Bigeye Tarpon Sand Devil Fly Small

Overview

The Bigeye Tarpon is a tarpon fly from Umpqua signature tyer Bob LeMay, and Umpqua lists it for the Florida Keys. It is built for tarpon cruising shallow flats and channels.

Tarpon on the flats are often wary, and a fly that swims slowly and looks natural is more likely to be eaten than one that looks loud or overdressed. The Sand Devil color is a natural, sandy tone that blends with light bottoms.

How to Fish It

• Lead the fish: cast well ahead of a cruising tarpon so the fly swims across its path, not toward it.
• Slow strips: long, slow strips work best; speed up only if the fish follows without eating.
• Strip-set: set with hard strips and keep the rod low, then bow to the fish when it jumps.
• Tackle: 10 to 12 weight rod with a bite tippet suited to the size of the fish.

Choosing Color and Size

Sand Devil in the small size is a natural color for clear water and light bottoms, and the smaller size suits wary fish and smaller tarpon.