Although we have a comletely stocked tackle shop at the lodge, with all the popular lures for the area, you might want to bring your own. The tackle shop does have a good supply of rods and reels, but again, if you have your own, we suggest you bring them. The following is strictly a guide line:

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Best For Tarpon:
700 TE Calcutta Shimano reel or comparable reel spooled with 20 lb Ande mono or Trilene Big Game mono. If you prefer you can use Power Pro 65# braided line. 100 to 125 mono filament leader.

Spinning reels should be med heavy with good smooth drag system and line capacity of 150 to 200 yds of mono filament. The rods should be 6'6" to 7' one piece rods with plenty of backbone. Remember that some airlines have a restriction on the length of your rod cases (80").

Lures:
The most effective way of catching a Tarpon is using fresh Sardines. We use Sabiki bait rigs size #6 to catch these. Size 9/0 or 10/0 wide gap Eagle Claw circle hooks extra strong. Remember that not all manufacturers have a standard sizing when it comes to circle hooks! We use 100# swivels and egg slip weights of 1 to 2 ozs.

Sea Hawks (any color) 1 to 2 ozs, Rapalas Magnum Floating 11 or 14 colors are S, GFR, RH, SM. 1 to 1.5 oz. lead headed buck tailed jigs in white, yellow, black or red and white.

Remember that we do have a fully stocked tackle shop with all these items. You are welcome to use our rods and reels at no extra charge—(except if a big Tarpon jerks it our of your hand!)

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Best For Snook:
6500 C Ambassador reel (or comparable) with 12 to 17# test mono filament line. Leader is 40 to 60 lbs mono. The rod should be a med action 6' to 7" casting and able to cast a 1 oz lure. If you wish to use spinning tackle, be sure that you select a reel with a good smooth drag system and a line capacity of 100 to 150 yds.

Lures:
3/4 oz to 1 oz lead headed buck tail jigs, (black, white, red and white) with worm auger tails in flashy red or white. Sassy Shads all colors. Rattle traps 3/4 oz. Rapalas same as for the Tarpon. Salt Water Zara Spooks or any type lure that your would use for bass.

 

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	Best For River Fish: Lightweight spinning tackle with 6 to 8 lbs test line. Rod should be flexible 5' to 6' in length suitable for making short accurate casts. Any small surface or subsurface lure that creates noise and commotion will work. Rapalas floating size 5 in colors GFR and FT or S. Small jigs 1/8 oz, Heddon Chuggers, Pop R's buzz baits and spinner baits. Almost any small lure normally used for pan fishing or bass fishing is great!

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Fly Fishing Tackle For Tarpon:
12 weight or heavier anti reverse reel, (Bill Pate, Finnor or comparable), 9' matched weight fly rod with fighting butt extension. Your reel should have 200 yds of 30# backing and you will need various sinking tip lines or fast sink tips form 400 to 800 grains. Flies should be hook size 3/0 to 6/0. Shock leader should be 80# to 100 # mono.