Equipment and Flies

RECOMMENDED TACKLE
Ideally, the fly fishing angler should take three rods: an 8 weight for bonefish, a 9 weight for windy conditions and larger flies (perfect for permit), and a 10 weight for tarpon and other larger species. For the spin fisherman, a long medium-action rod for bonefish and permit, and a stiff, heavy-action rod for tarpon and larger reef species will do nicely. Backup rods should be taken. (The lodge has several fly fishing and spinning outfits for rent.)

FISHING CONDITIONS — GENERAL
Flats/Bottom — The majority of the flats fished at Boca Paila have soft bottoms and therefore are not wadable. There are, however, several areas (especially flats adjacent to the central tidal channel) that are wadable. Although there are many species for the sport fisherman at Boca Paila, the area is best known for its bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, and snook. Bonefish range from around 2 to 5 pounds, the 5-pounder being the exception; permit from 3-25 pounds, tarpon from 5-60 pounds, barracuda from 2-35 pounds, and snook from 5-20 pounds. Snapper and jack crevalle (5-30
pounds) are also present.

Bonefish

The fly fisherman has an advantage over the spin fisherman due to the delicacy of the fly presentation and a more diverse selection of patterns.

Fly Selection, some general guidelines: It is important to match the fly’s overall color with that of the bottom. The food items that bones prefer are also experts in camouflage and will match to their surroundings perfectly. Then again, there are days when bright pink is the only color that will work. When in doubt, ask your guide for recommendations.

Recommended Bonefish Flies
You should consider taking 3 to 5 dozen of the assorted flies listed below for a week’s fishing. You needn't include all of these. Most should have standard bead-chain eyes and should be in size #6. Add some size #8 for
finicky or spooky fish. Include a handful each of eyeless and lead-eye flies.
• Crazy Charlies (tan, light brown, pink)
• Gotchas
• Puffs (light brown, pink)
• Shrimp imitations (light brown, light pink) both with rubber legs and lightly weighted
• Epoxy heads (MOEs) (yellow, pink) with flash
• Small Clouser Minnows (chartreuse and white, tan and white, shiner, foxee bonefish)
• Chili Pepper
• Christmas Island Specials (pearl, orange)
• Crab patterns, including Barry and Cathy Beck’s “silly leg” version and yarn crabs in light brown and light green, work well for both bonefish and permit.

Rods
The ideal size rod for Boca Paila bones is a stiff, fast action 7 or 8 wt. The 8 wt will effectively handle most conditions and have the power to punch out a line in a fairly stiff breeze. Fly rods that are 9 feet and over are recommended because they help keep lines up off the water while casting to and playing fish.

Reels
Should be anodized saltwater models that will hold a full fly line, plus approx. 200 yards of 20-lb backing. Reels with a high quality, smooth disc drag are essential to prevent break-offs from the blistering runs of hooked fish.

Fly Line
Saltwater weight-forward floating fly lines are all that is necessary. Note: Carry at least one extra spool/line in case a fish frays your line on a mangrove root or coral.

Leader/Tippet
A tapered leader of 9-ft length is recommended. A half-dozen knotless tapered fluorocarbon leaders in 8, 10 and 12 lb should suffice for a week of bonefishing. Be sure to take spools of tippet in 8, 10 and 12 lb for rebuilding or lengthening your leader.

Tarpon (May and June Peak)

Tarpon are the largest, strongest, and most acrobatic of the Boca Paila fish. Even juvenile fish will put your angling skills to the test and strain your tackle. This tarpon fishery is not as significant as those found in Belize and Florida. Primarily known for small to mid-sized specimens (5-50 lbs), Boca Paila’s tarpon should be considered as an added bonus, since the numbers found in these waters are fairly limited.
A few, especially the juveniles, remain in the area year-round. Migratory fish begin to show up at the beginning of May and increase significantly from May through June.

Rod
The ideal rod for Boca Paila-sized tarpon is a 10 wt. You can get away with a stiff 9 wt, but if you hook a 60+ pound fish or your guide asks you to cast a 3/0 fly in a 20-knot breeze, you’ll wish you had the backbone of a heavier rod.

Reel
Tough, no-nonsense reels are a must when you are playing tarpon. A strong, reliable drag is vital. Capacity: 200 yds with 30-lb backing.

Lines
Those recommended in the bonefish section in appropriate sizes will work well. Generally, sinking lines are not necessary.

Leaders and Tippets
For most anglers, pre-made tarpon leaders (offered by Umpqua and Climax) will simplify things considerably. In any case, you need a 12"–15" shock tippet of 60-lb or heavier monofilament (or wire). We recommend buying these pre-made leaders with 16- or 20-lb class tippet sections.

Flies
A selection of the following should cover all conditions (sizes 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0): Cockroach, Chico’s Shallow Water Tarpon (burnt orange/grizzly, blue/griz., yellow/griz., green/griz.), Stu Apte (Apte Tarpon), Sea Bunny (olive, purple, tan),
Lefty’s Deceiver (red/yellow, chartreuse/white). Popping bugs, such as Gaines Saltwater Popper. Clouser Minnows in various colors also perform.

Permit
Permit are by far the most difficult, picky, frustrating fish you’ll encounter on the flats. They have superb eyesight and a well developed sense of smell. Unlike bonefish, permit are excessively finicky about what they eat. They will often charge your offering with reckless abandon, only to stop at the last moment and snobbishly refuse it. Don’t become discouraged.

For the fly fishing angler, the permit is considered the ultimate flats species.

Patterns
Permit have a particular weakness for small crabs so the majority of the productive patterns are crab imitators. The most productive at Boca Paila are the Rag Head Crab, Merkin Crab, and Cathy Beck Permit Crab (available directly from Barry and Cathy Beck; Phone [570] 925-2392) in muted colors:
tan, cream, and olive; size #6 or #4.
Other popular patterns: MOE (Mother Of Epoxy), #4, in
white, pink, and brown; Clouser Minnow, #2, chartreuse and
white bucktail with red lead eyes; Puff patterns, #2 to #4, in
light and dark brown; Jewett Blue Crab #4. Many Boca Paila
permit have fallen to Crazy Charlies as well.

Rods
Should be a bit stouter to handle larger flies and fish. The ideal permit rod is a 9 or 10 wt.

Reels
Those listed for bonefish should fare well against permit; make sure to have at least 200 yards of 20-lb backing.

Lines
Saltwater weight-forward floating lines are all that is necessary.

Tippet/Leader
Again, follow the bonefish guidelines but use a slightly stronger tippet section (12-20 lb). Fluorocarbon
tippet is recommended.

Other game fish

Barracuda, Jacks and Sharks: Lurking at the top of the food chain, these tough flats predators offer some outstanding action on a fly or lure. They will strike anything that darts away from them in an injured manner. When hooked, they are some of the fastest and most powerful fish to be taken on light tackle.

Flies
Barracuda — Needlefish patterns (green/white, chartreuse,
blue/white), Braided Barracuda Fly (chartreuse), Rabbit
Barracuda (2/0), Chinese Dragon (chartreuse and white) 3/0.
Note: For barracuda and jacks, an extra-fast retrieve will
usually provoke more strikes than a slow retrieve.
Jacks and Sharks — Lefty’s Deceiver (red/white and blue/
white), Streaker, Gaines Saltwater Popper (red/white and blue/
white), Shark Fly. 2/0-3/0 hook.

Rod/Reel
Follow tarpon guidelines — 10 wt rod is ideal.

Line
Saltwater taper, floating line.

Leader
A wire shock tippet is mandatory.

Snook
Snook are found in the waters around Boca Paila year round, although their numbers fluctuate somewhat. They should generally
not be considered a primary target.

Rods/Reels
The same as listed in permit section.

Lines
In addition to a floating line, you may want to have a sinking line on hand for blind casting at the mouth of the boca.

Leaders/Tippets
Snook will typically blast out of a nightmarish mangrove tangle to take your fly and then try to race back into it, In a frantic attempt to wrap you around every root they can find. With this in mind, a straight 40# butt section of 4 – 6 feet knotted or looped to the line and connected to 40 – 60 pound shock tippet (about two feet) will help you keep control over the fish and help prevent break-offs.
Flies: Snook prefer bright-colored flies dressed with a moderate amount of flash. Favorite colors include white, red, and yellow. Often they can be caught on surface poppers, so a combination of the following is recommended.

Subsurface: “Punch” series (Lime, Tropical, and Sabalo) 2/0. Seaducer (yellow/red) 2/0. Lefty’s Deceiver (red/yellow & green/white) 2/0. Comb’s Sea Habit (green/white). Clouser Minnows in shiner and chartreuse/white.

Surface: Gaines Popper (yellow/red and blue/white).
Note: If the fish seem interested in your fly but are “short striking,” don’t be afraid to give your fly a little “haircut” to help shorten its overall length.

FISHING TECHNIQUES ________
Even if you feel fairly secure about your casting ability, we strongly recommend that you take a few casting lessons to perfect the “double haul” as well as your accuracy and technique. Then practice casting (in the wind if possible) at least 10 minutes a day the week before you arrive. A good pair of polarized sunglasses (brown or amber lenses
recommended) and a long-billed hat with a dark underside are essential for spotting fish. Except for barracuda or big tarpon lying stationary on the bottom, generally speaking, the fish are always moving. Scan laterally, slowly, as the boat moves. Things to look for include the flash of an exposed tail, “nervous water,” a bulge or push, or the shadow of a cruising fish.
BONEFISH .......................................................
Bonefish have three basic modes of behavior; the angler’s presentation will be determined accordingly:
1. “Tailing” — While feeding with their snouts buried in the bottom silt, bonefish will often stick their wavering tails out of the water. As this occurs, the angler can usually throw a fly or lure almost directly on top of them without spooking them.
2. “Mudding” — On the deeper parts of the flat, bonefish will often stir up the bottom as they grub for food. This cloud of mud tends to make the bones feel quite secure and often the angler can catch one after another without spooking the school.
3. “Cruising” — Are generally the most difficult fish to present a fly or lure to because they aren’t necessarily interested in feeding. Cruising bones are much more aware of their
surroundings, and extreme care should be taken in presentation. When casting, place your offering well ahead of the fish and let it settle until the fish is right on top of it.
FLY FISHING — Retrieve: Always pull your fly away from a fish — never toward it. If you are fishing over sandy bottom, allow the fly to settle and then strip it off the bottom in little spurts. If the fish don’t seem interested, try varying your retrieve until they respond. The most popular retrieve is a series of short, slow strips. Another productive technique is a fast strip followed by a dead stop. If the fish sees the fly, he will pick it up from a dead stop. The fish will usually pop its tail up as it takes the fly and the hook should be set immediately after this occurs; you will actually see many fish pick up the fly before you feel them. Many people miss fish because they don’t set the hook in time — the fish has picked up the fly but hasn’t been felt and drops it again. When setting the hook, apply a moderate pressure to the fly line with your stripping hand and raise the rod at an angle, so if you miss the fish, the fly will still be in its vicinity. Don’t jerk — many bonefish turn violently at the moment they feel the hook and that, combined with too hard a hook set, will usually snap the leader. As soon as the fish begins to run, it is very important to clear the line you have stripped in to avoid line tangles and to get the fish “on the reel.” Occasionally the fish will run toward you, in which case you will have to quickly strip in more line to maintain pressure. Then the fish will change directions
and you can clear the line. Bonefish have tough mouths and having very sharp hooks is
important. Resharpen hooks with a hook hone after every three or four fish. Vary your retrieval technique if you have refusals and, of course, change flies following two or three refusals in a row. Try to keep false casts to a minimum, and once you have a hookup, hold your rod as high as you can. Please pinch down the barbs on the hooks of your flies with long-nosed pliers. You won't lose one out of fifteen fishing barbless. This makes it so much easier to release fish unharmed, and many people feel the barbless hook actually works better in penetrating the tough tissue of the bonefish’s mouth.
SPINNING — Spin fishing for bonefish can be very effective when done correctly. The most important thing to remember is that the presentation of a spinning lure is not as delicate as that of a fly. When presenting your lure, it’s best to cast 10–15 feet in front of the fish. When the fish reaches the vicinity of the lure, begin a slow retrieve.
PERMIT ............................................................
FLY FISHING — Tailing fish are more likely to take a fly but cruising permit are most commonly encountered, so you must be prepared to place the fly well in front of the fish, allow it to settle to the bottom, and patiently wait. When the permit is several feet from the fly, “scoot” the fly along the bottom in a slow, deliberate, crab-like fashion and then stop the fly completely. If the permit appears uninterested, you must possess enough self-control to attempt to persuade the fussy beast into reconsidering your offering. At this point, don’t begin madly stripping the fly like a crazed bonefisherman — think like a
terror-stricken crab and slowly retrieve the fly as if it’s trying to inch its way out of the permit’s vicinity. The trick is to try to keep the fish interested, catching its attention. A slow, varied retrieve seems to work best.
SPINNING — As with fly fishing, artificial lures should be fished slowly and patiently. The presentation should “creep” along the bottom with frequent and sporadic stops and starts. A permit’s mouth is very tough; set the hook repeatedly and never allow slack line or the hook may be dislodged.
TARPON ..........................................................
Fishing Conditions: Most tarpon will be encountered in the tidal channels connecting the flats and deeper water. In most circumstances, fish are seen rolling and the angler will try to approach within casting distance. On the ocean side of Boca Paila, tarpon can sometimes be found cruising along the beach, especially during May and June.
FLY FISHING — Presentation: Once cruising or rolling fish have been spotted, it is important to quickly and accurately place the fly in front of the fish’s path. Tarpon are not easily spooked and you can place the fly quite close to them. A distance of about three to five feet is perfect. Allow the fly to sink to the level of the fish and then begin to strip it back with a slow, steady retrieve (12-inch strips as a general rule). This is the moment of truth. If all goes well and the tarpon is in the dining mood, the fish will greedily take the fly — wait until it turns before setting the hook. By doing this, the tippet will slide into the corner of the fish’s mouth (the softest part) which theoretically sets you up for the best possible hooking angle. Tarpon have concrete-lined mouths, so a super-sharp hook is an absolute necessity.
Correct hook setting will also help put the odds in your favor. Point the rod tip at the fish and firmly set the hook with your stripping hand only; then keep the rod tip close to the water (to eliminate slack) and pump the rod sideways with short, sharp tugs as you pull on the line and the rod simultaneously. This sounds easy on paper, but if you haven’t caught one of these giant primordial beasts before, the sight of one inhaling your puny fly may turn you into a bumbling ball of nerves. A Note on Lost Fish: The average fly fisherman only lands about 30 percent of “jumped” fish. The most common causes
related to fish loss are dull hooks, poorly tied knots, and frayed tippet — super-sharp hooks and well-tied knots are of utmost importance! Carry a small hook file at all times.
SPINNING — Presentation: The wide variety of lure types all have different actions and are retrieved at varying depths. As a general rule, tarpon like lures that are retrieved at an easy pace.
SNOOK..............................................................
Snook are most often found in small schools, so remember to thoroughly concentrate on an area where a strike or hookup occurs. Snook often tend to hold near some sort of “structure” (i.e., mangroves or logs). Because these fish usually won’t move far from their lair to take your offering, an accurate presentation is very important. If you’re doing things correctly, you can expect to be pulling the occasional fly out of the mangroves by hand. Snook are notorious for their ambush predatory tactics and require accurate fly placement (often in small pockets and under the mangroves) to entice a strike.
FLY FISHING — Snook can be taken with a variety of surface
and subsurface flies. The key to success is perseverance.
SPINNING — Presentation: Snook are a somewhat transient fish, often moving in schools from place to place depending on water conditions and availability of food. Because of this, a common practice is to cast with a “locator” lure until the fish are
found and then stop and cast to them after the first hookup occurs. It’s best to keep switching lures until strikes start occurring.
CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Temperatures can range from the low 70s up to the mid-90s. Dress is informal at the lodge; please feel free to wear what you are most comfortable in.
Clothing
• Slacks/shorts: 2 or 3 pairs in lightweight cotton
• Long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection) — light color/fabric
• Fleece jacket or light windbreaker for cool mornings and evenings
• Shoes: 1 pair rubber-soled, non-slip boat shoes; canvas sneakers. We and the lodge management highly recommend that all those who plan to wade wear neoprene
wading shoes with a rigid sole. In some areas around Boca Paila there are saltwater lice that can be bothersome. Long pants tucked into wading shoes will alleviate problems
with sea lice (they’re really harmless).
• Fishing hat: should have long front visor with black underbill (enhances polarizing qualities of sunglasses) and it must shade face, neck, and ears.
• Sunscreen: It is very important that waterproof sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 be applied to all exposed skin including your lips. Remember that the sun reflecting off the water can burn your face even if you wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Buff or bandana for face protection.
• Lightweight rain gear for the occasional shower
Fishing Accessories Checklist
• Polarized sunglasses: two pair with brown or amber lenses (avoid green) indispensable for seeing fish.
• Clippers for cutting monofilament
• Needlenose pliers/forceps
• Fly line dressing
• Hook sharpener
• Neoprene reel covers
• Hip pack
• Nail knot tool
• Tape measure
• Reel grease
• Pocketknife
Optional
• Scales
• Adhesive tape
• Fishing glove (Fish fighter/Sun gloves)
• Knot book
• Fly tying equipment
• Small towel — for wiping hands
• Zip-loc bags — large and small
Miscellaneous
• Pocket-size digital camera with at least 5 megapixels, recharger, and waterproof case
• insect repellent
• snorkel, mask, and fins
• medications you may require
• first-aid kit
• small flashlight
• travel alarm clock
• bathing suit
• sandals
FINAL NOTE . . .
Boca Paila is a family-owned-and-operated fishing lodge located in the heart of a remote Mexican paradise. Family members and lodge employees always do their utmost to ensure the comfort of their guests and accommodate all of your needs and requests. However, occasionally you may experience a bit of a “manana” attitude, a late departure or a possible equipment failure. Please remember that while the staff at the lodge is very
laid-back they are also professionals and will do their best to keep everything on schedule. Relojate y disfruta de lo que te
rodea . . . Relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Basic Equipment List

FLY FISHING

BONEFISH
• 7-9 wt rod
• saltwater reel with min. 150 yds 20-lb dacron backing
• weight-forward floating line (saltwater taper)
• Fluorocarbon leader 9 ft
• tippet material: 8, 10 and 12 lb
Flies (most in size #6; bring a handful of #8 and #4)
"Standard" Crazy Charlies in light brown, cream, pink, yellow, and
light green; Gotcha; small Clouser Minnow; Mini-Puff

PERMIT
• 9-10 wt rod
• saltwater reel with min. 200 yds 20-lb dacron backing
• weight-forward floating line (saltwater taper)
• Fluorobarbon leader 9-12 ft
• tippet material: 12, 16 and 20 lb – fluorocarbon is recommended
Flies (sizes #4, #6 and #2)
• Merkin Crab, Rag Head Crab, McCrab

TARPON ( May & June peak)
• 10-12-wt rod
• saltwater reel with min 200 yds 30-lb backing
• floating or intermediate sinking line (tarpon taper)
• tarpon leaders with mono shock tippet
Flies (sizes #1/0 and #2/0)
• Chico’s shallow-water tarpon fly; yellow/grizzly, green/grizzly
• Lefty’s Deceiver (various colors)
• Cockroach
• Clouser Minnow

SNOOK
• 9 wt rod
• reel with permit specifications
• saltwater taper line (floating and intermediate sink)
• tarpon leaders with 60# shock tippet
Flies
• Lime Punch
• Lefty's Deceiver (chartreuse and white)
• Gaines Saltwater Poppers (red/yellow and blue/pearl)

OTHER SPECIES (Barracuda, Jacks, Sharks)
• 9-10 wt rod
• reel with tarpon specifications
• floating and sinking lines
• wire leaders 15-30 lb (Climax Bluefish or 'Cuda/Shark)
Flies
• Attractor: (Seaducer, Streaker, Gaines Poppers, Deceivers)
• Barracuda: (Needlefish, Barracuda Bunny)

SPIN/CAST
BONEFISH
• 6 1/2 to 7 ft rod, light/med action; lure wt 1/8 to 3/8 oz
• spinning reel, min 200 yds 6 or 8-lb mono
Lures
• Spin Charlies (weighted version of Crazy Charlie)
• Gaines Phillips Wiggle Jig 1/8 oz (white, yellow, brown, pink)
• 1/8 oz saltwater jigs, leadhead and 2" Mister Twister-type
plastic body (hot pink, smoke glitter, white, yellow and
chartreuse)
• live bait rig: #4 9174 Mustad O’Shaughnessy hook and 1/8 oz
slip sinker; small, strong swivel

PERMIT
• 6 1/2 to 7 ft light/med action rod; lure wt 1/8 to 3/8 oz
• spinning reel, min 200 yds 8-10 lb mono
Lures
• Gaines Phillips Wiggle Jig 1/8 oz (white, yellow, brown, pink)
• 1/4 and 1/8 oz saltwater jigs, leadhead and 3" Mister Twister-type
plastic body (pumpkinseed, smoke, green, white, yellow)
• live bait rig: #1 9174 Mustad O’Shaughnessy hook and 1/4 oz
slip sinker; small, strong swivel

TARPON (May & June peak)
• 6 1/2 to 7 ft med/hvy rod; lure wt 1/2-1 1/2 oz.
• spinning or bait casting reel, min 150 yds 20-lb mono (12"-
18" of 60–80 lb. mono shock tippet or wire leader)
Lures
• 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and pearl, red head)
• Rapala CD Mag 5 1/2" (silver)• Mirrolure 52M and 65M (green back/white body and red/white)
• 1 oz saltwater jigs, leadhead and 6" Sassy Shad; black back/
chartreuse and natural shad)

OTHER SPECIES (Snook included)
• tarpon wt rod and reel,12-16 lb mono
Lures: Barracuda
• tube lures (red and yellow)
• 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and G-finish pearl/red head)
• wire leaders, min 12" 18-20 lb
• 3/4-1 1/2 oz bucktail and plastic jigs (white and yellow)
• 3/4-1 1/2 oz slip sinker and #2/0 bait hook
Lures: Jacks/Sharks
• 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and G-finish pearl/red head)
• Rapala CD Mag (silver)
• wire leaders, 18-20 lb, 12"
Lures: Reef Species — Snappers, Grouper, etc.
• 3/4-1 1/2 oz bucktail and plastic jigs (white and yellow)
• 3/4-1 1/2 oz slip sinker
• #1/0-3/0 9174 Mustad hooks (bait rig)
Lures: Snook
• 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and G-finish pearl/red head)
• 60# shock tippet
• 3/4-1 oz saltwater jig, leadhead and 4" chartreuse plastic body or bucktail
• 3/4 oz Bill Lewis Magnum Rat-L-Trap; chartreuse shiner and/or
chrome/black back
Also, take some #8 wire, 4/0–6/0 bait hooks, and 30# swivels.