The Black Death Tarpon Toad is one of my favorite Back Country Tarpon Flies, mostly because it is big, black and red, and tarpon eat it up. I have caught fish on this pattern in the channels, in the flats, and in the flow. Fly fishing for tarpon is one of the most exciting fishing experiences and having enough of the right fly is invaluable. A well tied Black Death Tarpon Toad is certainly one of the best tarpon flies to have in your collection.
Click here to learn a little more about Tarpon
Click here to learn a little more about Tarpon
Watch how to tie this Tarpon Fly:
~Click on any image to enlarge~
Materials List:
I use Gamakatsu SL12S #1/0 for every giant tarpon fly I tie. This hook is very good at hooking and keeping an upper lip without bending out.
For this particular Tarpon Toad Pattern, I chose to use bead chain eyes. I usually use size medium or large when I choose to weight my toad flies.
The Black Death Pattern calls for a combination of red and black. I used red rabbit strips for the tail.
This fly also calls for a marabou collar. You may need all sorts of colors of marabou for the tarpon toads you can tie.
Finally, the head of this fly is tied with EP Fibers. There are many colors, so choose wisely...
Super Glue is a must for a saltwater fly tyer. I typically use the super glue that is on sale.
~Click on any image to enlarge~
Start a hook
Add a rabbit strip for the tail
and tie it up so that it does not
wrap around the hook
(snarfle guard)
Tie in a marabou collar
Now add body segments
Tie in bead chain eyes and
whip finish the fly
Trim the body
Lock it down with glue andcomplete the fly
Black Death Tarpon Toad
Migrating Tarpon are one of the greatest challenges a fly fisherman can face. Giant fish, tiny hook. If you have the need to catch a monster fish with a fly rod, go to http://www.riplips.com/florida and book a tarpon fishing charter in the Florida Keys.
"How to tie a
Black Death Tarpon Toad"
by Capt. Matt Thomas
