There are plenty of 100-pounders in Florida. They are such good fighters that a 30-pounder on light tackle will leave a fisherman exhausted. Whether using spinning or conventional tackle, it should be of good quality. Tarpon have incredible endurance, and will test equipment to the limit. Tarpon can be caught on just about any bait.
Preferences vary largely by area.
It pays to check what local fishermen are using. Red and white is always a good color combination. On the flats, some sportsmen go after tarpon with fly-casting gear using white streamer flies. Regardless of the location, most are caught on natural bait. Live bait such as pinfish and mullet are best, but live shrimp and crabs work well, too.