How To Pick The Ultimate Tarpon Rod (To Catch Monster Tarpon)
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on August 16, 2021
Bow to the king!
A tarpon fight requires a whole new level of strength and control when it comes to what rod setup you choose.
So in this video, you’ll learn:
- The best length rod for tarpon
- What power and action you’ll need for your tarpon rod
- And much more
Check it out!
Best Tarpon Rod [VIDEO]
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Here are 3 things you should look for in a tarpon rod:
Length
8 ft offers the best balance for casting and control.
It allows you to have increased casting distance so you don’t have to get too close to tarpon (and spook them off).
And still offers a ton of control throughout the fight!
Power
Power is how much force it takes to bend the rod.
For tarpon, you’ll want to go with a heavy power rod.
But if only the line rating is listed, go with a 15# to 30# rating or 20# to 50# rating.
Both will work great for tarpon in most scenarios!
Action
A fast-action rod is very versatile in terms of presentation.
But if you’re using small live baits like pass crabs or pilchards, those bait presentations are so light that you may need a slower action rod to cast farther.
Otherwise, if you’re using the bigger baitfish like mullet or croaker, stick with a faster action rod.
The bottom line when it comes to action is knowing what kind of bait you’ll be using to determine what action you need.
Have any questions about how to pick the perfect tarpon rod for you?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who plans to target tarpon, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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What you think about Sedona 8k with 24lbs of drag on a 7’ talavera heavy fast with some 65lb braid and I got 25yds of 50 & 80lb fluoro leader.
That should work. Let us know how you do.
I have a 13 fishing a3 300 size bait caster. Fitted with 250 yards of 50 lb braid and a 60lb leader. The reel has 40lbs of drag and its on a 8,2 pheniox m1 inshore casting rod heavy with a line rating of 20-40. Would this be ok for bigger tarpon and bigger reds
Hey Cole! I think that setup would work well for Tarpon. I love the customized approach! Both products are great for this application if you want to use heavy duty Baitcasting Gear.
Hello staff at salt strong! I am located in Ga so I have little knowledge off tarpon fishing. So I have a couple of questions: I’m looking forward to build a perfect setup for big gulf tarpons. I currently have 2 penn spinfisher IV 8500. And am looking for the right rod to pair up with them. If you guys could give me recommendations on rods that would pair with these reels I would really appreciate it. Also also what size lb line would be best to spool on as mainline and leader lb size for tarpon that are 100+ lb. Also what types and size hooks are ideal! Thanks for the attention, hope you guys are able to answer my questions that will help me chase the silver kings 🤙
They are actually 6500
Hey Nick! This video in the Blog gives you a great breakdown of what to look for in a Spinning Rod to target Big Tarpon. Generally speaking a rod from 7’4″ to 8’0″ in length, and having at minimum a Heavy Power with a line rating of 15-30, 15-40lb. or 20-50lb. would be ideal.
Leader and Hook size will depend on clarity of the water, as well as the bait you are offering. If throwing Live Crabs in clear water, scaling back to 60lb. leader and sometimes even 50lb. with a 4/0 or 5/0 hook is necessary. But if fishing in slightly dirtier water and with a Live Baitfish such as a Pinfish, Pogie, Mullet, etc. you can get away with throwing 80lb. leader and a 6/0-8/0 hook.
Definitely be sure to use the Search bar at the top to find more detailed content about Tarpon Fishing on our website 🙂
What is the best way to connect the leader to the main line? A swivel or a Connecting knot and what knots to use when doing so?
I’ve always favored the FG Knot for Braided Line to Leader Line connections when targeting Big Fish like Tarpon & Cobia.
I seldom use a Swivel to connect my Main Line to a Leader Line, and only do so when using a Fish Finder Rig with an Egg Weight for Live or Dead Bait presentations.
Hi Justin. I think I have a great rod for tarpon. St Croix tournament. My question is coupling it with a good reel. I have a number of Daiwa Certate 4000’s. Do I need to go with a heavier reel or do you think that would be adequate? If heavier, what would you suggest preferably in the Daiwa models? A heavier Certate? How heavy? I’d go as big as you recommend. I’m in great tarpon country near Sanibel so they can get bigger. Thanks.
Excellent question, Rick! I have a few questions myself to help dial in what you need:
-What model is your St. Croix Tournament? Is it a 7’6″ or 8’0″ Heavy model?
-What size Tarpon do you plan on targeting? If you only intend on catching Juvenile Tarpon (40lbs. or less), you can easily use your Certate 4000 for this application. If you want to target larger Tarpon (60lbs. or bigger), I would suggest jumping up to either a 6000 or 10000 sized reel.
If you do have a Heavy Model St. Croix Tournament, then it’s probably best paired with either a 6000 or 10000 sized reel. If you want to spend the money and jump up to a Certate SW 10000 or even 14000 (which is the same size as the 10000 but with a bigger spool), you could certainly do that. But I don’t think it’s necessary if you only plan on targeting Tarpon.
We do carry the BG MQ and the Saltist MQ in 6000 and 10000 sizes in our Store! I personally use 6000 sized reels for Tarpon most of the time, but there have been instances where I wished I had a 10000 size (for those massive fish). Both will work well, the choice is yours! Just compare the weight & line capacity differences between the two and make a decision on which you think suits your specific needs. Good luck!
Would a Penn Slammer IV 4500-6500 paired with the new Shimano Teramar 2022 X-Heavy Fast rod be okay for tarpon and other big fish?
Absolutely! I would suggest going with at least a 5500 size for Tarpon. You can go with the 6500 if you plan on fishing Offshore as well with that Reel.
Thank you for helping me. 🙂
I have a diwa bg 3500 spooled with 30 pound braid for Snook and small Tarpon. I am looking for a 7’6 medium-medium heavy rod, any recommendations?
Thank you!
Hey Michael! A Daiwa BG 3500 is a fairly large sized reel. It’s actually closer in size to some other companies 5000 sized products. I think you should consider looking into a Star Rod Paraflex 7’6″ Heavy. That would be a great option for bigger live baits for Snook and Tarpon of any size.
Thank you! I have heard the star rod series have been a great rod. Is there any other rods in the 100% range?
Thank you so much!
I meant 100$
I can’t think of any rod in the $100 price range that is 7’6″, specifically. But for $150, Star Rods does make their Stellar Lite Series in an 8’0″ 15-30lb. model (its called the SG1530S80). That has been an ol’ reliable for many years for Tarpon Anglers on both the East & West Coast of FL.
Excellent information! As an old avid angler myself I appreciate and respect the candid approach as well as the optional considerations for conditions and baits being used. Fishing is a wonderful sport and hobby. Have not targeted tarpon before but with this information I feel much better prepared to give it a go. Thanks.
Appreciate the kind comment, Michael! Thank you!
I noticed that you were using the Star Sequence 8ft rod. All rods seem difficult to find. Can you recommend several brands and models that would fit the bill?
Glad you asked, Steve. I know finding Rods (and Reels) can be tough to come by right now. If you cant seem to find this exact Sequence Rod at a local retailer, I’d either go with a St. Croix Mojo Inshore 7’11” JIS711HMF, a Shimano Teramar 8’0 XXH, or a Bull Bay Brute Force 8’0 Heavy.
Thanks
I’ve been doing fine on big tarpon with a 4500 reel and 30# braid (a soft gimbal on the rod butt would be welcome). Justin suggested in the chat to use a leader (80# mono) at least as long as the fish. That was good advice. I’ve had the tarpon’s scales grind through the swivel knot of the 40# that was tied to a 3′ leader of 80#. I now use 5′ of 80# leader. It’s not as good for casting, but it works and beats breaking off.
^Spot on, Philip. Long Leaders = Reduced Casting Distance (especially if the leader is brought in through the guides before casting). It’s a tough price to pay but definitely beneficial when targeting these fish.