Tarpon fishing

the blind squirrel

 I am coming over from the east coast and staying at South Seas Resort.  5-30 thru 6-6 I am bringing  my boat a 25 LTB. I am looking for someone with experience fishing Boca Grande to fish with me an afternoon or 2 the 31st or 1 st 

 i would appreciate any tips also. I plan to fish the beaches early  several times on my trip as well.

 

CaptainBly

The 30th, 31st, and 1st should be pretty good tides to fish the afternoon/evening flush in the pass.  Crabs should be flushing out.  Get a dip net, dip crabs and watch what the fleet does.  Pretty much it is a drift in the afternoon.  Get at the head of the drift, put your baits out.  You can flat line a crab, put a little weight on it or I even like to use a 4-6 oz weight and have it down in the water column.  And just hold on.  If they are chewing it can get pretty crazy with those tides.  

Once hooked up, try and get on top of your fish.  Don't let the fish take 100 yards of line and run around.  You will not be a popular person if you do that.

Just be super aware of what is going on around you.  It can be a shizzit show but I love it.  If a fish is coming at you, reel up your lines and get out of the way.  DO NOT GET IN FRONT OF THE INBOARD BOATS.  When they hook up they punch it to hook and pull the fish out of the pass.  Don't want to be sitting right in front of them because of that but I would follow the drift lines they are on.  The flushes are not near as chaotic because the tide kind of keeps everyone doing the same thing but it can get pretty wild.

I GENERALLY use 50 lb mono main line on my drop reels and 50-65 pound power prow on spinners with 60-80 lb leader.  6-8/0 hook.  Size 6000'ish spinning rods.  Don't go in under tackled or it will be a LONG day.

At the end of your drift, drive AROUND the fleet and reset up. DON'T drive down the middle of the fleet.

I will be there and fishing until the 30th and then wife trip that Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Here is some information from the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association (although they don't even follow all of these but they are overall good guidelines) 

BGFGA Boca Grande Tarpon Fishing Rules Of The Pass

These rules are a guideline for all to follow. Due to the large number of boats of Boca Grande Pass, there must be some harmony among all involved. Keep in mind that the objective is to show clients and guests professionalism and a great time. By following these rules, we can all be winners and friends, hopefully. We have the best fishing in the world. Let's enjoy and preserve it.

1. "Short Drifting" is the most disruptive method of boat operation and it is despised by all experienced pass fisherman. It causes hard feelings and sets off a chain reaction when one crowds in between drifting boats, which then continues to the next boat causing chaos for everyone in the fleet. The end result is fewer fish caught and the more quickly spooked fish will move to another location.
   
   
2. When finished with a drift, move back to the head of the pack on the outside of the drifting boats, NOT through them.
   
   
3. Operate your boat in the pass among other tarpon boats at a rate of speed that does not create a wake, especially in areas of shallow water known as the "pan" and "hill".
   
   
4. Keep the engine(s) running at all times and keep your boat positioned so as not to disrupt another boat's drift.
   
   
5. Do not position your boat during a drift in front of or under the bow of another boat.
   
   
6. Use tackle sufficient enough to control a tarpon with a minimum of 50 pound test line. Do not follow the fish.
   
   
7. Once hooked, control the tarpon with your boat and take the fish out of the pack as quickly as possible before finishing the fight and releasing the fish.
   
   
8. In case two boats tangle with each other's lines, the boat with the fish should move out of the fleet. The other boat with no fish should release his drag and then go alongside and slightly ahead of the boat with the tarpon. The hook will slide up the tight line of hooked fish and it can then be easily removed at the rod tip by the captain. Be sure and give enough slack so he can easily remove the hook.
   
   
9. Do NOT anchor in the pass!!
   
   
10. Try to adhere to these rules. Watch and do what the pro's do and you will have fewer problems. If you need help, ask a professional tarpon guide.

GOOD LUCK.  I would take you out one trip to show you but am full all the days I am there.

the blind squirrel

Thank you 

On the down lines do you use mono or Braid?

CaptainBly

Mono