For big tarpon a 10 wt. is minimum, I recommend a 12 wt. for them. For the cobia and bonito, a 10 wt. is fine. The person to really talk to re: fly fishing for these animals is John Botko of the Salty Feather. He can arrange evrything, including lessons and trips.

Tarpon fishing on fly is a little different up here than in S. Florida and the Keys. Up here the fish figt much, much deeper...sorta like a heavyweight boxing match vs. a shallow water jumping contest. You will need a fly rod that has a lot of lifting power...meaning one that is a poor casting rod.

Personally, I prefer a 10 wt. for everything up here, including redfish and trout. The reason is I can throw larger, bulkier flies with a 10 wt., which is what I prefer fishing with. Particulary the larger topwater poppers. That is just me. Most guys fishing for reds and trout use pretty light rods...7 - 8 wt for them. Plus, when fly fishing in the wind, a 10 wt. really punches into it, as opposed to a little 7-8 wt. outfit.

Good luck!

Regards,
Capt. Jack