The key to having fun with these energetic fish is to use lighter tackle scaled to the size of the fish. When Sage introduced their new Method, I quickly fell in love with it. Matched with the right fly line, it’s feather light and extremely accurate. On this trip I had the option of either a six weight or an eight weight but with the little wind that we had I spent most of my time with the six matched with a RIO Tropical Redfish. The short head on the Redfish line turned over the tarpon flies easily and helped in the wind. It’s matched the Method perfectly. Because a lot of my casts were in and under mangroves I chose a six foot leader with a forty pound fluro shock tippet. My choice of flies is simple as long it includes a selection of chartreuse and white, black or black and purple color variations. Unweighted flies in size 1/0 generally are the ticket, but small poppers will sometimes bring the tarpon to the surface – which is really a hoot.
If you like action, jumping aerobatic fish on light tackle then casting to the baby tarpon should be on your radar screen. Oh, don’t forget to set the hook with your line hand.