Written By - Capt. Dave Sutton - 05/17/2007
Link to Original Article here

How To Tie The Tarpon Fly:

    * Start by tying Thread in the length of hook shank. Head cement.
    * Wrap thread back to start of bend in hook and attach hackles splayed outward.
    * On this fly, tie in only two hackles, then head cement.
    * Keep in mind that you don't want a fat clump of tied material, so work forward with each step, and keep a uniform thickness.
    * Add the crystal flash to the top of the wrap, 8 to 10 strands as long as the hackles.
    * Head cement again for strength. The weight added is not a problem.
    * Now tie in the marabou. Use at least 3 long lengths, 1 on top & 1 on each side.
    * Yes! Head cement again, and add your mylar tubing over the top, once you have brought the thread forward to the hook eye. The mylar holds down the marabou and keeps it in order.
    * Finish whip the nose...or head..making a nice cone shape, down to the eye of the hook.
    * Add the eyes with flexcote or 5 minute epoxy.
    * The last step is to 5 minute epoxy the head, only at the attachment point, and the eyes again.

This fly has been great early in the morning for moving Tarpon. You can add a touch of yellow to the sides with a highlighter, or a little bit of yellow bucktail at the bench. During the brightness of day the yellow seems to help. Tie in Yellow w/a little white, Brown w/ white and  Black w/red for a few more options. The dark colors for stained waters.

Fish these flies at the running depth of your target, and try to keep the angle as close to head-on as possible. Of course, only one in five hook-ups last more than fifteen seconds. But....Wow...that fifteen seconds is so cool. Let me know how you make out.

Capt. David Sutton
Homestead, Florida