fly fishing, fly rods, fly reels, flies for tarpon of mosquito lagoon, indian river, banana river, tomoka basin, guides

Tarpon, aka Silver King, are one of the most sought after gamefish in the world. While the Florida Keys may boast the highest numbers year round, Central Florida has its share of tarpon too. The Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River, Banana River and Tomoka Basin all hold good numbers of tarpon. The size will vary during the year, with the summer months having the best numbers and the biggest fish. While the average size tarpon in our area is 40-50 pounds, we do get trophy fish that will top the 200 pound mark. Tarpon are known for their aerial acrobatics once hooked and for their ability to destroy fishing tackle. Long, fast, drag screaming runs are normal, and if they are near deep water, they will go down and dare you to try and lift them up. Tarpon have the ability to make even the most seasoned anglers shake. However, a well placed fly, a hungry fish, and good fly fishing tackle, can make for the memory of a lifetime. The Silver King truly lives up to its name and will test your every ability as an angler.

Fly Selection: There is a debate every year, as to what tarpon fly is working best. The argument will usually be about the size, with half of the fishing population wanting big flies, while the other half wants smaller flies. Color is another issue and will vary from location to location. But, here are 12 flies that local guides and our staff recommend using when chasing tarpon in Central Florida waterways:

Rod and Reel Selection: Tarpon fly rods and fly reels will be put under extreme pressure. It is necessary to cast bulky flies into some windy conditions and the fish require maximum pressure to have the best shot at landing them. The average fly rod for tarpon will be a 10-12 weight. Fly reels should have a smooth drag system, capable of withstanding long runs and should hold at least 200 yards of 30 pound dacron. Weight forward floating lines work well, but there are times when a full intermediate or sink tip fly line is recommended. Here is the gear that our guides and staff use when chasing tarpon:

Captain Nick Sassic: Sage TCR 10 weight or Sage Xi2 12 weight fly rod, Tibor Riptide or Tibor Gulfstream fly reel, Rio Tarpon Taper fly line
Captain Doug Blanton: G-Loomis Crosscurrent Pro 1 10 weight of 12 weight fly rod, Ross Momentum fly reel, Scientific Angler Tarpon Taper or Scientific Angler Wet-Tip Clear Saltwater fly line
Captain John Tarr: Thomas and Thomas Horizon II 10 weight or Sage Xi2 12 weight fly rod, Tibor Riptide or Nautilus 12 fly reel, Scientific Angler Tarpon Taper or Scientific Angler Shooting Head System fly line
David Olson (The Fly Fisherman Orlando): G-Loomis Crosscurrent Pro 1 12 weight or Thomas and Thomas Horizon 11 weight fly rod, Tibor Pacific or Tibor Riptide fly reel, Scientific Angler Tarpon Taper fly line
Greg Dini (Orlando Fly Fisherman): G-Loomis Crosscurrent Pro 1 12 weight fly rod, Tibor Gulfstream fly reel, Scientific Angler Tarpon Taper or Wet-Tip Clear fly line

Check out our Fishing Report for the latest fishing conditions and flies that are being used to catch Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River tarpon.

Fly of the Month will have several fly patterns, with step-by-step instructions, that will catch tarpon in any conditions.