SW leaders
Posted: Wed Mar 27, 2019 11:14 pm
OK, I think there are a few things to clear up.
I think the term “tippet” may need some translation. It appears to me that in trout fishing the tippet usually refers to the section of leader with the smallest diameter, which is usually at the distal end of the leader?
When talking tarpon leaders that might be confusing as there are two leader parts containing the term tippet. To clarify, tarpon leaders have a class tippet and a bite tippet. The class tippet refers to the section of leader that is the weakest link. The bite tippet refers to the distal end where the diameter dramatically increases to lessen the chance of failure due to chaffing on the tarpon’s abrasive mouth.
As Pete has suggested, a tarpon following a fly is likely not to notice the thick bite tippet as it is further away from the fish and possibly hidden by the fly. I sort of agree, but I will mention that tarpon, if given the opportunity, seem to prefer to track the fly from behind and below. I think that is why they seem more likely to eat a fly when they are traveling in shallow but clear water… they are less likely to get below the fly and spy the leader. However, I am not of the school of thought that tarpon are not leader shy.
I know for a fact that if the leader crosses the path of, and is at an angle to, the direction the tarpon is swimming, the tarpon will definitely “shy” away from it much like a flying bird avoids a power line. There is no doubt in my mind that they see it. If that tarpon is at the front of a string, all of the followers will make similar avoidance maneuvers also.
Now, as to why relatively “light” class tippets (12 – 20#) are used?
As I have said before, one reason is that they are not necessary. A 16 or 20# class tippet has more strength than most anglers can muster or need… in shallow water. Tarpon do not dive for structure, and unlike fighting deep fish, where the fish is opposing the buoyancy of the boat, a shallow fish is only pulling against the boat’s friction against the water.
But there are other reasons too. First off, if the leader is essentially of unlimited strength (say 30# or up), where is the challenge or sportsmanship? Seriously… if the hook remains set, how can that fish get away unless it chews through the bite tippet because the fight has taken too long?
But the real reason is about responsible angling. In the upcoming Keys tarpon season, or anywhere large schools of migration fish are involved, there are going to be sharks. Sharks follow tarpon the same way Cero Mackerel follow schools of pilchards. If/when a shark involves itself with a tarpon fight, a responsible angler will break off the tarpon immediately. Even then, the tarpon is in grave danger, as the sharks are more than capable of dining on free-swimming tarpon.
The ability to quickly release the tarpon is essential and demonstrates respect for the rare and beautiful opponent that it is.
Please realize that my opinions are based solely on my experiences and the limited type of tarpon fishing I do here in South Florida. Things are likely different in other locations and everyone has the right to make their own choices.
I think the term “tippet” may need some translation. It appears to me that in trout fishing the tippet usually refers to the section of leader with the smallest diameter, which is usually at the distal end of the leader?
When talking tarpon leaders that might be confusing as there are two leader parts containing the term tippet. To clarify, tarpon leaders have a class tippet and a bite tippet. The class tippet refers to the section of leader that is the weakest link. The bite tippet refers to the distal end where the diameter dramatically increases to lessen the chance of failure due to chaffing on the tarpon’s abrasive mouth.
As Pete has suggested, a tarpon following a fly is likely not to notice the thick bite tippet as it is further away from the fish and possibly hidden by the fly. I sort of agree, but I will mention that tarpon, if given the opportunity, seem to prefer to track the fly from behind and below. I think that is why they seem more likely to eat a fly when they are traveling in shallow but clear water… they are less likely to get below the fly and spy the leader. However, I am not of the school of thought that tarpon are not leader shy.
I know for a fact that if the leader crosses the path of, and is at an angle to, the direction the tarpon is swimming, the tarpon will definitely “shy” away from it much like a flying bird avoids a power line. There is no doubt in my mind that they see it. If that tarpon is at the front of a string, all of the followers will make similar avoidance maneuvers also.
Now, as to why relatively “light” class tippets (12 – 20#) are used?
As I have said before, one reason is that they are not necessary. A 16 or 20# class tippet has more strength than most anglers can muster or need… in shallow water. Tarpon do not dive for structure, and unlike fighting deep fish, where the fish is opposing the buoyancy of the boat, a shallow fish is only pulling against the boat’s friction against the water.
But there are other reasons too. First off, if the leader is essentially of unlimited strength (say 30# or up), where is the challenge or sportsmanship? Seriously… if the hook remains set, how can that fish get away unless it chews through the bite tippet because the fight has taken too long?
But the real reason is about responsible angling. In the upcoming Keys tarpon season, or anywhere large schools of migration fish are involved, there are going to be sharks. Sharks follow tarpon the same way Cero Mackerel follow schools of pilchards. If/when a shark involves itself with a tarpon fight, a responsible angler will break off the tarpon immediately. Even then, the tarpon is in grave danger, as the sharks are more than capable of dining on free-swimming tarpon.
The ability to quickly release the tarpon is essential and demonstrates respect for the rare and beautiful opponent that it is.
Please realize that my opinions are based solely on my experiences and the limited type of tarpon fishing I do here in South Florida. Things are likely different in other locations and everyone has the right to make their own choices.
