Florida Keys and Key West Fishing Charters and Guide Service specializing in Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Redfish, Snook and Sharks on the Backcountry Flats and Inshore waters of Islamorada and Key West


The Perfect Tarpon System
2000-10-01 - Capt. Tom Rowland

Sometimes flats anglers ponder the question of why we fish. Could it be the elegance, the wildness, the pure aggression or the extreme shyness of these fish that captures our dreams and imaginations? Harnessing a creature so magnificent and powerful creates an indelible memory where fish stories begin. All flats fish are exciting, but Tarpon are the undisputed kings of the fight. To subdue a tarpon takes more than dexterity during the fight. Tackle has to be maintained perfectly and the knots chosen have to be proven effective and be well tied. The right knots can improve your fishing instantly and can put the fish of a lifetime right beside the boat instead of leaping off to the horizon tethered by nothing. In the Florida Keys, I fish for tarpon 10 months out of the year. I have settled on what I consider the perfect tarpon fishing system. My goal has been to tie the strongest knots and eliminate anything unnecessary.

Incorporating old stand-by's and recently developed knots, this system is the simplest, strongest and straightest I have seen.

A flawless tarpon system begins at the reel. Attach the backing to the reel with a Duncan loop knot and pull it down tight. Have the backing wound on by a flyshop or someone with a line-winding machine so that it goes on very tightly and evenly. Thirty to Fifty pound backing should always be used when fishing for large tarpon. Dacron, Micron and Gel spun backings are all good choices for backing material. Make sure that the strength of your backing and the knots connecting it to your fly line are stronger than the fly line itself and any other knots in the entire system. Paying attention to this detail will prevent a tarpon from taking your fly line away from you.

Whip a loop in the end of the fly line that attaches to the reel using 12-pound mono nail knots. I use three knots and clip them closely. Tie a Bimini Twist in your backing leaving a loop just bigger than the reel you are using. Take the Bimini loop through the fly line loop and then pass it over your reel. This creates a small, very strong backing to fly line loop to loop connection. This connection will test out stronger than your fly line and your backing. It also enables you to change your fly line quickly and easily if you whip loops in your spare lines the same way.

At the terminal end of the fly line, whip another small loop in the end of the fly line by using nail knots just as described above. Try to keep the loops as small as possible to decrease the drag through the water. This "loop to loop" connection enables quick changes of chaffed butt sections and provides a very strong and secure connection.

The butt section should be made of material that is similar in stiffness and diameter to the terminal end of the fly line. For an 11-weight line, 60 pound Sufix Seige monofilament works very well. I also like to use Sufix fluorocarbon in a 60 pound size to help the fly sink faster. Either one you choose is fine.   I stretch the 60 pound mono to straighten it and cut a piece about 6 feet long. I tie a double surgeons loop knot in both ends trying to keep the loops as small as possible. Pull the knot down by holding both the terminal and tag ends at the same time. A heavy-duty cup hook will help to make smaller loops and to draw the knots down correctly. When this knot is properly tightened, the barrels of mono should meld together and look oval in shape. Leather gloves will allow you to put adequate pressure on the knot without cutting your hands. Make sure that both loops are securely drawn down and then attach it to your line loop to loop. I do not taper my butt section. I feel that another taper is unnecessary and only weakens the whole system. This butt section turns over the fly well and keeps the leader simple. I keep a lot of these pre-tied, pre-stretched sections stored loosely rolled in a zip-lock bag so that I can change the butt section if it becomes chaffed or cloudy in appearance.

I leave the class tippet two feet long or more to keep the leader more discrete. After using this system for 4 years, I have decided that there is no disadvantage to a long class tippet. Leaving it long also allows me to quickly tie a new shock tippet and fly to the leader after it has been chaffed by a tarpon.
For durability and abrasion resistance, I choose Mason Hard mono for my class tippet and I use 16 or 20 pound. I feel as though Mason’s stiffness also gives great turn over for the fly and I trust its strength. To attach the class tippet to the butt section, I use a knot that Capt. Simon Becker and I created. The knot is known as the "Slim Beauty" and is a simple but very strong knot that tests out consistently at 100%. There are several advantages to this knot. First, it eliminates the need for a Bimini twist in your class tippet reducing the time it takes to tie a leader. Secondly, the knot is compact and straight as an arrow when completed. To tie the "Slim Beauty", start by tying a double overhand in one end of the shock tippet. Draw the double overhand down until it forms a figure 8. As you look at the figure 8 that you have created you will notice that it has a curve to it. We want the figure 8 to be curved so that the dish shaped curve slopes away from the sky or an easy way to remember might be so that the curve would hold water, like a bowl. Take your class tippet and double about 7 inches of it. Weave the doubled line first up through the figure 8 and then back down through it. Pull about 5 inches through the 8. Draw the figure 8 hand tight only. Similar to a blood knot, pinch the line just behind the figure 8 and wrap the doubled class tippet 5 times around the shock tippet. Like a Bimini Twist, wrap back towards the figure 8 four times. Leave a space between the figure 8 and your first wrap of the doubled class tippet. Pass the doubled line through the space, similar to how a blood knot is finished. With gloves on, grasp the shock tippet in your left hand and the terminal and tag end of the doubled class tippet with your right. Wet the knot with saliva or chap stick. With a firm and steady pull, cinch the knot tight by pulling your hands away from one another. The figure 8 should cinch down at this point and the wraps of class tippet should come together without overlapping and look similar to a blood knot. The knot should be about 1 inch long. Trim away the tag ends.

Repeat the same knot to tie the class tippet to the prestraightened shock tippet. Using this knot will cut leader construction time significantly. When properly tied, the leader will test out at 100% or more of the class tippet's strength.

To attach the fly, I like to use a loop knot to increase the action of the fly and allow it to sink a little faster. A loop knot with 100% strength is advantageous so that the guide can grab the shock tippet when a fish is close to the boat without loosing the fly. Getting the fly back from a tarpon is rewarding and a 100% knot at the fly allows the person landing the fish to have more control over the fish at the boat without breaking the shock tippet. Other loop knots have been tried with mixed success. The Duncan loop is a good loop knot but after a fish was caught, the knot cinches down. The Duncan Loop is also a 70% knot and often breaks while trying to control a big tarpon at the boat. The "non-slip mono loop" is a great knot for smaller diameter monofilament but it does not pull very straight. I finally settled on "Steve Huff's Double Figure 8 Loop Knot" that I saw in Trey Combs book, Blue Water Flyfishing. This knot tests 100% and pulls straight as an arrow.

Knots in tarpon fishing are the measure of success or failure. Tarpon are demanding on all tackle and improper knots or knots that are tied improperly will result in a lost fish. This tarpon leader is simple, strong and is superior to other systems because it pulls straight and can be tied quickly. It eliminates the need for bulky tarpon stretcher cases that can end up in a snarled rusty mess. These knots can be used for any fish that requires a heavy mono shock tippet. Practice tying your knots just as you practice your casting and you will maximize your enjoyment of your precious time on the water.

QUICK LINKS
1 . 2

Website built by Capt. Paul Fisicaro, Fisics Designs
 
SWE SITE MAP
Fishing Techniques     Articles and Tips on Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Tarpon Fishing, Fishing Knots and techniques developed in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys. 
Our Fishing Photo Album - Photographs from Key West, Islamorada and The Florida Keys.  Enjoy beautiful images of Key West, Islamorada and The Florida Keys as well as tarpon, permit, bonefish, redfish, barracuda and shark
Our Online Store - Merchandise from Saltwater Experience Television Show.  T-Shirts, Hats, Stickers, Buff Headwear and more.  Get your SWE merchandise.  Filmed in Key West, Islamorada and the Florida Keys.
Inshore Fishing Charters - Get information on booking your Key West, Islamorada or Florida Keys Inshore or Flats fishing Charter with Saltwater Experience.  Video of Saltwater Experience Fishing Charters shot in Key West, Islamorada and the Florida Keys as well as Everglades National Park.  Fish for Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Redfish, Barracuda, Snook and Sharks.
Offshore Fishing Charters - Get information on booking your Key West, Islamorada or Florida Keys Offshore Fishing Charter with Saltwater Experience.  Video of Saltwater Experience Fishing Charters shot in Key West, Islamorada and the Florida Keys as well as Everglades National Park.  Fish for Dolphin, Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Sharks, Grouper and Snapper.
FAQ’s - Frequently Asked Questions regarding fishing inshore, Flats Fishing or offshore fishing in Key West, Islamorada or the Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience. 
Photo Gallery - Photographs from Key West, Islamorada and The Florida Keys.  Enjoy beautiful images of Key West, Islamorada and The Florida Keys as well as tarpon, permit, bonefish, redfish, barracuda and shark
Message Board - Ask Tom Rowland and Rich Tudor questions about the fishing in Key West, Islamorada or the Florida Keys and get a response within 24 hours.  Communicate with anglers worldwide about flyfishing, flats fishing, offshore fishing, fishing charters and fishing techniques.
Florida Keys and Key West Family Fishing - Information on family fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada and The Florida Keys.  Fishing with Families and Kids is our specialty.
Florida Keys and Key West Fly Fishing - Information on fly fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Flyfishing on the Flats, Inshore and Offshore is our specialty.  Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Redfish, Barracuda, Snook and Sharks are all targets of fly fishing.  Get the best information from ESPN Great Outdoor Games Fly Fishing Champion, Capt. Tom Rowland
Florida Keys and Key West Flats Fishing -  Information on flats fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Flats fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing.   Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Redfish, Barracuda, Snook and Sharks are all targets on the flats of Key West, The Marquesas, Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Florida Keys and Key West Watersports - Let us help you with your Key West, Islamorada or Florida Keys Vacation by booking a watersports activity for you.  Fishing, Diving, Jet Ski, Dolphin watch and more.
Florida Keys and Key West Wreck Fishing - Information on wreck fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Wreck fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing in our bay boats or offshore center console boats.   Permit, Barracuda, Goliath Grouper, Snapper, Grouper Jacks, Snook and Sharks are all targets on the wrecks of Key West, The Marquesas, Islamorada and the Florida Keys.
Monster Fishing - Want to catch a giant fish?  Monster Fishing charters with Saltwater Experience will guide you to huge sharks, Goliath Grouper, and Sawfish that can be 300 pounds or bigger.  Key West, Islamorada and the Florida Keys are great places to catch a MONSTER!
Florida Keys and Key West Tarpon Fishing - Information on tarpon fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  tarpon fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing.   Tarpon can be found on the flats, channels, bridges, or harbors of Key West, The Marquesas, Islamorada and the Florida Keys.
Florida Keys and Key West Bonefishing - Information on bone fish fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Bonefish fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing in a skiff or one of our Skeeter Bay Boats.   Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Redfish, Barracuda, Snook and Sharks are all targets on the flats of Key West, The Marquesas, Islamorada and the Florida Keys
Florida Keys and Key West Permit Fishing Charters - Information on permit fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Permit fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing in a skiff, bay boat or offshore center console on the flats, inshore structure or offshore wrecks.  
Florida Keys and Key West Redfishing - Information on Redfish fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Redfish fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing in a skiff or a Skeeter Bay Boat.  Fish with IFA Team of the Year Rich Tudor or Tom Rowland in Key West, Islamorada, Everglades National Park or The Florida Keys
Florida Keys and Key West Snook Fishing - Information on Snook fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Snook fishing can be done with spinning tackle or by flyfishing in a skiff or a Skeeter Bay Boat.  Snook inhabit flats, beaches and mangrove shorelines throughout Key West, Islamorada and The Florida Keys.
Florida Keys and Key West Shark Fishing - Information on Shark fishing charters in Key West, Islamorada, and The Florida Keys with Saltwater Experience.  Shark fishing can be done with spinning tackle, conventional or by flyfishing in a skiff, Skeeter Bay Boat or offshore center console.  Fish with ESPN Madfin Shark Series 4th place winner Tom Rowland or Rich Tudor in Key West, Islamorada or The Florida Keys.
Tom Rowland Biography - Complete Biography on Tom Rowland of Key West, Florida.  Learn all about Tom Rowland and his career in fishing, television, and guiding.
Rich Tudor Biography - Complete Biography on Rich Tudor of Islamorada, Florida.  Learn all about Rich Tudor and his career in fishing, television, and guiding
Saltwater Experience Staff - Complete listing of the Saltwater Experience Staff.  Headquartered in the Florida Keys with offices in Key West and Islamorada, our staff helps to make the television show a reality and take care of our customers.
Knot Library - Learn knots for tarpon fishing, knots for braided line, knots for leaders and many other applications.  Slim Beauty, Blood Knot, X Knot, Bimini Twist and other knots explained in detail.
Fishing Articles - Read Fishing Articles by Capt. Tom Rowland.  Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Fishing Technique, Casting Drills, Tournament Recaps and articles on fishing in Key West, Islamorada and the Florida Keys are all included
SE Testimonials - Read testimonials from customers of Saltwater Experience on their charter experience with us in key Wes, Marquesas, Islamorada, Everglades National Park and The Florida Keys.
Our Equipment - Saltwater Experience Charters upgrades our equipment every year for fishing in Key West, Islamorada and the Florida Keys.  With Sponsors like Skeeter Boats, Yamaha, Sufix, Strike King, Saltwater Angler, Bass Pro Shops, Sea Shocks, Quantum, Lowrance, Minn Kota, Frigid Rigid, Navionics, Scott Fly Rods, Buff Headwear, Matzuo Hooks, Oakley, Stowmaster, Powerpole, Prographics Sportswear, Image Graphics 2000, and The Florida Keys and Key West, we have the best equipment and tackle available anywhere.
Fishing Links - Links to Fishing Charters, Guide Services, Acomodations, Activities, and more
Contact us - Contact information for Saltwater Experience headquartered in The Florida Keys with offices in Key West and Islamorada.
Lowrance Electronics