Tarpon Toad

Materials

How to Tie the Tarpon Toad

1. 1

   Step 1

   Mount saltwater hook in vise. Start thread and wrap a base from behind the eye to the bend.

   Use a strong, corrosion-resistant saltwater hook.

2. 2

   Step 2

   Tie in two rabbit Zonker strips at the bend, splayed apart slightly, extending about 2x the shank length behind.

   Splay the tails to create a wider profile in the water.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Add 4-6 strands of Krystal Flash along each side of the tail. Tie in a loop of hard mono as a foul guard.

   The mono loop prevents the rabbit strips from fouling around the hook.

4. 4

   Step 4

   Tie in EP fibers at the midpoint of the shank, fold back, and secure. Repeat, building up layers of EP fibers.

   Build up the head gradually for a rounded, toad-like profile.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Continue layering EP fibers toward the eye, alternating sides. Leave space for the eyes and thread head.

   Keep the head dense but not so thick it absorbs too much water.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Tie in mono eyes on top of the shank using figure-eight wraps. Secure with superglue.

   Position eyes about 1/4 shank length behind the eye.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Build a thread head, whip finish, and coat with UV resin. Trim the EP fibers to a rounded, compact head shape.

   Trim to a wide, flat shape from the bottom for proper swimming action.