Tarpon in Belize average around 50 pounds, but anglers can expect to see and hook fish up to 100 pounds. Some are even larger, including Florida-size specimens in the 150- to 175-pound class.

Most Belize tarpon angling is not done on the classic environment of the flats, despite the abundance of such habitat. Instead the fish are found in bays, lagoons, and narrow channels of water local guides call "cricks." Tarpon spend time in these cricks, feeding on schools of small baitfish that inhabit such protected waters.

The water in these places is typically from 6- to 12- feet deep. Fish can be spotted in water like this, but are normally seen when they roll and splash on the surface.

Most anglers use a slow-sinking, intermediate line for this tarpon fishing, but the fast-running tides that move through these narrow channels or cricks often require a Type IV to V sinking line to reach the fish. My tarpon reels are rigged with an interchangeable system of 30-foot shooting-tapers that allow me to reach depths down to 15 feet or so if the tide is not pushing too hard.

Tarpon leaders are the bane of most inexperienced fly fishers, and you will not find them for sale in Belize. The answer is to buy high-quality Bimini twist leaders. They are well worth the investment. Dan Byford has developed Shari-Dan Leaders: 50- to 100-twist Biminis that act as bungee shock aborbers when you strike a fish. The leaders and knots stretch and contract, but they do not interfere with setting the hook properly. The leaders are accurately rated to IGFA pound tests, and they are sold ready to attach to leader butt section.

Byford also manufactures quick-connect, reusable wire leaders (for shark and barracuda) for people who do not know how to make haywire-twist leaders. For information contact Classic Anglers, 7407 Alvarado Road #18, Le Mesca, CA 91941, (619) 462-4823. Shari-Dan also produces leaders suitable for permit.

You can purchase 9- to 12-foot bonefish leaders from most fly shops. Make sure that the leaders are manufactured from hard Mason or clear Maxima for best results, particularly in areas with coral. Depending on the size of the bonefish you expect to find on the flats you will fish, 8- to 12-pound tippets (hard Mason or Maxima) are sufficient.

The tarpon in Belize seem to tolerate bright patterns, possibly because the area usually has light fishing pressure. Bright orange and yellow are favorites, as are red and white. Knowledgeable anglers bring their subdued patterns as well, and it is hard to beat standard Florida-type flies such as the Cockroach.

I prefer to use a 9-foot, 10-weight graphite rod. Most Belizean lodges, however, recommend 11- and 12-weight rods, which obviously do a better job of fighting fish in the 75- to 100-pound class, but are more tiring than lighter rods when blind casting.