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Fighting
Tarpon
There
are many schools of thought on you should strike a tarpon
after he takes your fly. The most common misconception
is that you should wait for the tarpon to turn away
before setting the hook. This technique is flawed because
many times the tarpon will take your fly and continue
coming right towards you. A better solution is to wait
until the tarpon closes his mouth and then strike. By
waiting for the tarpon to fully engulf the fly, you
are likely to get a better hookset deeper in the fish's
mouth.
When
you strike a tarpon don't swipe the rod like Bubba the
bass fisherman or you might pop your leader. The best
way to strike a tarpon is a short, firm strip-strike
ninety degrees to the fish. The incredible stress put
on your leader during this process requires that you
learn to master the art of knot tying. Only the best
knots can survive the grueling ordeal of fighting and
landing a large tarpon.
After
you strike the fish, give your undivided attention to
clearing the line. You can easily do this by making
a circle with your forefinger and thumb so that the
line flows cleanly off the deck. You then begin the
long dance with the silver king at the end of your line.
The
most important rule to landing a large tarpon is to
maintain a steady tension on the line and to avoid any
sudden stressful jerks. Maintain a steady pressure while
the fish runs. Either you take line or the fish does.
Never reel line unless you are pumping. You need to
take control and regain line whenever possible. You
must pump the fish when he is not taking line. If the
fish makes any movement or lunge while you are pumping
you must lower your rod and let him go.
During
the course of action you must show your respect to the
king and "bow" whenever he jumps. To properly
bow a jumping tarpon, you point the rod tip at the fish
as he jumps and simultaneously lower it under the water
a few inches.
This
dipping technique was developed by Harry Kime to alleviate
the slack line that occurs during bowing by using the
density of the water to increase surface tension.
Be
ready to chase after the fish if it appears as though
you are going to be spooled. Tarpon often make bombastic,
acrobatic runs of over 200 yards so chasing after them
is a distinct possibility.
When
the fish is within a short distance to the boat, you
must apply side pressure to subdue him. Side pressure
is the method of holding the rod at ninety degree angles
to the direction of which the fish is swimming and only
works when the fish is within close proximity to the
boat.
Familiarity
with your tackle and its drag will help you correctly
land a fish. You may fine tune your drag during the
fight but this takes a great deal of touch and experience.
Palming the reel is an effective technique that allows
you a great deal of flexibility without the permanent
consequences of tightening the drag. It is also important
to remember that at the end of the battle when you are
landing the fish you must loosen your drag as a precaution
should anything go awry.
Be
certain that the tarpon is finished before you attempt
removing the fly and releasing him. Tarpon are large,
powerful creatures that demand your utmost attention
for your own safety. Quickly remove the fly, take any
pictures, and revive the fish by moving water over his
gills. If it is easier, put the boat in gear and hold
the fish as the water runs over his gills until he is
ready to be released.
The
future of our tarpon fishing depends on the quick capture
and release of the beautiful giant. Never go after tarpon
with undermatched tackle or spend too much time taking
photos while the fish is exhausted.
Tarpon
have been on Earth over 100 million years. It is only
through our actions today that they will be around for
100 million more!
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