How was the fishing you ask? Well seeing how I had a friend whom visited the week before and got blown out by the wind, only saw a few tarpon and didn't get any shots at them I think we lucked out!

I jumped 3 Tarpon myself and with Colin landing one, Nick getting a shark as well as Don and Rob catching many other species it couldn't have gone any better. We averaged 400 Tarpon a day...Yep insane and nothing compares to seeing these giants coming right at you full speed and having to react instantly!

I did loose a beast of a Tarpon at 130lbs due to him shredding my line but after our guides noted that I was lucky anyway seeing how that only "1 in a 100 actually hook one on a fly and one in 1000 actually land" one that big, I was more than Happy to get my shot at her...until next time I guess!



                                                   
                                           Colin and Tradd gearing up while Nick,       What a way to end the day!
                                             "AKA Metro" prepared to swim/film 
                                         the schools of Tarpon 





                                                     
                                      Psyching myself up before a 70 ft cast            Talk to the Tarpon Gods and they 
                                                        on the button                                                    will commeth





                                                            
                                             Closing Down the Bar again!                            Don doing well on the 12 weight



                                                       
                                     Our last night and a few hours before           My secret weapon I caught 2 Tarpon on
                                  we were back at it again for an all nighter

                          
                                                
                                      Rob and Don race us to the next Hotspot       Colin and TDawg enjoying the ride


______________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Steps for Tying the Slim Beauty

1. Tie a double overhand knot about 4 inches from the end of the shock tippet or other larger-diameter material to which you want to connect your class tippet.

To start the knot, a loose figure eight is tied in the larger-diameter material. This is easily done by tying a double-overhand knot and gently tightening it until it "turns over."
2. Gently tighten the double overhand knot, but only until it turns over and forms a figure-eight. This leaves two gaps — one in the top and the other in the bottom of the figure eight — through which you can pass the tippet material
.3. Create a doubled section of your tippet material that is at least 18 inches long. Putting a sharp angle on the tip of the doubled loop will help it pass through the figure-eight.

Once the figure eight knot is made in the shock tippet or butt section, the double line is passed through the knot in the direction that will allow it to pass straight through the flattened knot.
 4. Pass the doubled tippet line through the top of the figure-eight knot and back out the bottom of the figure-eight knot in the direction that will result in the double line passing straight through the tightened figure-eight. (One way to see the proper direction is to look at the figure eight knot from the side; it forms a "dish" shape, and you want to pass the tippet through from the bottom of the dish first and back out through the hole in the cupped "face.")

 5. Pull 10-12 inches of double line through the figure-eight.The lubricated figure eight is then seated with pliers.

6. Tighten the figure-eight knot with pliers after lubricating. The "loops" of the knot should begin to flatten together, but they don't have to make total contact. holding open a gap between the double line and the shock and then making the wraps, you enable the end of the double line to be passed back through to create a lock.
7. With the thumb and forefinger of one hand, hold a gap open between the tag end of the double line and the shock tippet. Your other hand will wrap the doubled tag end around the shock tippet and then insert it through this gap.
8. Wrap the doubled-line 4 times down then shock, then wrap it back over itself, in the direction of gap, 3 times. Then insert the end of the doubled line through the gap. (Don't pull on the end of the doubled line to attempt to tighten the knot when this is complete.)Pulling quickly and smoothly on the shock and the standing double-line (but not the tag loop) seats the lubricated wraps.
9. Lubricate the wraps around the shock tippet. Then in one hand hold the standing part of the tippet and the actual tag end of the tippet — the double line that emerges from the top of the tightened figure-eight, not the section of double line that you inserted into the gap. It helps to wrap this double line around your hand once or twice. Grab the other end of the shock tippet (you may find it easier with pliers) with your other hand. 10. With a smooth, fast motion, tighten knot and seat the wraps up against the figure-eight. You may find that without adequate lubrication or when using dissimilar materials that the wraps "hang" and hesitate as you bring them tight. This is not always a problem, but be sure that the finished "barrel" of wraps looks tight and shows little, if any, unevenness.

11. Trim the knot by removing all but 1/16'' of the remaining loop of doubled tippet, the tag end of the shock, and the short strand of doubled line that will not be used to attach your class tippet to the leader butt section.

 

BIMINI TWIST

This is used to make a loop or double line without excessively reducing the breaking strength of the line.

1. Double the end of the line forming a loop allowing extra line to work with. Put the loop around some stable object like a cleat or rod butt to keep the loop open. While keeping the line taut, make 20 tight twists in the lines.
2. Holding the twists tight, wind the end of the line over the twist until you reach the neck of the loop; keep these wraps tight and compact.

    3. Make a half-hitch around one side of the loop; pull it tight.

1. Make another half-hitch around the other side of the loop; pull it tight.
   
2. To complete the Bimini Twist, make 3 half-hitches around the base of the loop, tighten it and clip off the excess line at the end.
   

BLOOD KNOT

The best knot we know for tying line to line when the diameters of the two are the same or nearly so. Makes a strong, small joint that slips through most rod guides easily.

1. Overlap the ends of the two lines for several inches. Hold at the middle of the overlap and twist one end around the other line five or more turns. Bring end back and through strands as shown.
   
2. Still holding the lines, turn other end around line the same number of turns in the opposite direction. Bring end back and pass between lines from opposite direction of first end.
   
3. Tighten by pulling up slowly on both lines. Clip off ends short, or tie the knot with one end long, to use as a dropper for two-hook fishing.

PALOMAR KNOT

A basic knot for tying on hooks, lures, swivels, etc. You may find it easier to tie than the Improved Clinch Knot. Properly tied it's just as strong.

1. Pass line through eye of hook and return through eye making a 3" or 4" loop as shown.
   
2. Hold line and hook eye with one hand and use other hand to tie a loose overhand knot in doubled line. Do not tighten.
3. Hold loose overhand knot and pull loop over hook, swivel or lure.
   
4. Pull on doubled line to draw knot up making sure loop does not hang up in hook eye or swivel. Pull both line ends to tighten. Clip off end about 1/8" from knot.

1. 
   

STU APTE IMPROVED BLOOD KNOT

For typing a much heavier diameter line to thinner.

1. Double up the thinner line. Tie the same way as the
   Blood Knot treating doubled line as one.
   
2. Use five twists of doubled up thin line, but only
   three turns of the heavier line.
   

  

SURGEON'S KNOT

For tying a leader to a line end, where the diameters are unequal.

1. Overlap ends of lines for several inches. Tie a simpleoverhand knot treating both strands as one.
   
2. Pass the two strands through the loop again. Pull up tight.Trim ends. For greater strength, tie a "Double Surgeon's Knot"by passing the strands through the loop four times.

UNI KNOT

1. Run the line through the eye for at least 6 inches. Fold it back to form a double line and make a circle back toward the hook or lure with the tag end.
2. Make six turns with the tag end around the double line and through the circle. Holding the double line at the point where it passes through the eye, pull the tag end, as indicated by arrow, until the six turns are snugged into a tight barrel.
3. Now grasp the standing part of the line and pull (see arrow) to slide the knot up against the eye.
4. Continue to pull standing line until knot is tight. You can trim the tag end flush with the closest coil of the knot, because the Uni-Knot doesn't allow line slippage.
   
   To tie a small loop into the eye of a lure or fly, giving it free movement in the water, tie the same knot, up to the point where the turns are snugged up around the standing line.
5. Next, slide the knot toward the eye of the lure, by pulling on the standing line, until the size loop desired is reached. Use tacklebox pliers to hold the knot at this point, pulling the tag end to maximum tightness.
   
   Under normal casting and retrieving the loop will hold. Once a fish is hooked, the knot will slide tight against the eye for better security

Loop Knot

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step #1:   Make a double over-hand knot in the bite tippet, leaving about 3 inches of tag end to complete the knot. You'll also need a pair of plyers and something to hold the hook tightly as you tighten this knot.

Step #2:   Twist the knot until it makes this figure-eight shape.

Step #3:   Pass the tag end through the hook eye and back through the figure-eight. Pay attention that it passes over the twisted line (the correct way would untie the knot if the fly wasn't there).

Step #4:   Pass the tag end through the other openning in the figure-eight. Again, pay attention to which side of the twisted line this is on. It should be on the opposite side as the first pass, and would again untie the knot if the fly wasn't there.

 Step #6:   Continue to tighten until knot seats firmly against hook eye.

 Step #7:   Tie an over-hand knot around the standing part of the line. This distance between this knot and the the hook eye should be about twice the size of the desired finished loop.

 Step #8:   Holding the hook firmly (with a lanyard, etc) use a plyers to pull the over-hand knot very tight by pulling the tag end.

 Step #9:   Moisten the entire knot and pull firmly on the standing part of the line. The first knot should slide up and "lock" against the knot you just tied. Clip the tag end close and go fishing.

Tying A Uni-Knot: (already in website) A better join can be made using one of the Hangman's Knots known to the International Game Fish Association fisherman as the Uni-Knot. This is a knot used for attaching the line to the spool of the reel.
1. Overlap the two lines for about 15cm.
2. Using one end, form a circle that overlies both lines.
3. Pass the end six times around the two lines.
4. Pull the end tight to draw the knot up into shape.
5. Repeat the process using the end of the other line.
6. Pull both lines to slide the two knots together.

Tying A Trilene Knot:
The Trilene Knot is a very strong and reliable connection that resists slippage. An excellent choice for tying line to hooks, swivels, and lures.
1. Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook, lure or swivel, then double back a second time.
2. Go around the standing line 5 or 6 times with the tag end. Then thread the tag end through the 2 formed coils.
3. Tighten the knot with a steady, even pull, and trim excess line leaving a ¼ inch tag end.

Tying A Spider Hitch:
The Spider Hitch is a fast, easy knot to create a double-line leader. Under steady pressure it is equally strong as a Bimini Twist, but is not quite as resilient during an abrupt impact, and is not practical with lines heavier than 30lbs.
1. Form a loop of the desired length, say about 12 inches.
2. Make a smaller with both strands of the loop, and hold it between your index finger and thumb, making sure your thumb extends past the index.
3. Take the remainder of the large loop with the free hand, wrap it around the exposed tip of your thumb 5 times, thread it through the smaller loop between your fingers, and pull gently to unwind the turns off the thumb, steadily increase the pull to tighten the knot.

Tying A Nail Knot:
This knot is strong and compact, and it’s smooth enough to slide past rod guides with ease. It is generally used to attach fly line to backing or the butt section of leaders, but can also be used to join 2 lines of different diameters.
1. Hold nail or needle against the tip of the fly line and the backing or leader between your thumb and index finder. Then carefully wrap the tag end of the backing or leader around 6 or 7 times, making sure the wraps don’t overlap. Push the tag end through the wraps
2. Holding the wraps between your fingers to make sure they don’t unravel, pull the nail or needle out, and pull both ends of the backing or leader to tighten the knot.
3. Finally just clip off the tag end close to the knot.

Tying An Albright Knot:
This knot is most commonly used for joining lines of different diameters, as when adding a leader or shock tippet to the end of your fishing line. It’s also the top choice for attaching wire to monofilament without a swivel.
1. Form a loop with the tag end of the heavier line, hold it between your thumb and index finger and, from the top, insert the tag end of the lighter line through the loop.
2. Slip tag end of the lighter line under your thumb and pinch it tightly against the heavier line strands that form the loop. Wrap the first turn of the lighter line over itself, and continue wrapping towards the round end of the loop. Be sure to wrap the lighter line around everything at least 12 times.
3. Insert the tag end of the lighter line through the loop, from the bottom up.
4. Slide the lighter line coils with your thumb and finger, pushing them together toward the round end of the loop, and stop about 1/8 inch from the end. Using either pliers or your teeth, pull the tag end of the lighter line to tighten the coils.
5. While still holding the heavier line between your fingers, pull on the standing strand of the lighter line, then pull on both the tag end and the standing strand of the lighter line again. And finally pull the heavy line and the lighter line against each other to cinch the knot tight.
6. Trim both tag ends.

Tying A Bimini Twist:
Used primarily for offshore trolling and double line leaders. A bimini twist creates a long loop of line which is stronger than the the line itself. A Bimini twist is a simple method of doubling your fishing line in order to prevent chafing or to create the necessary loop in order to attach a wind-on leader.
A short Bimini twist (up to five feet) can easily be accomplished by one person. To tie a Bimini twist longer than five feet takes two people, although it could be done alone with a lot of practice.
This knot is a 100% knot, meaning, it retains 100% or the original strength of the line being used.
1. Measure a little more than twice the length you will want for the double-line. Bring end back to standing line and hold together. Rotate end of loop 18 - 23 times, by twisting it.
2. Slowly spread the loop to slide twists together about 10" below tag end. You want to spread the lines evenly, keeping the same angle on each side, so they do not wrap on top on one another. Step both feet through loop and bring it up around knees so pressure can be placed on column of twists by spreading knees your apart. It is easiest to learn the knot with two people so one person can hold and spread the lines while the other person ties the knot. Bimini twists over 5 feet long really need two people to tie properly, unless you have 8' legs !
3. With twists now snug together, hold standing line in one hand with tension just slightly off the vertical position. With other hand, move tag end to position at right angle to twists. Keeping tension on loop with knees, gradually ease tension of tag end so it will roll over the column of twists, beginning just below the upper twist. (as the line continues to spread apart the tag end will wrap back down over top of the twists.)
4. Spread legs apart slowly to maintain pressure on loop. Steer tag end into a tight spiral coil as it continues to roll over the twisted line. It take a practice, but avoid the twists jumping back over top. The twists should lay side by side and coil down nicely as shown to the right.
5. When spiral of tag end has rolled over column of twists, continue keeping knee pressure on loop and pinch the end of knot to keep it from unraveling. Put a finger in crotch of line where loop joins knot to prevent slippage of last turn. Now make a simple half-hitch with tag end around nearest leg of loop and pull up tight.
6. With half-hitch holding knot, release knee pressure but keep loop stretched. Using remaining tag end, take half-hitch around both legs of loop, but do not pull tight.
7. Make 2-3 more turns with the tag end around both legs of the loop, winding inside the bend of line formed by the loose half-hitch and toward the knot. Pull tag end slowly, forcing the loops to form in a spiral.
8. Moisten spirals and pull loops tight against main knot. Leave about 1/4" of a tag end when trimming. Keep practicing, it takes some time, but is a great knot worth the effort.

Tying A Huffnagle Knot:
1. Start with a double overhand knot, two wraps of the tag through your circle. Center the circle about 10 1/2 inches from the eye of the hook.
2. Draw the double overhand tight so you form a figure 8.
3. Push the double line through both ends of the figure 8, starting at the tag and headed for the fly.
4. Create an overhand knot around the shock leader with the double or folded over line. It is very difficult to snug the shock leader's figure 8 knot even dragging on the tag with a pair of pliers but snugging up the first class tippet overhand knot while pulling on the shock leader tag will do the trick.
5. After a second overhand knot you need a three turn clinch knot to secure the knot properly. Three wraps of the class tippet tag around the shock leader and between it and the class tippet is all it takes.
6. The finished knot should be compact and none of the double or doubled line should show above the connection.

Tying A Surgeon’s Loop:
The Surgeon's End Loop forms a loop at the end of a line. This provides a means to quickly attach leaders and other tackle. This end loop is very easy to tie and very reliable.
1. Double up the tag end of the line and make an overhand knot with the double line.
2. Bring the double line through the same overhand knot a second time.
3. Hold the loop with one hand, and hold both the standing end and the tag end of the line with your other hand.
4. Moisten the knot, then pull on the loop and the standing and tag ends of the line in opposite direction to finally cinch the knot tight.

Tying An Offshore Swivel Knot:
The Offshore Swivel Knot is exceptionally strong - if one strand breaks, the other is still likely to hold despite heavy stress on the knot. Often used in conjunction with a Bimini Twist, it can also be used to attach a hook.
1. Double up some 8 inches of line to form a loop, thread the loop through one eye of the swivel and twist it once so the strands cross each other.
2. Fold the loop over onto the standing line, and hold it in place with your thumb.
3. Pass swivel through the center of the loops 6 to 8 times.
4. Release the loop, and pull the double line away from the swivel.
5. Holding the swivel with pliers, pull harder on the double
line to cinch the knot tight.

Snelling A Hook:
1. Pass the end of the line, trace or tippet through the eye twice, leaving a loop hanging below the hook.
2. Hold both lines along the shank of the hook.
3. Use the loop to wind tight coils around the shank and both lines, from the eye upwards. Use from 5 to 10 turns.
4. Use the fingers to hold these tight coils in place. Pull the line (extending from the eye) until the whole loop has passed under these tight coils.
5. With coils drawn up, use pliers to pull on the tag end.

The Haywire Twist:
1. Thread the wire through the eye of the hook or swivel, and form a loop with the wire, leaving a 3- to 4-inch long tag end. Hold the loop with your index finger and thumb or with pliers, then cross the 2 strands as shown. Grip both strands firmly with the pad of the index finger on top of one and the pad of the thumb under the other.
2. Use your free hand to rotate the 2 strands of clockwise 90 degrees to lock the loop in place. For this to happen, the 2 strands must take half a wrap around each other. Slippage will occur if only one wraps around the other, thus affecting the strength of the Haywire Twist.
3. Continue to twist the 2 strands 6 to 8 full turns (the heavier the wire, the fewer twists), always making sure they both wrap evenly.
4. Then bend the tag end in a 90 degree angle, and wrap it around the main wire strand making 5 to 8 tight barrel wraps. Finish by breaking off the excess wire instead of cutting it off with pliers to avoid a dangerously sharp tag end. This is done by twisting the tag end counterclockwise, making 1 or more circles until it breaks off.