How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

[Kymasabe]

From a boat is the no brainer part. But what then? Jigs? Crabs? Crabs on jigs? Leader weight? Line weight?
I have a heavy boat rod, 6-foot, with an old Penn Route66 reel. I've never used it. I've had it at least 15 years and never used it once. I just spooled it up with some fresh 50lb mono last week in the hopes I'll be going for Tarpon soon. I have some 80lb mono for leaders...but is that heavy enough? Do I have enough rod and reel? How much weight do I need?

I'm admitedly south Florida's worst fisherman. Had the boat since August (Cobia SunSKiff 156 with trolling motor and Johnson 60hp, little bay boat). I take my kids out almost every weekend and have yet to catch a redfish or snook. Finally caught some trout this past week or two...little ones. But usually it's ladyfish or catfish. Enough, I wanna catch some real fish!

 

[Kymasabe]

Re: How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

Wow, two weeks since I posted the question and either no one has any idea how to fish for tarpon (not likely) or the locals who've read the post are keeping the secrets to themselves (highly likely).

 

[wildspeed]

Re: How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

I don't fish Tarpons, but Spanich Mackerel and little Tunny were out this weekend in the Ft Desoto / Egmont Key area

caught them on spoons.

 

[Drewmac]

Re: How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

Went down there years back and the captain used live shrimp and crabs. He had pieces of yarn tied at different lengths on the string to help for distance/depth. Its been awhile, but I think it was pretty much a creep along pace. He had us (we had three people taking turns) take the rod and place it on the side of boat and put a hand on the butt and middle with a little weight holding it down. It was really hard for me b/c these huge fish only bit like a spot or croaker (hard tap) etc. When we felt this bite we were instructed to yell at the captain and he would throttle up. This would set the hook. Anything else would pull the hook out as I understand there jaws are weak or something? Well growing up fishing for spots, croaker, etc. it was so hard not to want to jerk the rod after so many years. Hence keeping rod on the side was suppose to help, but I never could feel the bite that way so I had to try to hold it. Needless to stay we never did hook one, but it was still fun. Those fish were everywhere, rolling on top, other boats hooking up and seeing them jump in the distance. Really neat. Went snook fishing the next day and that went much better. Hopes this helps a little.

 

[frankie g]

Re: How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

in my opinion, now...stay out of the pass, 15 million captains and there clients are all over it, it's a mad house! fish the river or the beaches, tarpon are all over. I use 40lbs main line and 80 lb leader w/ # 9-12 ot eagle claw circle hook, fish a catfish tail or lady fish, mackeral, mullet, or pinfish on the bottom and wait. good thing to do is join the CC tarpon hunters club and you'll get plenty of help. http://www.capecoraltarponhunters.com/
by the way I don't watch this forum much or I would have posted sooner, I'm from the Cape also. AND during tarpon season NEVER throw away the ladyfish or catfish....GREAT tarpon baits.....tak'um home and freeze'um
Here is a forum that contains fishing,boating and other topic's right in your back yard, http://outdoorsbest.zeroforum.com/zeromain?id=1 I constantly use FS forum for fishing reports, FAQ' too Join this forum , It's worth it's weight in gold. I'm tileman in that forum by the way, say hello

 

[bucken]

Re: How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

I prefer to fish Boca at night.A fast moving tide is best.Catch a lot of snnok and big snappers.
If you hang a light over the side of boat you will attract lots of baitfish.
Then the fun starts.These baitfish will bring in a lot of tarpon,snook and sharks.Just free-line a baitfish just outside the light and hang on.
We all have favorite spots you will have to do the work and find you're own.
I have a fishing hole thats so secret even the fish don't know about it.

 

[flflats]

Re: How do I fish Boca Grande for Tarpon ??

kumasabe, the advice Frankie and Bucken gave were right on. I would add with a little bay boat and kids be very careful around the pass. lots of boats speeding by and fishing. some of these guys are just learning and mean well but it can get ruff out there. hope you catch um. JB Port Charlotte