I was out on a kayak paddle Sunday in Matlacha Pass FL. I saw a lot of juvie tarpon around mangrove islands. These fish are around 2-3ft.
Im going to go back out this weekend and give them a shot. I have done alot of fly fishing here but never targeted these small tarpon.
Probably going to be a train wreck out of the kayak but I will feel lucking if I hook up on one or two the rest of the summer. More like hunting than fishing. I dont normally fish the backcountry in the summer as the water is 90 degrees or better and low O2 . But I guess these baby tarpon thrive in these backwaters as they gulp air. Its a good discovery for me if it works out as I get cabin fever over the summer down here. Plus its great to be on a mission.

I like clear intermediate line, a small clouser or crab pattern. And strip strike with rod under arm, blast to catch. post some pics. good luck

Have to give it a try next week. My buddy had to cancel out so we never got out yesterday.

Caught a lot of fish in the Sanibel, Pine Island, Matlacha area on a white leftys deceiver with some peacock herl and crystal flash over the back of the fly. It does a good job imitating the whitebait in the area. Snook, tarpon, trout all round great pattern. Tied on a number 2 through 1/0 hook for the smaller backwater fish.

Also if you get the chance stop by Lehrs Economy Tackle in north Ft. Myers. Great small shop with a great fly department.

Seriously envious here. Well inland at 4.500 ft elevation and all of our water is still dry matter.

Fly fishing for juvenile tarpon sounds like a blast!!

It is. Jacks are a blast on fly too

Baby poons on a fly should be on most everyone’s bucket list.

The fun factor is off the charts ...

I spent the better part of 1991 fly fishing for baby tarpon and snook when I live down in Del Ray Beach, FL. The canal's around Everglade City and Ochopee can be a real hoot during the winter and early spring time. Sink the steel into their lip and your almost guaranteed the opportunity to watch one of the greatest acrobatic shows on earth.

Lehrs is the best place to go. I been going there for decades. My fishing buddy worked there as a boy. They got just what you need to fish the area. So you dont have to wade through the gummie bears and plastic shoes.

I caught a big jack a few weeks ago. Dang rodeo on fly and a yak. Spun me in a circle for ten minutes before he tired out.

Same fly is my go-to up here in the Homosassa/Crystal River area.