Tarpon Tackle

[JSG2891]

I would like some insight from you tarpon fishermen if you could, what kind of rigs are you using these days? Personally, I don't have the money for fancy equipment so I have to keep it simple. Basically what I've been using for the smaller tarpon is a 7 foot spinning rod, 300 yards of 20 lb mono, a few yards of spider hitched double line, and a few yards of 50 lb mono leader tied to the spider hitch with a yucatan knot, and I use a rapala loop to tie on a 3/0, 5/0 or 7/0 eagle claw lazer sharp circle hook depending on the size and type of the bait I will be using. I hook the live baits in the side of the mouth..I use as little weight as I need for keeping my bait on the bottom and for casting purposes I have the weight about a foot up from the hook, sometimes closer, and sometimes I don't even use weights, especially with live baits..I use this exact same setup for snook fishing..For the bigger tarpon I use an older model 7 foot fiberglass penn baitcast (conventional) combo, 300 yards of 80 lb sufix braid, several feet of double line with a spider hitch, and i attatch the spider hitch to several feet of 100 lb test mono with a 10-11 turn yucatan knot attatched to several feet of 200 lb test mono (i've been broken off with the 150 lb before). I make my leaders with 50 lb test line, i will do a spider hitch, and then another spider hitch, then take the two loops and braid them together, and tie the leader to a 7/0 eagle claw lazer sharp circle hook with a palomar knot. Again I use as little weight as possible, or none at all, and sometimes I float it under a balloon. What is it that you guys are doing as far as your weights and where do you place them..also, what are some good rod and reel combos for medium to large tarpon? I'm thinking about getting another baitcaster full of 80 lb sufix, or perhaps a heavier duty spinning setup. I'm basically looking for any info at all any of you guys would be willing to share as far as terminal tackle in particular. Thank you in advance.