So you’re taking the plunge, you’ve booked a trip with friends or family for fun in the sun… Then it dawns on you:
What on Earth do I need to take?
Will it fit in my suitcase?
What will the airport allow me to take?
It is on the ‘bucket list’ of most and the ‘repeat list’ of many. Tropical Saltwater fly fishing is by far the most extreme fly fishing on the globe. Through delicate presentation for sensitive yet supercharged bonefish to, stalking massive Tarpon amongst mangroves or even lobbing a large lure fly at Sailfish teased in to the back of the boat in blue water, we can suggest the right equipment for all these species, and everything in between. Phone, email or come in and speak to us face to face for our best suggestions from experience.
This article however, is about making cost effective decisions in preparation for your trip to warmer waters and trying your best not to dismiss the fishing equipment you already have.
New Zealand Yellow Tail Kingfish caught on the flats of Tauranga on the fly.
Your trout tackle
The most common length and weight of fly rod purchased in the UK by a long mile, is a 10ft for #7 weight. These are purchased by mainly the recreational stocked fishery anglers simply because they listen to and admire the competition/team anglers that use them, swear by them and promote them through their articles, social media and videos. The reason the ‘comp guys’ look for this rod is because they need the length and strength of the rod to punt out huge long lines with as little effort as possible in any weather conditions. Theoretically, the longer the cast the more time the flies are in the water, the better your odds of hooking a fish. The other trait most comp anglers will go for is a fast action rod, the advantage of this style of rod is that yes, it can cast a line further generally, depending on the anglers competency, but more importantly within a competition, the angler wants to get a hooked fish in as fast as possible because the longer you play a fish for, the less time you have at catching another.
An assumption would be that if you use a high quality 10ft #7 single handed fly rod purchased in the last 5 years, you will probably have a fast action rod. This rod is ideal for the likes of small to medium Bonefish, Trevally, Permit, Jacks, even some Redfish(up to 15lb), if you hook a bull Redfish however, you’ll wish you had a #9 weight. Which leads me on to the “tackle insurance”, a term that frustrates allot of anglers from the UK heading overseas. This is not a policy that you buy, but security nonetheless.
The headache of “Tackle Insurance”
Regardless of how much your fishing/guiding, accommodation and flights of your tropical saltwater fishing trip has cost you, the equipment you need has to be factored in to your total budget too. Turning up with all the wrong gear is painful yet avoidable with a little research, but breaking the only fly rod or line you have on a dream fish just one day into your trip is a horrendous thought! On top of all of this, things can quickly become uncomfortably expensive to fix and put a dampener on your, what should have been, amazing trip of a lifetime. “Tackle Insurance” is simple, take spares. Taking 2 of exactly the same outfits would be silly because you are limited to only what that outfit can achieve. Take slightly different outfits that overlap, i.e. a #7 and a #9. These two outfits have very specific traits that can be selected for particular species or the geography you are fishing, but if one were to fold, then the other could take over and cope. Contrary to belief, you don’t need to spend a fortune on tackle for overseas fishing, this is a myth that is only made real sometimes because the anglers themselves feel that if they are making all this effort to travel so far, why not take the best gear too.
Top Three Spares – What do I need?
Fly Rod and Reel – We would always recommend a spare fly rod, “naturally the tackle shop blog would say that” are your thoughts. Well imagine the worst happened when you are on some remote beach and “SNAP!” Who would be kicking themselves then? You can pick up a very good saltwater proof fly rod for (at time of writing) under £150. Look at the rods like the Scierra SRX or the Airflo Bluetooth or even the sub £60 Shakespeare Agility XPS fly rods. What we would recommend though is that you research exactly what you need (or ask us) instead of just going for the cheapest deal. Reels are much the same, but look out for large capacity reels with good brakes.
Fly Lines – If the guide or outfitter you have booked with recommends a particular line, then get two or more! But it is always worth while having a line with a slightly different principle purpose too. Consider an intermediate line, or a different colour for silhouette, maybe a line with a more aggressive tapering for distance or heavier flies etc. There is no point in travelling thousands of miles to limit your fly to hover 3 ft above the fish when you could be in amongst them.
Polarised Sunglasses – You may have a great pair of Costas strapped to your face all the time, but what if they fell off, or you or your pal stood on them, then hopefully one of you thought to pack a spare pair. We all know how important eye protection is, but fishing can be so frustrating if you are uncomfortable. A spare pair of polarised sunglasses can cost as little as £15.
View our range of sunglasses here!
Travelling with your Fishing Gear
Always keep in mind that the airline you choose to travel with may have baggage restrictions and factors to consider when flying. Remember not to take your hooks, tools or anything sharp in your carry on luggage.
Multi section travel rods are more and more popular now and can be stored in your luggage.
What else will I need?
Consider the following items and make good informed decisions on your choices:
Fluorocarbon – The best of the best for saltwater fly fishing. Nylon and copolymer will become weak and overly soft in warm water.
Polyleaders/Sink Tips – These could save you on purchasing full lines for the same result, remember though a mono-cored polyleader is not going to be as strong as you are used to in warm tropical water.
Finger Guards – You might laugh and say you don’t need them, but give it a day of stripping line in fast, coated in saltwater and a bit of sand, not pleasant, and hindering.
UV protection – In the way of a hat, sun gloves, UV buff, high factor waterproof sunscreen and lip balm. Essentials for out on the water.
Buffs/Gaiters for Saltwater – Click Here
Flies – Depending on your targeted species, ask the guide or outfitter for the best patterns to tie or purchase.
Clothing – fast wicking, sun resistant light layers.
Footwear – Sand booties, or equivalent.
Last, but most important is ‘Backing’. It is rarely seen on our UK waters and we often dismiss it as something that helps fill out a fly reel. However, in the salt water, getting on to your backing is a regular occurrence (all things going well). Gelspun backing is the best there is. It is extremely strong and thin so you can fit hundreds of yards on large capacity reels. You might think this unnecessary but when you hook a milkfish determined to cross the reef, get over the sand bar and head out to the open ocean, backing is all the hope you’ve got. Alternative, more cost effective braids are available and we’d be happy to make suggestions for you.
That’s the basics covered, and now you can have confidence taking some of your existing reservoir fishing gear on holiday, but only for certain species. If you are expecting to target big fish in the salt flats or even blue water fishing, then you will have to upgrade your gear into anywhere between #10-14 weight outfits. Please feel free to contact us for further advice/suggestions.
