first tarpon!

[sa1280]

I just moved to Miami, last night I went out in search of tarpon near Gvnt. Cut after hearing about it being a good place to at least see tarpon. I was there for two hours, seeing small tarpon chasing small shrimp around, but didnt have so much as a bump trying a variety of flies. Finally I put on a black tarpon bunny, and about 10 min later hooked up on a fish I had seen swim through the light! It was a mission to land due to where I was, but got it in, I dont know how people land the 100 lbers!:eek: The fish was about 40lbs (48-50 inches), and kicked my ass pretty well (didnt have gloves)! Are bogas etc reccomended, or do they present a risk if the fish is flailing its head around like this on was? Any thoughts on handling them from shore?

[Quicksilver]

Florida rules are when the leader hits the tip top the fish is considered caught. The best thing for the fish is to break it off asap. Everyone wants a picture, but if you are alone it will certainly be a chore to control the fish and camera. break the fish off, go home and tie another fly. Nice going with the catch!

[Tarpon41]

I just moved to Miami, last night I went out in search of tarpon near Gvnt. Cut after hearing about it being a good place to at least see tarpon. I was there for two hours, seeing small tarpon chasing small shrimp around, but didnt have so much as a bump trying a variety of flies. Finally I put on a black tarpon bunny, and about 10 min later hooked up on a fish I had seen swim through the light! It was a mission to land due to where I was, but got it in, I dont know how people land the 100 lbers!:eek: The fish was about 40lbs (48-50 inches), and kicked my ass pretty well (didnt have gloves)! Are bogas etc reccomended, or do they present a risk if the fish is flailing its head around like this on was? Any thoughts on handling them from shore?

CHECK the FLA regs now on tarpon if you lift the fish all out of the water for pics...it's considered a potential kill and you will need a pricey FLA kill tag...that's the last time I checked FLA recent regs...

[Onshore]

Nice catch and report. I moved here in June, got my first Tarpon in late July.
Lots of fun.

[sa1280]

I am pretty sure that in the future thats what I wil do, as it was not exactly easy to deal with the fish. I do want to clarify though, that the fish was kept in the water as I fished my camera out of my pocket and placed it on a rock with the self timer on, it was only then that I lifted the fish out(which is when all hell broke loose), got the pic, revived it, and away it went. I didnt know about the tarpon tag thing though, thanks for that.

[Tarpon41]

SA

forgot to add..the Keys fly tarpon guides are somewhat in revolt as they take pics and release...don't know if FLA fish cops are going to ask a kill tag for each separate ...could get pricey...suspect the "guide lobby" going to ask for explanation...but here's what I'm going to do...fish wih 20 lb break ...find out what hook will straighten( bend out enough)just under 20...then when leader hits tip or when all the jumps are done...grab line hook bends out and fish gone...going to take some experimentation...but after you catch a few ...you will find all you want to do is get them to eat the fly...get the jumps...then leave and go for another

[sa1280]

I cant wait to get to the point where I've caught that many!! I jumped one the other night but lost it, it was still fun.

[MrJams]

I just moved to Miami, last night I went out in search of tarpon near Gvnt. Cut after hearing about it being a good place to at least see tarpon. I was there for two hours, seeing small tarpon chasing small shrimp around, but didnt have so much as a bump trying a variety of flies. Finally I put on a black tarpon bunny, and about 10 min later hooked up on a fish I had seen swim through the light! It was a mission to land due to where I was, but got it in, I dont know how people land the 100 lbers!:eek: The fish was about 40lbs (48-50 inches), and kicked my ass pretty well (didnt have gloves)! Are bogas etc reccomended, or do they present a risk if the fish is flailing its head around like this on was? Any thoughts on handling them from shore?

I'm in town visiting family until Sunday (taking a break from the sub-zero steelheadin') and have done a bit of wading the flats, but I'd really like to get a chance to go after a few tarpon. Anyone have any idea when the fish will move back into shore range after this cold front passes?

Also - any directions on how to get to Gov't Cut and where to park would be much appreciated.

Thanks