12 wt. Tarpon Rod

[jnims29]

I recently just got back from Key West. I was lucky enough to get a half day of fly fishing for tarpon. Needless to say, I am hooked. I didn't even get bit but, I saw a lot of tarpon.

Anyways I was wondering if anyone has tried the Winston XTR fly rods? I am deciding between the winston, Xi2, Crosscurrent GLX, and a Burkheimer.

[Shadowcast]

Go with the GLX or the Loomis 12 wt Pro 1 (one piece).

[rhett121]

If you can find one to cast yourself, that would be the best option. I cast the Winston in a 10wt and chose the GLX instead. It just felt better to me and my style.

Also, do you really need a 12wt? That's a big (expensive) rod to buy and only use very rarely. A 10wt might be more versatile and could still handle tarpon up to 100lbs. But, if you do a lot of casting to big game from a boat, I guess a 12wt would be a nice addition.

[jnims29]

Also, do you really need a 12wt? That's a big (expensive) rod to buy and only use very rarely. A 10wt might be more versatile and could still handle tarpon up to 100lbs. But, if you do a lot of casting to big game from a boat, I guess a 12wt would be a nice addition.

I know, after I posted this I just realized a 10wt. could also be used as a permit rod. :idea: Besides, a tarpon over 100lb. is more than I saw in Key West, this was also their peak season. Most of the poons I saw where is the 50-90lbs. range.

Thanks for the advice.

[Rascal]

I would suggest that you try the rods that you mentioned. I would highly recommend the Xi2.....it is truly a great saltwater rod that is a joy to cast. A few years ago, I was at a saltwater school in the Bahamas, which included Flip Pallot as an "instructor". He threw my Xi2 a few times in our casting class and couldn't say enough good things about it.

As for tarpon, we frequent the 10,000 islands area in Florida each spring. I used to take a 10-weight and 12-weight rod with me, which were fine choices to cover 75% of the fish we saw (under 100 pounds), but also be prepared for the "12-weight worthy" fish. I now take an 11-weight with me, which is more convenient, easier to throw, and is sufficient to handle any grandpa tarpon that I might come across.

Bottom line: The choice of which weight rod to buy depends on your budget, desire for toys, and tolerance for carrying along extra rods. However, the Xi2 is unmatched in performance!

[Bender]

I'm a Sage Xi2 fanatic,i love their action and i never had problems with them,also the Sage service is very very effective and works very well.
I just came back from my recent tarpon trip in Mexico where i used the Xi2 12wt,it casts and performs very well also with a super fast sinking line (Rio deepsea 500grains) for fishing ocean tarpon in open sea.I'm very surprise of its power and how i can cast a so weighted line too far.
But i also have a Loomis GLX crosscurrent (4pcs) in 10wt and it is an other great rod too,i usually use the Loomis with intermediate line ,it is superb when you need to pick up a lot of line from the water and when you need to cast long distances.
Think what Rascall tells to you:"try the rods in which you are interested",any angler has a personal casting style,so it is better you buy a rod that matches your casting rhythm,i fortunately find my guns!

[launchone]

You'll pop everything but the Xi2, especially if you are just getting started, and you'll have a better "fish fighting" rod for other species (albies, sharks, etc...)

[jnims29]

You'll pop everything but the Xi2, especially if you are just getting started, and you'll have a better "fish fighting" rod for other species (albies, sharks, etc...)

What do you mean "pop" ?

[Capt. Ted Lund]

All of those rods listed are excellent choices. Another to consider is the 2 pc. Scott Tarpon Special. It's old school, but also a great rod. Another thing to consider is that unless you are always fishing for giant tarpon (over 140 pounds) a 10 weight is easier to handle and much more pleasant to cast. In that range, all of those manufacturers have some great offerings.

[jnims29]

All of those rods listed are excellent choices. Another to consider is the 2 pc. Scott Tarpon Special. It's old school, but also a great rod. Another thing to consider is that unless you are always fishing for giant tarpon (over 140 pounds) a 10 weight is easier to handle and much more pleasant to cast. In that range, all of those manufacturers have some great offerings.

Capt. Lund, I am a rather athletic 25 yr old, and I had the opportunity to cast a 12wt. in Key West recently. I thought it was a joy to cast. So the point i am trying to make is that I have no problem casting the big rod all day.

I was wondering will the 12wt. keep me from landing the smaller tarpon, since the line is so big?

[Capt. Ted Lund]

You shouldn't have any problems with smaller fish, although the larger rods are generally avoided when attempting to feed picky oceanside fish in very clear water with small flies and long leaders.

[jnims29]

I see, so it's the same as trying to throw a 9wt. @ nervous bonefish.

[Capt. Ted Lund]

That's a pretty good analogy. Also, the 10 wt. is more versatile, in that you could use it as a permit rod, offshore for medium-size dolphin and tuna, as well as taking it up to the northeast to fish for stripers and blues. A 12 on the other hand, is kind of limiting.

[jnims29]

I see Captain, but why not both rods. Eventually I plan on having an 8, 10, and 12wts for all my saltwater adventures.

[Capt. Ted Lund]

You can never have too many fly rods! I do a lot of blue water/big fish fishing, and get quite a bit of use out of my 12s. the average angler, though, doesn't use their 12 that much, and it generally sits in the corner collecting dust. definitely no harm in having the full range.