Skip to Main Content

Port Isabel, Texas: World's Largest Fly Fishing Pole (Gone)

The towering yellow rod points skyward, angled to hook an equally large Gulf tarpon if one is out there. April 2019: Reel reported missing, remaining rod unconvincing.

Directions:
Drive east on Hwy 100 from Brownsville. Port Isabel is just before you cross the bridge to South Padre Island. The pole is next to a bait shop at the last signal before the bridge, next door to the lighthouse. Turn left before crossing the bridge.
Hours:
Sept. 2020: Fishing rod gone.
Status:
Gone

Visitor Tips and News About World's Largest Fly Fishing Pole

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

World's Largest Fly Fishing Pole

The fishing pole has been replaced with a big shark. Its on the same stone base but the fishing pole is gone.

[Becky Hall, 09/17/2020]
World's Largest Fly Fishing Pole

There is no accompanying signage anymore and the reel has been replaced by a rock base. All that is left is the rod, and it is pretty underwhelming. Sorry.

[Matt, 04/16/2019]

Largest Fly Rod and Reel.

World's Largest Fly Rod and Reel

Another attraction we found via Roadside America. Since we were in the neighborhood, we had to go in for a closer look.

[Irwin & Victorina, 01/19/2014]

The accompanying information display states that the 70-ft. long fly rod was certified as World's Largest in 1999 by the Guinness World Records gang. It's not just a sculpture -- it's a functional fly rod made of fiberglass with a working, four-ft. diameter reel.

Fish pole.

World's Largest Fly Fishing Pole

My wife and I were visiting South Padre Island with family and stopped in Port Isabel for lunch. The giant fly fishing rod immediately caught my eye. The pole is part of a small park like setting which includes a painted dolphin, fiberglass pirate and a giant sheet metal tarpon leaping out of the water. The fly fishing rod is posted as the "World's Largest." It is well crafted and painted. It could be slightly improved by having a line and giant hook attached from it to the big metal tarpon fish.

[Clayton Moraga, 08/31/2005]

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create and Save Your Own Crazy Road Trip! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

Texas Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Easter Island Moai in America (Mar 25-31, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings