TARPON
Part One: Fly-fishing for Tarpon

Tarpon are the largest, strongest, and most acrobatic of the flats lineup. Even juvenile fish will put your angling skills to the test and strain your tackle beyond belief. The tarpon fishery in Ascension Bay is not as significant as those found in Florida. Primarily known for its small to mid-sized specimens (20-70 lbs.), Ascension Bay's tarpon should be considered as an added bonus since the numbers found in these waters are fairly limited.

A majority of these fish are local individuals which remain in the area throughout the year. Migratory fish begin to show up in the beginning of April and, thereafter, numbers will increase significantly from April through July. On "dead calm" days in June and July, the tarpon fishing on the Caribbean side of the lodge can be excellent. Fish can be taken up to 150 pounds, but most are from 20 to 50 pounds.

Other non-migratory tarpon are attracted to the area near Casa Redonda because of their affinity for brackish water which is found in the inner reaches of the bay and in the mangrove lagoons. Adult and juvenile fish will often remain in the protected waters because it offers refuge from larger deep water predators. Shrimp, crabs, mullet, and other small fish provide year-round forage.

Around the islands, most tarpon will be encountered in the tidal channels connecting the flats and deeper water. In most circumstances, fish are seen rolling and the angler will try to approach within casting distance. On the Caribbean side of Casa Blanca, the tarpon usually cruise along the beach.

The average fisherman only lands about 30 percent of "jumped" fish. The most common causes related to fish loss are dull hooks, poorly tied knots, and frayed tippet - super-sharp hooks and well tied knots are of utmost importance! Carry a small hook file at all times.

SPOTTING TARPON
Individuals who have never fished for tarpon often think that such a large fish would be extremely simple to spot. When conditions are right and the fish are rolling on the surface, they are quite easy to see. Unfortunately, when the fish aren't rolling they can be quite difficult to see, even in shallow water. There are several clues to look for, which include a slight surface disturbance (nervous water) or, more frequently, the dark backs of fish. In the lagoons near Casa Redonda the fish are usually spotted lurking along the edge, just under the overhanging mangrove limbs.

Once cruising fish have been spotted, it is important to quickly and accurately place the fly/lure in front of the fish's path. Tarpon are not easily spooked and you can place the fly/lure quite close to the fish. A distance of about three to five feet is perfect. Allow it to sink to the level of the fish and then begin to strip or retrieve it at a moderate pace. If all goes well and the tarpon is in the dining mood, the fish will take the presentation - wait until it turns before setting the hook. By doing this, the leader will slide into the comer of the fish's mouth (the softest part) which theoretically sets you up for the best possible hooking angle. Tarpon have concrete-lined mouths, so a super-sharp hook is an absolute necessity.

SETTING THE HOOK
Correct hook setting will also help put the odds in your favor. If fly-fishing, point the rod tip at the fish and firmly set the hook with your stripping hand only. Then keep your rod tip close to the water (to eliminate slack) and pump the rod sideways with short, sharp tugs as you pull on the line and the rod simultaneously. This sounds very nice on paper, but the sight of a tarpon inhaling your fly will can cause even the experienced fisherman to lose his cool and occasionally choke.