Key West and Lower Keys

Bow to the Silver King! Bowing to the Silver King takes some practice. When a Tarpon jumps, it is important to lower your rod to reduce the tension on the terminal leader and hook. This "bowing" technique will usually help to keep your line connected to the fish. Failure to "bow" usually results in a break off or a thrown hook. In the photo taken today of Mark McVeigh, notice the lowered position of the rod as the estimated 80 pound Tarpon is airborne.This Tarpon season has been slower than usual due to poor weather. All the more reason to make the most out of every hookup by doing your homework and learning the proper techniques for hooking and fighting the Silver King. For beginners, check out the Billy Pate "Fly Rodding For Tarpon" videotape to learn the essentials of the sport. I also suggest that you read as many articles and books on the subject that you can get ahold of to understand the Tarpon behaviors prior to your first trip.Mark McVeigh's Tarpon fought us hard today only to be the unfortunate victim of a shark attack. This is a common occurence in the Keys during May and June, unfortunately. The real bummer is that we almost had the Tarpon close to the boat for a release when the attack took place and the Tarpon was lost. C'est La Vie! Now is a good time to plan a summer fishing trip! Our Father-Son Key West Flats Fishing Camps are scheduled for late June, July, August and September. For more information about the Father and Son Flats Fishing Camps go to http://www.keywestflyfishing.com/fatherandson.htm You may contact Capt. Dexter Simmons for a future fishing charter by telephone at 305-745-3304 or by email at [email protected]