Last Updated on November 7, 2017 by Clay Eavenson

It was a monumental day for Casey and the Nifong brothers aboard the Rock Bottom.  Casey managed to hook a few tarpon including this 130lb beauty and bring her boatside for a well-deserved photo shoot.  With the recent strong tides we have gotten a nice crab flow.  For those who don’t know what the crab flow is, it is when the crabs are flushed off the grass flats and out to the passes where hungry tarpon are ready for an easy snack.  We flew 9 fish on Tuesday and amid the bull sharks and hammerheads, we landed only one.  When tarpon fishing the eat is just half the battle.  These acrobatic monsters will pull, tug, and scream their way for freedom when hooked making them my favorite fish to target.  Forget Christmas, this is the most wonderful time of the year!.

When fishing for tarpon with crabs I like to use a 5/0 to 7/0 Owner Mutu circle hook with leader in the 60-80lb range and a medium to heavy rod with a light tip.  I will spool my reels with 50lb PowerPro line and use about a 3-5 foot leader to prevent tail whips and break offs.  I always like to present my bait as natural as possible.  This means you don’t want to feel your crab at all with your rod, but rather drift it with the current where these not so gentle giants lurk for a quick meal.  Congrats to Casey and don’t forget to get your trips booked soon because this party won’t last forever!