I have to cast perpendicular to them, not a preferred direct-on cast. They ignore my offering, silently disappearing. Tarpon dart ahead. An opening appears. We get out of the skiff in knee-deep water.
Small tarpon are everywhere.
My 30-foot roll cast spooks a dozen. Not to worry. My fly is immediately inhaled as it touches down. A juvenile tarpon, certain of achieving freedom, exhausts himself in a wonderful repertoire of spasmodic antics. Airflo fly line is wrapped up and on and under and in and around mangroves.