Tarpon Setup - How does this sound?

[razorz]

Tibor Riptide QC w/ 30# backing and 12wt WF line
Sage Xi2 12wt 9ft or Orvis Zero-G 12wt. I've heard bad things about the Orvis though, can anyone confirm it's quality?

Another option is the Abel Super 12W

:bash:

[Bender]

Hi,in June i'll go tarponfishing in Mexico for big migrating poons and i'll go with Sage Xi2 (no foregrip),Tibor Gulfstream Q.Change and about 500yds of 50lbs gel spun backing,Rio tropical Versi tip and all my hand tyie flies made on Tiemco Hooks 600SP and the new Gamakatsu Hooks SC17.
The rod is a personal choice due to the action angler prefers,i have only Sage Xi2 for saltwater and only a Loomis Crosscurrent for casting sinking lines.
About the reel ,both (Abel and Tibor) are great reel ,i think the best on the market today,but Abel is more expensive than Tibor and doesn't make quick change version.
I have also a Super Serie #11 by Abel,it is a great and beautiful machine that i used with my Xi2 10WT for medium size tarpon.

[jake61198]

I don't think you'll be able to get enough backing on the Riptide with a 12 wt. line. If you want to stick with Tibor I believe that you are better off going to the Gulfstream.

[Shadowcast]

I agree with the Gulfstream comment when fishing for tarpon. I have not had an opportunity to fish the Zero G 12 wt. yet, but if it performs anything like my 8 wt. Zero G......you'll love it.

[razorz]

So you do like the Zero-G... how do you feel it compares to the Sage Xi2 series? I've been partial to sage for awhile now but the Zero-G is just so pretty it's alluring me.

:bash:

[Shadowcast]

I was a die hard Loomis guy since I started guiding 5 years ago. I cast a Zero-G 8 wt. once, and it was like trying drugs. I got a few small tastes of it and then I couldn't take it any more. I have no experience with the Sage, only the Loomis CrossCurrent Pro-1 12 wt. The Zero-G is lighter. Try them all out and find out, but beware the Zero-G.....it's addictive.

[razorz]

Blah! Now I have to buy one :winksmile:

FWIW I decided to upgrade my 9wt setup to a Tibor Everglades QC reel in Gunmetal gray. Let me just say this is the most stunning reel I've ever seen. It rivals my Abel in looks and may actually be nicer.

Check em out at your local fly shop, just bring some $ with you because you will want to leave with one. I went to the fly shop to pickup my new Abel reel and ended up leaving with the Abel AND the Tibor. :bash:

:gr_cheers:

[Shadowcast]

Left with an Abel and a Tibor.....must be nice!

[razorz]

Left with an Abel and a Tibor.....must be nice!

:pimp: :thumb:

[Capt. Ted Lund]

Most of the guys that are fishing tarpon with the riptide are going with a 10 wt., particularly when fishing the Florida Keys. The lighter rod and reel combo is greatly appreciated, and will beat fish to 140 pounds pretty quickly.
For bigger fish, the 12 wt. is a good option, but I'd go for a larger reel like the Pacific with the spool 2 or similar reels from other mfgs.

[Sagittarius]

For a direct drive reel, I really like the Wellstone.
For an Anti-Reverse, go Hayden.
Both reels are brute strong built, have few peers, and are made in various sizes.


Sag.