The Perfect Light Tarpon Setup // 9 Weight Tarpon Outfit

A versatile multi-purpose rod, reel, and line setup for light Tarpon (sub 40 pounds) should be flexible enough to make some quick short casts, but responsive and fast enough to lean on for ultra long casts in the open water. This outfit represents what we feel is the "perfect" setup.

 

While not everyone needs to have this exact rig, use it as a blueprint to build out our own setup that fits into your budget and favorite brands. 

Your fly line should be able to effectively turn over a fairly wind resistant fly and a long heavy leader, but not a shooting head. Shooting head style lines (thinking RIO Outbound or SA Titan) will be a bit heavy and tend to run away on you and are difficult to control in regards to distance. The line can be either floating or have a very short, very slow sinking tip that hovers right near the surface.

 

Your reel needs to be solid, and since you'll be in the boat and away from sand and most grime, it can be either a sealed drag system or not. Either is ok as long as its reliable. Baby Tarpon tend to fight hard but don't take long blistering runs like some other species.