Laid-Up Tarpon Fly – Umpqua
When tarpon float or sleep near the surface, they are said to ‘lay up’. This fly is specifically designed for these conditions, following Rick’s preferences. The Owner AKI hook (2/0) is used for its light weight, providing a softer splash and the slowest possible sink rate. The fly is bushy and over-hackled to land softly and sink slowly. This design enables a very slow strip presentation with natural motion, allowing the fly to remain visible to the fish.
The tan color mimics a shrimp, while the chartreuse color performs well in off-colored water.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hook Size | 2/0 (Owner AKI) |
| Color Options | Tan, Chartreuse |
| Sink Rate | Very slow |
| Design | Bushy, over-hackled |
FAQ
What makes this tarpon fly suitable for ‘lay-up’ conditions?
The fly is designed to float or rest near the surface, with a slow sink rate achieved through a light hook and over-hackled, bushy profile. This allows for a slow strip presentation that keeps the fly visible to tarpon.
Why is the 2/0 Owner AKI hook preferred?
The 2/0 Owner AKI hook is lighter, resulting in a softer splash and slower sink rate, which helps maintain visibility to the fish during slow, natural strip presentations.
How does the color affect performance?
The tan color mimics a shrimp and works well in natural settings. Chartreuse is effective in off-colored or low-visibility water, where it stands out to fish.
Samantha Churchill –
This fly works great in calm, shallow waters where tarpon are resting. The slow sink and soft landing make it easy to keep the fish in view. I’ve used it in off-colored water and the chartreuse stands out well.
Faith Piper –
The bushy design and light hook allow for a natural strip that mimics a floating shrimp. I noticed better strikes compared to traditional flies that sink too fast.
Warren Russell –
It’s a bit more delicate than other flies, so I need to handle it carefully. Still, it performs well in lay-up conditions and keeps the fish engaged.