When I’m back from Wisconsin we leave for 11 days in Keys then 4 in West Palm. Since my trip expanded the extra days I was looking at travel rods. Wife surprised me by ordering one.
I’m now trying to learn how to rig for big tarpon and such. I am ordering a reel and they can pre spool it. Looks like an 800 series spool, 50# 16 strand hollow braid, 50# mono, going to stick with A-5’s preference, Big Game, they use a set of needles/latching things and run 30’ of mono into braid. Then pull through, nail knot 5-6 spots, then use a glue.
I found some tarpon fishing pages to get here. I am ordering TS’s recommended FC Sniper Flouro but the shock cord sub brand. 50# or 40#.
Guessing the added cost of a kit to make these splices is something I should buy. The keys bridges have resident tarpon over 100 lbs. Most anglers said they leave the schools it 50 lbs. fish when jumbos show. I’m not one to shy from a challenge but might meet my match this time.
Questions I have:
Is Top Shot knot setup being best for what I’m targeting?
Will I likely break leader and thus downsize slightly/upsize braid/mono prior can avoid this complicated looking Top Shot process? If it’s a rare break maybe just have local shop retie. Or pickup when I’m there after they show me how to use. I’m ordering from Charkbait.
Giant swivel or?? Between Mono and Flouro?
Is 800 series (marked 80 by brand Im looking) the best due to line capacity or should I down size to 65? I’m torn between line capacity and bulky size. Without handling it’s just me guessing. Rod is an Okuma travel Surf setup. 10’ 4 piece Heavy. Thought MH might be more useful beyond Keys but she ordered before I decided and probably better off with Heavy.
Anything else I’m missing besides brains to avoid this endeavor?
I’ve a 54’ish nice fishing yacht chartered for entire first day. I’m hoping to get some insight there. They don’t bother targeting big tarpon so I’m solo there on subsequent days.
Might get a center console rental for the week or a few days anyway. I’m sure I’ll charter at least one more time for spear fishing.
I’m way outta my element on the surf/bridge fishing. I’ve caught Striper on jetties in MA but that was a lifetime ago and fish much smaller.
I’m not tossing jigs/spoons. I’m going to just use the blue crab locals recommend. Never rigged a live
Might get pinched a bit.
I’m now trying to learn how to rig for big tarpon and such. I am ordering a reel and they can pre spool it. Looks like an 800 series spool, 50# 16 strand hollow braid, 50# mono, going to stick with A-5’s preference, Big Game, they use a set of needles/latching things and run 30’ of mono into braid. Then pull through, nail knot 5-6 spots, then use a glue.
I found some tarpon fishing pages to get here. I am ordering TS’s recommended FC Sniper Flouro but the shock cord sub brand. 50# or 40#.
Guessing the added cost of a kit to make these splices is something I should buy. The keys bridges have resident tarpon over 100 lbs. Most anglers said they leave the schools it 50 lbs. fish when jumbos show. I’m not one to shy from a challenge but might meet my match this time.
Questions I have:
Is Top Shot knot setup being best for what I’m targeting?
Will I likely break leader and thus downsize slightly/upsize braid/mono prior can avoid this complicated looking Top Shot process? If it’s a rare break maybe just have local shop retie. Or pickup when I’m there after they show me how to use. I’m ordering from Charkbait.
Giant swivel or?? Between Mono and Flouro?
Is 800 series (marked 80 by brand Im looking) the best due to line capacity or should I down size to 65? I’m torn between line capacity and bulky size. Without handling it’s just me guessing. Rod is an Okuma travel Surf setup. 10’ 4 piece Heavy. Thought MH might be more useful beyond Keys but she ordered before I decided and probably better off with Heavy.
Anything else I’m missing besides brains to avoid this endeavor?
I’ve a 54’ish nice fishing yacht chartered for entire first day. I’m hoping to get some insight there. They don’t bother targeting big tarpon so I’m solo there on subsequent days.
Might get a center console rental for the week or a few days anyway. I’m sure I’ll charter at least one more time for spear fishing.
I’m way outta my element on the surf/bridge fishing. I’ve caught Striper on jetties in MA but that was a lifetime ago and fish much smaller.
I’m not tossing jigs/spoons. I’m going to just use the blue crab locals recommend. Never rigged a live
Might get pinched a bit.
