Best Fishing Rod For Tarpon
When it comes to catching a fish that can grow as big as 1800 pounds, you need a fishing rod that is capable of handling such a powerful force. Tarpon are usually found in tropical coastal waters along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Brazil. They tend to travel in schools or shoals as they feed on smaller fish and crustaceans and bigger schools tend to make it easier for them to find food. Tarpon catches are not easy due to their size and the fact that they swim in schools, but if you want bragging rights that you've caught a tarpon then you need a rod that can handle such a huge fish
Update: These days, people are using lighter rods for tarpon fishing, but these recommendations still stand.
Most people have a misconception that saltwater fish cannot be caught with freshwater gear and vice versa. This is far from the truth as you can use any type of fishing rod to catch any type of fish given the right tackle. In this article we will look at what is the best fishing rod for catching tarpon and the steps you need to take.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional (or even amateur) fisherman. I have no formal training in fishing and my knowledge comes from reading books, listening to people with more experience than me and by trial and error. The information presented here is based on my personal opinions and what has worked for me.
There are a few factors you need to consider when choosing the best fishing rod for catching tarpon:
Strength size and action of the rod Tippet strength Ease of use Comfort Casting distance What kind of fish is it going to be used for?
In this article we will look at each of these factors in detail and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Strength, Size and Action of the Rod
When choosing a fishing rod for any type of fish you want to make sure that it has enough power to handle the fish regardless of its size. When it comes to tarpon, there is no set rule on what strength of
rod you should get. Tarpon can grow up to 1800lbs which makes them one of the heaviest saltwater game fish you will encounter and regardless of their size they are known to pack quite a punch when hooked.
You need to make sure you use the right type of fishing line for catching tarpon. Monofilament lines are the most common type of line used in saltwater fishing and they can handle a pretty big fish. However mono-lines for tarpon fishing will stretch considerably when the fish runs with it increasing the chances that you will break your line. A better choice would be braided lines like Power Pro which handles tensile stress better than monofilament lines.
Tarpon are known to have a lot of power behind their runs so if your rod does not have enough backbone or is too flexible you will find yourself reeling in line instead of fighting the fish. When choosing the right rod for tarpon fishing make sure that it has plenty of backbone and can handle a pretty big fish.
Tippet Strength
Always use the strongest tippet you can find when fishing for tarpon. Tarpon have been known to snap even 40 pound test monofilament lines so make sure you are prepared. The general rule is not to use any line lighter than 25 pounds since the chances of breaking are too high. It is better to cut your line if you get snagged rather than break it and lose the fish.
Ease of Use
The lighter your fishing gear, the easier it will be for you to handle them out in the water. This point becomes even more important when you fish alone since it can get quite tiring when you are using heavier gear. Choose a rod that is not too heavy and has good balance so it can be cast easily even when you don't have any leverage to do so.
Comfort
When fishing for tarpon you need to spend plenty of time out on the water, waiting for those big fish to bite, so your fishing gear needs to be comfortable. Choose a rod that has an ergonomic design so it is easy on your hands and take the time to familiarize yourself with how you need to grip the rod in order to make casting easier.
Comfort becomes even more important when you fish alone since you will be spending much more time handling your gear out in the water.
Casting Distance
When fishing for tarpon you will be casting your gear a lot so make sure you choose a rod which allows you to reach the next fishing spot comfortably. The length of the rod plays an important role in how far you can cast your line, but also consider other factors like the weight of the line and tippet, how easy it is to cast and if the rod has a long casting stroke. See more: https://fishinghacking.com/how-to-choose-fishing-rod-for-tarpon-tips-for-new-angler/