Arrived to the beach to what I thought was early but two familiar guys were already there. Found them after launching and then received my assignment as the northern scout to which I gladly accepted. As fate would have it, the first pod observed was heading south and pretty close to me. I cast in front of the group and before my lure was in the water for a few seconds it was game on. I proceeded to drive the hook home a few times before it jumped and then the fight was on. The fish jumped many times and proceeded to drag me at a good pace before I hooked up the drift chute. My rod was bent the whole time, being an 8' it helped me clear the nose of the boat as I tried to keep side pressure on the fish. I had a good coach who helped me stay positive, I'm sure he had more than a few laughs. The saying about every gulp of air means another 5 minutes of battle seems pretty accurate. I finally had the fish subdued @ 45 minutes into it, coach had the stop watch running. He snapped some photos and then towed me while I revived the fish who swam off strong. I was fulfilled and didn't make another cast with the big rod. 1 cast, 1 fish, 1 sore dude.
Tarpon1.JPG
Tarpon2.JPG
tarpon3.JPG
Tarpon4.JPG
Equipment was a custom 8' St Croix by Noles, Peen 550ssg w/ 30lb braid. Leader was 60lb mono with a foot of 80lb as bite tippet.
Lure was a 5" paddle tail which still has a sharp hook.
chincylure.JPG
Next time, I'm not going to use the 80lb tippet as I'm not sure I need to land another one. I would been okay with a break off after a bit into the fight, the fish made me feel like a wimp. I was exhausted so I stopped at Publix for some nourishment.
VictoryFeast.JPG
Thanks again to the friends who helped make this happen!
ps. Jay, I didn't puke
![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
Mark .aka. Man of Purpose. Original Chincy Jones
Ultimate 14.5 sand & blue Indian River Outdoorsman.
The jig is up and weedless.