Big tarpon is going to be a challenge on any type of gear. Using a 12 wt graphite (G Loomis) I landed multiple fish > 100 lbs in a couple of days fishing. Landed 1 fish for every 6 hook-ups. Like all species, a one approach fits all leads to failure. Fishing the ocean at the mouth of the Rio Colorodo in Costa Rico
1. casts were less than 60'
2. Hook sets were 'strip' sets not 'trout' sets. Rod not involved
3. A rod with back bone is essential. Also essential is a durable reel with quality drag system (I used Bauers)
The lodge owner said the biggest problem with graphite was rod breakages. Countless high end graphite rods blown up. Here, Fiberglas or cane might be a better option, more forgiving of user errors. Playing a fish for > 1 hour increases the likelihood of angler mistakes.
Probably an easier fish to target with cane than marlin simply because at the right location the angler has many more shots. Having 50 shots in a week can happen with tarpon and sailfish. You screw up, you have another chance.