[Fish Bones]

For months, I have been promising everyone I know that if I ever caught a permit on fly rod on the flats, I would quit fishing. Although I haven't conquered that particular watermark, I did manage a lifetime achievement two weeks ago while fishing with captain Tom Pierce and his wife, Rita, in the lower Keys: a tarpon of more than 100 pounds on fly rod on the flats.

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[Davo]

Nice article and perfectly timed for me. I'm headed down to the Key on the 22nd for my annual spring saltwater trip with my Dad. If only had one Tarpon on the fly so far. It was a great experience in spite of losing him right at the boat. Just as the guide was reaching for the Tarpon my rod snapped about 6" above the handle. A true disappointment.

[shorthaul]

I read it too---thats exactly how it worked for me too---nice to see that it happens to others---The step on the line cast---buck fever when it eats the fly---sweep the rod to set the hook---tightline him when he jumps---recast just as he moves to take your fly----I love it!

Davo---ill be in Key West fishing out of stock island the same time---But im the father and my son has yet to catch one---good luck to you and your dad!

[Davo]

It took me a couple of seasons to break my self of the raise your rod to set the hook. I've got the strip set down and firmly engraved in my mind now.LOL.
Shorthaul; thanks for the luck and the same to you. Hope we get great weather!!

[shorthaul]

Davo---the first and last time i hooked one by raising the tip---an 80 pounder bolted and a Billy Pate reel hit me just right of my nose--3 things can happen and 5 of them are bad!
Now I fish for trout with my tip in the water!

[Davo]

Certain lessons we learn the hard way. The good news is it only takes one lesson!! LOL.