Fishing for tarpon with flies is among the greatest of fishing challenges. Every tarpon fisherman knows that success in tarpon fishing relies on making the best out of each opportunity. Using the right flies is an integral part of catching tarpon. In general, tarpon flies imitate small baitfish and shrimp. More recently, tarpon flies like the Foam Tarpon Toad, may resemble a small crab floating or near the surface.
There are a few basic colors that have risen as tarpon fishing favorites. In general, tarpon flies can be broken into three color groups, bright flies like “Chartreuse Toad”, mid-tone flies like the “Cockroach”, and dark flies like “Black and Purple”. Each of these color categories can include flies that float, suspend or sink. The action of your fly depends greatly on the style of tarpon fly you choose. Tarpon flies come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be tied with synthetic materials, feathers or fur. When you prepare for your next tarpon fishing adventure, I suggest you tie these three tarpon fly patterns in a variety of colors and weights.
Tarpon Bunny Fly
The tarpon bunny fly is a definite go-to in the world of tarpon flies. My guess is that every serious tarpon fly fisher has jumped a tarpon with a bunny fly at some point or another. In fact, not one tarpon fisherman I know would be afraid to tie on a perfect little tarpon bunny fly. This tarpon fly pattern has a slow sinking action when used without weight. Low cost material is one of the true benefits of using rabbit for tying tarpon flies and tarpon bunny flies seem to be easily matched with weight like bead chain, or dumbbell eyes. I prefer casting a purple and black tarpon bunny on windy days.
Link – “Tying The Tarpon Bunny”
Keys-Style Tarpon Fly
Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys is the most popular tarpon fishing in the world. Though there are many places to fish for tarpon, the Keys are known for sight fishing and shallow water. This tried and true tarpon pattern is perfect for a light presentation to a tricky tarpon. Keys-Style Tarpon flies have a suspending action when used without weight. Because Keys-Style Tarpon Flies are made entirely of feathers, I believe that they are generally easier to cast than other tarpon flies. I prefer a grizzly hackle Keys-Style Tarpon Flies for tarpon in the backcountry.
Link – “Cockroach Tarpon Fly“
Tarpon Toad Fly
The tarpon toad fly and its variations are perhaps the most popular flies used to catch tarpon in more recent years. This tarpon fly pattern has captured the imagination of many tarpon fishers and quite a few variations of this fly have been created. Though the tarpon toad can be tied with weighted eyes for a sinking action, this pattern is most often fished with suspending or floating action in mind. I imagine the original tarpon toad was tied to have a suspending action and this style of fly may be the best pattern for feeding tarpon on or near the surface. I suggest experimenting with foam and floating variations. My customers cast Tarpon Toad Flies most often for migratory giants.
Link – “How to Tie a Green Tarpon Toad”
