GEAR YOU NEED FOR FLATS FISHING
Carribean EQUIPMENT LIST
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE CARRIBEAN
Whether you're heading to Ascension Bay or Permit Alley, throughout the many years of destination saltwater fly fishing, our team has curated this list of essential gear that covers most flats destination across the carribean region.
FLY RODS
Depending on which species you're targeting, you will need a variety of different fly rods to be most effective. From calm days on the flats with 7-weights for bonefish to 9-weights for permit and 11's for Tarpon, and everything in between. Here are our recommendations on what to bring:
- Bonefish: 9' 7-weight
- Permit: 9' 9-weight (2 in total, 1 backup)
- Tarpon: 9' 11-weight
- Barracuda: 9' 10-weight
FLY REELS
Saltwater fish don't mess around and are especially hard on reels. Ensure that your reel is made of machined aluminum and has a bomb-proof sealed drag system, and has a capacity of at least 150 yards of 30 lb. backing. Here are our recommendations:
FLY Lines
Fly line needs vary by specific destinations but here are some general needs for most saltwater destinations across the Carribean. Here are our recommendations on what to bring:
- Bonefish: Weight forward floating saltwater fly line (matched to your rod's weight)
- Permit: Weight forward floating saltwater fly line (matched to your rod's weight)
- Tarpon: (1) Weight forward floating saltwater fly line and (1) Intermediate sinking tip fly line (matching to your rod's weight)
- Barracuda: Weight forward floating saltwater fly line (matched to your rod's weight)
LEADERS & TIPPET
It's essential to have the appropriate tippet and leaders for the species you are pursuing. It's recommended to have one leader per rod per day that you are fishing to be safe. Here are the recommended leaders and tippet:
- Bonefish: 9-12’ – 8-12 lb. leaders + 8, 10, and 12 lb. fluorocarbon tippet
- Permit: 10' 12-20 lb. fluorocarbon leaders + 12-16 lb. fluorocarbon tippet
- Tarpon: Straight fluorocarbon in 40-50 lb (baby tarpon) or 80 lb. (adult tarpon in May-September). Or tarpon leaders in 16 lb. (40-60 lb. shock) and 16-22 lb. (80 lb. shock)
- Barracuda: 40 lb. straight fluorocarbon + 35-40 lb. knottable wire
- Snook: 40-50 lb. straight fluorocarbon
Fly Assortments
These fly assortments have been hand selected over the years that we have been fishing the flats. Make it easy on yourself and pick up a curated assortment of flies.
TARPON FLIES
CUDA, BAITFISH, & OTHER FLIES
SALTWATER APPAREL
Sun protection is crucial to your comfort while fishing on the flats. You'll be thankful for high quality clothing that keeps the sun off your skin and keeps you fishing for your entire trip.
WADING
If you're going to be in a boat the entirety of your trip, you can get away with closed toed sandals (Keen, Simms, or Teva) but for those who want to get out on foot, high quality wading boots are crucial to wading the reefs, especially in pursuit of bonefish.
Fishing & Travel Packs
While you'll need a travel bag to carry your clothes and fishing gear, we recommend having a bag and/or wading pack for use in the boats to organize flies, leaders, tippet, and your essentials like sunscreen, tools, etc.
Tools & Accessories
From pliers to nippers and more. It's good to have a few useful tools on hand for when you're guide isn't around or your fishing on your own.
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HOSTED FLY FISHING TRAVEL
Travel with the Hackle crew and explore pristine fly fishing destinations all over the world. From Bristol Bay to the flats of Espiritu De Santo and so much more. When you travel with our team, we'll take care of the crucial travel details so you can focus on practicing your double haul or unwinding after a long day on the water.
VIEW HOSTED TRIPSMONTANA'S PREMIER FLY FISHING SHOP
HAVE A QUESTION?
Need help planning for your destination fishing trip or want to talk shop with the crew at the Hackle? Contact us today and a member of team will be happy to assist you so you can make the most of your time on the water.
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