). It's funny how things work but as soon as I put down the Tarpon Fly gear and switched to lighter set-ups for Permit a big ole' Poon shows up just riding high on the surface. I tossed a crab to her 60 yards away in her path and fish on! She inhaled it! The only problem was I now had a 110# Tarpon on Medium-Heavy Spinning Rod, 3000 Size Reel, 14# Braid and a 40# Leader. What a brutal fight and surprised I never blew up the rod. Way under gunned gear for adult Tarpon but after nearly being spooled 3-4 times I beat her down and whopped her ass landing her in 30 minutes. What an exhausting 30 minutes with spectacular jumps and surges. I also hooked two Tarpon on lures when the Fly bite died and the fish in the Salt sat on the bottom of 10 feet. The Fly bite was nearly amazing every morning and as long as I made precise casts 20-75 yards the fish would eat. I landed 4 on Fly, jumped many more that spit the hook after a few jumps. The Permit were everywhere and what a true treat to be able to sight cast both these fish each day. Here's a few pics of some Permit and a 50# Tarpon. We had some 9-10 foot Bull Shark issues where we unfortunately lost one Permit to a shark that came out of nowhere. Lately, out there the guys set a 5 jump rule for the Tarpon and then break them off because the 14 foot Hammer Heads and Bull Sharks were destroying the Tarpon. The rest is on video and I got some great eats with fly or crab, jumps and battles. I'll post some of it once it's edited and I can figure out how to post them on this forum. Another great trip down in Florida….That Fly Tarpon bite has me completely melted, head over heels in love with the challenge, eat and fight. I've been ruined by the Saltwater Fly Game….it's worse than any drug!! Way to addicting!
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Thanks guys!! I've been destroyed by the "Saltwater Fly Game". It's become my obsession and practice at home pays off when down on these trips. It's such a challenge to have to put the fly in the exact right spot or leading the fish sight casting without being too close and spooking them or being too far and not worth the effort of the fish to go get it. Those damn Tarpon are SO LAZY!! I've been 2-3 feet off with the fly and they completely see it but won't expend any energy to lunge and grab it. I've learned so much in the last few years down there to trust the gear today…the lines, rods, leaders, etc…You have to fight these fish to the point of nearly breaking them off or they will won't give up. It's usually 50/50 when hooked up with a Tarpon. You beat them down quick, never rest and trust the gear or they'll wear through the leader, spit the hook or break the leader when landing on it from jumping or a big surge. I'm always amazed at the area I fish in SW Florida. So many fish and so little fisherman. I'm absolutely in love with the challenge of these beasts and forcing them to eat a fly. If anyone is interested in a trip like this I can surely walk you through all the details. It's actually so easy with all the logistics. Thanks again!
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