When it comes to fly fishing in the tropical waters of the Caribbean from Key West to the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are few species as sought after as Tarpon. The Silver King, as they have been nicknamed, are not just fish; they are living legends in the fly fishing world. They have long been the subject of everything from novels to songs. Their incredible size and shimmering silver scales make that collective obsession easy to understand. But it’s not just their appearance that captivates. Tarpon look like something that should have been long fossilized alongside the dinosaurs. That is because they were here during the prehistoric era with the species being over 120 million years old. They are a testament to the ancient and majestic nature of our world. Besides their prehistoric status, several unique characteristics make fly anglers dream of going after this fish.
Flying and Fighting
The image of the Silver King jumping out of the ocean has been seen time and time again. This is because they are incredibly agile. They jump out of the water to escape their predators and use their size as an advantage when going after their prey. This jumping is something they utilize when they’re hooked on the fly, and you’re in for one hell of a fight once you have one hooked. One of the thought processes on why they do this is that it’s a stress response. When they feel that tug or know they’re being chased, they jump to use their strength to break away or distance themselves from their predator.
For the angler that just hooked one, they are in for a ride. That’s why bringing the proper reel and rod combo is crucial to get the job done. We recommend that you pack an 10-12wt Rod. This will give you a significant advantage in the fight to get the Tarpon on the boat or the shore. You should also set your Rod up with 200-300 yards of 20-40# backing. With the right equipment, you’ll be ready to tackle the Silver King with confidence and skill.
Flys for Tarpon
Compared to some saltwater fish, Tarpon aren’t that finicky. They tend to go for the fly. This is due to the wide variety of fish and crustaceans they eat. They’re hungry and want to eat, so they often can’t refuse the meal when a fly presents. Now, what you’re using depends as it always does on the location, but here in Xcalak, you can’t go wrong with the following:
- Baitfish Patterns
- Crab and Shrimp Patterns
- Toad Fly Patterns
Remember, the right fly can make all the difference in your tarpon fishing experience. It’s not just about the thrill of the fight but also about being well-prepared. Ensuring you have the right equipment and fly selection is key to your success. With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to tackle the Silver King with confidence and skill. So call us, and we will help you put everything in this post to practice in the beautiful waters of Xcalak.