FishingForTarpon

Fishing for Tarpon- West Coast

During the months of May and June large schools of large tarpon run along the beaches all along Florida's west coast. I set up shop in Fort Myers then, guiding fly and light tackle anglers for tarpon in Pine Island Sound and along the Gulf beaches from Sanibel Island to Boca Grande.These fish average from 80 to 120 pounds, although smaller and larger ones are encountered.

My son Maxx fishing to a school of west coast tarpon.

Fly tackle includes 12-weight rods with intermediate, sink-tip, and floating lines, depending on conditions. I use Abel and Islander reels for these fish. Twenty pound spinning outfits are used by those not fly fishing. Shimano Stradic 6000's loaded with 50 pound Power Pro are matched to appropriately sized rods.

I launch my boat at Pineland Marina on Pine Island. My anglers usually stay at the Tarpon Lodge, right next door. Folks on a tighter budget can find lodging in the village of Matlacha, one of the nicest little towns in Florida. Knoll's Court (239.283.0616) is the recommended lodging there.

Most of the time we're sight fishing for these fish. There is absolutely nothing in fishing that can prepare you for the first time you see a six foot long fish come up and take your fly. Once the hook is set all hell breaks loose! I could relate a lot of stories, but space prevents that. I think it's the most fun you can have standing up, and maybe in any position.

When the fish are scarce tarpon fishing might be the least interesting thing you can voluntarily do. But when they show up there's nothing more thrilling.

If you're up to the challenge of tarpon on fly or light tackle please call or email me. I'd love to show you the fish!

That's what we're talking about!

Fishing for Tarpon- East Coast

From the end of June until about mid-October we get tarpon in my home waters on the east coast. Lagoon fish tend to be smaller ones (not always!) and ocean fish tend to be larger. They can be undependable, but when they are available they usually eat quite well. While you can often sight fish the lagoon fish, ocean fishing tends to be tossing live baits to areas where you can see fish rolling or blowing up on baits. Of course you can fly fish if you can blind cast a heavy rod.

Rodney Smith, having a good day with the tarpon.

Again, if you're up to the challenge of tarpon on fly or light tackle please call
or email me. I would love to take you fishing!

All photos and text copyright © John A. Kumiski 2005. It is illegal to reproduce or distribute anything on this website in any manner or medium without written permission from its author, John A. Kumiski, 284 Clearview Road, Chuluota, FL 32766; 407.977.5207; spottedtail@spottedtail.com.


	Fishing for Tarpon- West Coast During the months of May and June large schools of large tarpon run along the beaches all along Florida's west coast. I set up shop in Fort Myers then, guiding fly and light tackle anglers for tarpon in Pine Island Sound and along the Gulf beaches from Sanibel Island to Boca Grande.These fish average from 80 to 120 pounds, although smaller and larger ones are encountered. My son Maxx fishing to a school of west coast tarpon. Fly tackle includes 12-weight rods with intermediate, sink-tip, and floating lines, depending on conditions. I use Abel and Islander reels for these fish. Twenty pound spinning outfits are used by those not fly fishing. Shimano Stradic 6000's loaded with 50 pound Power Pro are matched to appropriately sized rods. I launch my boat at Pineland Marina on Pine Island. My anglers usually stay at the Tarpon Lodge, right next door. Folks on a tighter budget can find lodging in the village of Matlacha, one of the nicest little towns in Florida. Knoll's Court (239.283.0616) is the recommended lodging there. Most of the time we're sight fishing for these fish. There is absolutely nothing in fishing that can prepare you for the first time you see a six foot long fish come up and take your fly. Once the hook is set all hell breaks loose! I could relate a lot of stories, but space prevents that. I think it's the most fun you can have standing up, and maybe in any position. When the fish are scarce tarpon fishing might be the least interesting thing you can voluntarily do. But when they show up there's nothing more thrilling. If you're up to the challenge of tarpon on fly or light tackle please call or email me. I'd love to show you the fish! That's what we're talking about! Fishing for Tarpon- East Coast From the end of June until about mid-October we get tarpon in my home waters on the east coast. Lagoon fish tend to be smaller ones (not always!) and ocean fish tend to be larger. They can be undependable, but when they are available they usually eat quite well. While you can often sight fish the lagoon fish, ocean fishing tends to be tossing live baits to areas where you can see fish rolling or blowing up on baits. Of course you can fly fish if you can blind cast a heavy rod. Rodney Smith, having a good day with the tarpon. Again, if you're up to the challenge of tarpon on fly or light tackle please call or email me. I would love to take you fishing!		Site Navigation Bookmark this Page! Guided Fishing: General Fishing Information Our Fishing Tackle What to Bring Skiff Fishing Paddle Fishing Tarpon Fishing! This Week's Fishing Report Subscribe to the Fishing Report Lodging and Restaurants Photo Album Testimonials FAQ's Directions Fly Fishing Lessons About Capt. John Rates Links Books, Maps, and Special Reports: Argonaut Publishing Company Argonaut Publishing On-Line Store Flies and Fly Tying: SexyFlies! Fly of the Week And Last But Not Least: Contact Us!

	All photos and text copyright © John A. Kumiski 2005. It is illegal to reproduce or distribute anything on this website in any manner or medium without written permission from its author, John A. Kumiski, 284 Clearview Road, Chuluota, FL 32766; 407.977.5207; spottedtail@spottedtail.com.

Fishing for Tarpon- West Coast

Fishing for Tarpon- East Coast

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