Boca Grande, Florida  (Select Photo to Enlarge)

May 2004, and we've planned to be in Boca Grande

when the Giant Tarpon arrive from the open ocean,

the sun just up, and here they come!

and this is what an 80 pound Tarpon looks like

as it rolls on the surface near the boat,

with 50 under water for each one on the surface.

Using a 12 wt fly rod, with a large arbor

saltwater reel, you strip in line quickly,

retrieving in front of and away from the Tarpon.

Suddenly the line goes tight, and you point the rod

straight at the fish, and with all your will you

let the Tarpon go tight on the line without setting.

the hook. Start the clock ticking at 0 Seconds.

The Silver King is now solidly into the line,

so you set hard straight back, and again, and again,

and you hook up! Now 2 Seconds into the fight.

With unbelievable speed the Tarpon takes off,

and the line follows behind in a big bow, with

you trying to keep it clear. Now 3 Seconds.

You haven't even breathed yet and 90 pounds

of irate fish comes bursting out of the water 80

feet from where it was hooked. Now 4 Seconds.

The Tarpon crashes back into the water, and with

disbelief you see your fly streaking through the

air, start to finish 4.8 splendid seconds!

The second Tarpon hooked, and you've gotten rid of

some of the jitters, and it's a good thing because

this 100+ pound fish comes out of the water right away.

Head shakes, giant leaps, runs that take you deep

into your backing, fighting for line, and 28

exhausting minutes later the fish rolls, signifying

you have won, then a quick release before the sharks come.

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