SW FL Pond/Canal Tarpon and Snook

[redux]

I recently relocated to Naples, FL and have access to a lot of ponds and canals that are loaded with snook and tarpon. There's a small retention pond up the street with some 40+ pound tarpon. A buddy of mine sent me pics of some lake-bound snook that are over 36". So...as a long-time bass guy I am clueless...which artificials do people usually throw for these in dark "brakish" water? Also, does time of day matter much?

 

I'm good on baitcasting rod, reel, and line selection so feel free to make suggestions on that. I should be ale to match any combos including fly rods. I have 6 and 9 weights. Just have no idea what artificials to throw. ?‍♂️

[Captain Phil]

I grew up fishing those canals.   Both snook and tarpon will eat live shiners.   As for artificials, the gold standard was always the 52M11 Mirrorlure.  Some of those fish can be large.   My PB snook was 30 pounds.   You will need a minimum of a 30-50 pound mono leader.   If you don't use a leader, these fish will cut you off with their gill plates.  Both snook and tarpon will hit flies.  You haven't seen anything until you hook an 80 pound tarpon in a canal 15' wide!   Pretty intense....

 

  

[Chris at Tech]

Flukes, soft swim baits, spooks...

[redux]

Thanks for the information. ?

[sicklecat]

On 11/14/2020 at 7:11 AM, Chris at Tech said:

Flukes

Flukes for me too.

[redux]

Any color recommendations? I'm assuming white is a go, but are there other go-tos?

[Chris at Tech]

Hard jerkbaits like X-raps too.

 

white, some sort of shad or baitfish pattern with some sparkle, and a darker color

[mrpao]

7 hours ago, Chris at Tech said:

Hard jerkbaits like X-raps too.

 

white, some sort of shad or baitfish pattern with some sparkle, and a darker color

I've caught snook in the past on jerkbaits. They'll hit a topwater too.

I've normally caught them early in the morning or towards the evening.

[soflabasser]

Snook and tarpon will hit the same lures a bass will hit. Have caught them on frogs, spinnerbaits, topwaters, crankbaits, and other bass lures. Make sure to use a leader and learn how to use the drag of your reel since these fish are much more powerful than a bass.

[ArthurLK11]

X-Raps have worked well for me for snook. I prefer size 8. 

[Andrew B]

My family just moved to Naples, Florida and I come up a couple times a year from school and I’m looking for some public ponds or canals that have an abundance of tarpon. Never caught one and would love to just test my luck once or twice in some of those bodies of water. So does anyone know public places I can just stop by that are pretty good? and you don’t have to give any secret spots don’t worry.