Tarpon on Fly

As coastal water temperatures begin to climb in early spring migratory schools of tarpon work their way from the Florida Keys up the southwest Gulf coast towards Charlotte Harbor. Large schools of hungry fish filter into the southern end of Pine Island Sound then up into Boca Grande Pass and the adjacent bays and sounds to feed on the vast amount of available bait. From this point, groups and schools of fish spread out from the beaches to the backcountry and can be seen cruising, daisy chaining, or just laid up within any of these areas. Looking and fishing for tarpon generally takes place in somewhat more open and deeper water than a backcountry trip and also utilizes stouter tackle. In addition to working the beaches off Sanibel, Captiva, Cayo Costa, or Gasparilla Islands, we might stake out or drift some of the deeper grass flats within Pine Island or Gasparilla Sound. In Charlotte Harbor itself, we could slowly work our way up and down the east or west wall between Matlacha and Pirate Harbor.

Early in the year, March and April, one of my favorite places to be is on my poling platform hunting down tarpon in Pine Island Sound. The somewhat deeper flats mixed with large sandholes and thick turtlegrass between Panther and Demere Keys on the east side can be good. It's also not unusual to see some good fish across the sound on the flats between Redfish and Captiva Passes.   

As for tackle, I like ten or twelve weight rods and I'll usually have both floating and intermediate sink tip lines rigged. Floating lines are easier to throw; but, sometimes the fish want to stay down and a lower presentation is more effective. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of fishing this great game fish on fly, this early season can provide a perfect sight fishing opportunity.