Tarpon on Fly in Islamorada’s IGFA Inshore World Championship

With ESPN2 camera crews stalking competitors in the Florida Keys Outfitters IGFA Inshore World Championship this week, ESPNOutdoors.com is able to offer viewers with an exclusive video segment of a successful tarpon catch.

During the first day of competition, Houston’s Carlos Duncan hooked up with a good-sized tarpon, worth 200 points towards his tournament total. Duncan and guide, John Donnell, found a spot filled with roughly 15 tarpon and what ensued was a typical fight, lasting a couple of minutes, and covering a healthy stretch of water.

Interesting was the duo’s persistence in landing this particular tarpon. While the area was clearly a hot spot for the species, Duncan had a hard time getting any to fall for his fly. After working the area for about two hours, he was finally successful. A definite lesson in persistence for fledgling anglers.

The clip also provides insight into the teamwork — between guide and angler — necessary to succeed at a tournament like this. While the anglers are typically the ones that garner the praise, guides play an integral part in finding fish, boat control and effective communication.

Duncan, who was highlighted in earlier article, landed one snook and one redfish Wednesday, completing a three-fish SLAM. In the fly division, that is good enough to be in contention and if Duncan can put some points on the board and satisfy another species category Thursday, he has a reasonable shot at victory.