Preparing for your Trip
RECCOMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
FLY FISHING LIST
Fly Rods
Bring 2 rods. Suggested is 8 or 9 wt. for Bonefish. 4-piece are more convenient for traveling.
Reels
Should be anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater models with a high quality drag. Must hold a fly line & at least 200 yards of backing.
Fly Line
Weight-forward floating fly lines are necessary. The Flip Pallot line in the "Teeny Professional Series" is great for quick pick up and delivery.
Leaders & Tippet
Knotless tapered leader of 9-12 feet are recommended. Bring spools of 8, 10, 12 & 15 lb tippet. Wire shock tippet is mandatory if fishing for Barracuda.
Flies
Most Situations call for flies with standard bead-chain eyes, or small lead eyes. Gotcha and Clouser Minnow are the most popular patterns here. Sizes #6, #4 and #2. The Gotcha is definitely THE BEST!
SPIN FISHING LIST
Rods
Bring 2 rods. Should be light to medium action, suited for 6-8 1b line designed to cast lures from 1/8 0z to ½ 0z is best.
Reels
Should be able to hold at least 200 yards of 8 1b test. A smooth drag is essential to avoid breaking off fish.
Line
A limp monofilament in 8 1b test. The new super-strong braided lines would be excellent choice.
Lures/Jigs
Barracuda-Tube lures (green and orange) are especially effective. Bonefish-The most popular jigs are 1/8 0z. Colors of pink, tan, white/brown, and sand/brown. Grub colors: White, yellow, Chartreuse, pink and yellow pearl.
Live Bait
Live small crabs and frozen shrimp are excellent. A #4 bait hook works well.
OTHER ITEMS
Fishing Accessories
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Polarized sunglasses: two pair
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Clippers for cutting monofilament AND nail knot tool
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Hook Sharpener
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Fly line dressing
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Needlenose pliers/forceps
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Waterproof “boat bag” for storing tackle, camera, clothing, etc., on boat
Clothing
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Long sleeved shirts, long and short pants, in lightweight cotton or supplex
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Lightweight rain gear for the occasional shower and morning/evening boat runs
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Fishing hat with a long front visor or big rim for the sun protection on the face, neck and ears
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Rubber-soled shoes for wading or while in the boat
Miscellaneous
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Camera/lens/flash/film, polarizing filter, fresh batteries, waterproof case
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Insect repellent
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Sunscreen, waterproof, with a SPF of at least 30-chap stick of same SPF
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Any medications you may require, also to include Pepto Bismol
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Items of personal nature…toothbrush/paste, deodorant, lotions, razors, etc.
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Flashlight
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Travel alarm clock