Fly fishing for Tarpon:

I went through a lengthy response to Brett, see below.  I thought that some of you would be interested......

George, 

What are your thoughts on fly fishing for Tarpon in the Pamlico.  Would love to put together a trip.  Is there a time where they come to the surface more often?

Brett

Brett

 I've been asked this question a lot.....

"I'll be glad to take your money and watch you flail a fly rod, but if you really want to catch one on the fly, save your money and go to Florida......better yet, we offer a great trip to Costa Rica for tarpon. "

  

If you want to try in NC, my only openings are: July 29, 30, 31 Or Aug. 1, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

  $800/day.  Full days only.

  Attached is a word doc with details on our fall trip to Costa Rica.

  Drop me a line if you have any questions.

  All the best,

  George

George,

 I like your attitude!  I'll take a look at the Costa Rica trip.

 Brett

 Brett,

 I appreciate your reply, it's hard to tell "tone" sometimes with e mail and I wasn't trying to be a smart ass......well maybe a little.    Below is a little more detail:

The NC tarpon fishing is very inconsistent and doesn't seem to be as good as it once was....but when they do get gathered up, it's a pretty impressive sight, especially if they're biting....which isn't all the time.  There is no fish that swims more frustrating.

Fishing 8-10 rods with bait in a chum slick, 1 or 2 bites is a decent day.

I have had clients who have hooked a couple tarpon on the fly, but to my knowledge, no one has ever landed one.

I believe that the most consistent tarpon fishing in the world is Costa Rica's Carribbean side, in the ocean outside any of the major river mouths which are a conveyor belt of food into the mouths of hungry fish.  

We are booking agents for and host a trip to Silver King Lodge at Barra Colorado.   Silver King is first class, includes lodging, food, fishing, transfers and a 3 day minimum of fishing.   We also have a couple of independent guides out of Tortuguero that do a great job and we build packages there for smaller groups.....also we manage the Dragin Fly www.draginflycostarica.com for billfish out of Los Suenos on the Pacific side.   No problem with both-coast packages.

 In addition to the poons, there is some entertaining jungle fishing for guapote (rainbow bass), mojara (bream) and snook.....entertaining, but most only spend an afternoon in the jungle and opt for the majority of their time chasing tarpon in the ocean.

The fly fishing is very, very consistent, all heavy sinking lines, short casts amongst rolling fish, but on average days, 3-10 tarpon bites/day plus big jack crevelle and an occasional big cubera snapper.   

Another tarpon destination for tarpon on the fly is Belize.  Far less consistent tarpon fishing, but PLENTY of bonefish and usually, daily shots at permit.....my new fascination.

Drop me a line anytime if you have any questions, I'll be in Eastern NC until late June.....which is when I'll be going back to CR, wanna come?

All the best,

George