Tarpon fishing..

We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for our guests, with no sea sickness and very few mosquitoes. Our professional guides and equipment ensure that you have the best chance of catching the tarpon of your dreams. Come join us and create lasting memories on the Rio San Juan!

Sometimes it can be frustrating to read articles or books written by famous Tarpon Masters who describe Tarpon behavior as standard - "run and jump". This is why many people end up losing so many Tarpon. I don't like these articles because what's most interesting about Tarpon is that there is no standard behavior. The most attractive part of Tarpon fishing is that we have no idea what can happen next. This is probably the reason why, even after catching so many Tarpon, we still love to go for them.

 

When it comes to fishing for Tarpon with lures, there's no doubt that setting the hook can be challenging. While it's true that Tarpon have a hard, bony mouth that can be difficult to penetrate, there are some key points to keep in mind. As an experienced angler, I often wonder what exactly "setting the hook" means, especially when using Nylon Mono Filament, which has a lot of stretch regardless of the brand. To gain a better understanding, try tying a 20lb Igfa Mono Filament line to a fixed point, then walk 20 yards away and hold the line in your hand. Block the drag, stretch the line by walking back, and count how many feet you can stretch the line until it breaks (use Bimini knots). It's important to note that some people will tell you to set the hook by lifting a 6-foot-long rod, but the most effective way to set a hook on a Tarpon when using a Nylon line is when the fish is running and the line is in tension. Strike shortly 2 or 3 times, then lower the rod on the side. Alternatively, when you feel the first attacks, use a braided line and hold the rod in your hand for better sensitivity. Trust me, with a little practice and patience, you'll be well on your way to landing that trophy Tarpon.

 

When it comes to fishing for tarpon with lures, it can be challenging to set the hook due to their tough, stone-like mouth. However, it's essential to understand that there are certain techniques that can increase your chances of success. Rather than striking wildly, it's important to maintain contact with the fish and apply progressive pressure before taking any action. By doing this, you can strike the rod down and to the side using the speed of the fish to your advantage. Practice makes perfect, and this technique has proven effective in 90% of our fishing days on the San Juan River.

 

Of course, there are days when the tarpon don't seem interested in biting, no matter what method you try. Whether you're trolling, casting, fly fishing, using live bait, or changing up your lure's color, they might only play with your bait without committing to a bite. It can be frustrating when you see hundreds of tarpon all around you, but none seem to bite. However, keep an eye out for small signs, like a whistle on your line, as they could indicate a tarpon's interest. And if you're lucky, you might even witness one jump out of the water. Remember, even on slow days, the thrill of tarpon fishing is the unexpected nature of the experience, and we're always ready to adapt and try new tactics.

 

As a Tarpon fishing enthusiast, I highly recommend using braided line and a long medium heavy action rod to effectively feel for the fish's attacks. When you feel two or three little touches, make sure to immediately strike along the boat with the rod down parallel to the water level.