An Interview with Kevin Townsend of the KT Diaries
Kevin focuses his attention on the middle Texas coast, from Port Aransas to Freeport, Texas. Although he fishes for many other species, including redfish and speckled trout in the backcountry, tarpon are Kevin's passion, and there are few if any guides along the Texas coast that focus more on flyrod fishing for tarpon. Here are some of his answers to our questions about fly fishing for tarpon on the Texas coast.
What is your favorite rod/reel combo?
Not very different than fly fishing for tarpon in other locations, I like a 12 weight rod for tarpon in most settings; however, along the jetties, where the tarpon are often smaller a 10 weight rod and reel works great. As far as reels go, the Tibor and Billy Pate reels are good, as are the Orivs reels.
How do you rig your leaders and fly line?
In Texas, I typically tie the fly line directly to the leader. 60-80 lb. leader works well. The leaders we use are anywhere from 6 feet to 10 feet long. When I use a sinking tip fly line, the leader can even be shorter. The fish here are not as educated and do not get spooked by the line as easily as in other locations, like Florida.
When do you use a sinking line?
Typically, I am going to us a sinking line near jetties or when I am in deeper water, out to forty feet deep. In those situations, you need to get the fly down to the fish. Although they are rolling on the surface, the fish eat better deeper. Getting the fly down to their level is key to getting a strike.
What about on the beach or in the bay?
Under those situations, I use a floating line or an intermediate line. Intermediate line is really my favorite set up. I probably use that 80% of the time and only use the floating line about 10% of the time. Of course the floating line is easier to pick up and recast.
What are your favorite fly patterns?
I make most of my own flies. Any of these flies (picutred below) work well. I find that when I am in the bay, the larger flies work well. I think it is easier for the fish to feel the fly moving through the water and see the fly.
Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with one of Texas' premier fly fishing guides and pick his brain about hunting Texas tarpon with a fly rod. While not as well known as Florida for its fly fishing, Texas is quickly becoming a destination for fly anglers wanting to target giant tarpon without the crowds and where the fish aren't as pressured.