137. Drift Boat Tarpon Fishing
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RSS Feed What happens when you combine drift boat fishing with tarpon in the rivers of Panama? We sat down with Tyler Morris, founder of Drift Boat Tarpon Club, to hear how he turned an unconventional idea into a fly fishing operation.
Tyler shares his journey from guiding in Colorado to discovering a river full of tarpon in Panama. We discuss the challenges of shipping a drift boat overseas, the differences between fishing for tarpon in rivers and saltwater, and the techniques that make this fishery so interesting. Along the way, we learn about the opportunities for catching snook, the wildlife along the river, and what anglers can expect from a trip to Panama.
Tyler's story reminds us how far fly fishing can take us when we're willing to explore new waters and try something different. Whether you're a tarpon angler, a drift boat enthusiast, or simply curious about fishing in Panama, there's plenty to take away from this conversation.
Key Highlights:
- Tyler's journey from Colorado fly fishing guide to pursuing tarpon in Panama.
- The challenges of shipping a drift boat from the United States to Panama.
- How tarpon behave in river currents, eddies, and feeding lanes.
- Choosing flies and matching the shrimp and baitfish found throughout the river.
- Using intermediate lines, blind casting, and sight fishing techniques.
- Exploring the upper, middle, and lower sections of the Bayano River.
- Fishing for snook and other species alongside tarpon.
- What anglers can expect from the lodge, accommodations, and guided trips.
- Tyler shares the story of a giant rainbow trout that got away when he was a kid.
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Produced by NOVA