Top Five Flies for Tarpon and Bonefish

[DennisV]

I'll be in Marathon from May 8th thru May 14th for Tarpon and Bones this year.

The last time I was there was 1982 ...

If you had to pick 5 or 6 fly patterns and sizes for each, what would you take ???

Would like to hear your thoughts on circle hook flies and leader set ups also.

[FISHEYE]

Are you fishing with a guide? If so, I would ask.

[Fats]

For Bones around the flats on Marathon, I had the most luck fishing M.O.E. flies for bones. They hung up in the turtle grass much less than "Charlies" did. I never got to dance with Tarpon while I was down there but I seem to remember that smaller natural flies were talked about more... It was in the mid 90's so it is not like it is tremendously fresh info.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

If you are out with a guide for Tarpon you should use all their equipment.

May is the top month for the big Tarpon migration in the FL Keys.

Contact "Florida Keys Outfitters" for some good fly recommendations.

http://www.floridakeysoutfitters.com/

[DennisV]

I won't be using a guide. Just me and the wife.

Will be using my own gear and have rented a 20' cc for the week.

Be fishing the week centered around the first quarter moon.

There's a lot of interesting new development in tarpon flies these days and I was just wondering if anybody had some firsthand experience with some of them.

I will show 'em a few Poledancers just to see what they think !

[Fats]

Borski's stuff was pretty well thought of...

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

You would probably anchor up on the Atlantic side of the FL Keys and cast to passing schools of adult migrating Tarpon with a 20' CC skiff.

People use anything from a 9' #10 to #12 line rod.

People use full floaters, 10' clear sink-tips and full clear slow sinking lines.

I would use 20" tippet and 80# shock/bite tippet.

I think a #3/0 is a nice size hook for adult tarpon.

Today they use flies with more action. They are tied with rabbit, marabou and soft hackles.

Orange is a good color. Tan with barring is popular. Some use black or purple flies too.

There are lots of DVDs you can buy or rent on Tarpon fishing as well as YouTube video clips that can be very helpful.