Altered Lures For Tarpon

[Capt. Lowtide]

I don't know about you guys, but I've had an incredibly difficult time keeping the 'poons on once I hook up. Last season I began chunking the 4"/5" Storm swim baits with good success on jumping fish, but either the hook would pull, straighten out or break. After a few trips to the drawing board I came up with a rig that has a hook-up ratio of possibly 75%. Take the Storm lure and cut off the existing hook down into the the molded plastic, then add a 2/0 or larger split ring to the jig eye. Tie a 100# mono leader 30-48" long with a good barrel swivel on one end and an 11/0 to 16/0 Mustad circle hook on the other. Thread the circle hook through the spit ring and add a piece of soft plastic shrimp tail about 3/4" inch long to keep the lure from coming off when cast. The lure is normally returned intact and ready to cast again after the fish is released, due to the lure and internal weight remaining inside the jaw of the fish. This rig is similar to a "coon pop" and does not break loose thowing the weight back toward you. Give it a try and let me know, or tell me if you can improve upon this simple design. Don't forget to bow to the KING!

[Bucksnort]

Thanks for the tip Capt.

[Bill C]

I was wondering what size tarpon you were having the problem with. I have only caught up to 4 footers on the swim lures but haven't encountered any of the problems you have mentioned. Looking at the size of the hooks though I wouldn't be surprised to find the problems you mentioned with larger tarpon. One thing I never get back is a usable lure. They are always torn to pieces.

I'm heading for Port A this weekend. I'll sure give your rig a try. Thanks for passing on the tip.

[Capt. Lowtide]

Most of the fish I have been encountering the last couple of years have been 150 lb class with some pushing the 200 mark. As for the bait being torn up, it is normally free swinging or pinned to the inside of the jaw during battle.

[redlegg]

Don't forget to bow to the KING!

BAWAWAHAHAHAHAHA

I thought Elvis was dead?

You hook me up with a 150# tarpon and I just might bow, But I FOSHO would buy you a beer.

[Redfishr]

BAWAWAHAHAHAHAHA

I thought Elvis was dead?

You hook me up with a 150# tarpon and I just might bow, But I FOSHO would buy you a beer.Sounds like you got a charter Capt LT.