equipment and flies

You are fishing for baby tarpon.

That term is somewhat of a misnomer in that “baby” tarpon can reach 20 – 30 pounds. A bruisin’ fish in anybody’s book. They are fished in two types of water; close to and around mangrove shorelines and channels and in the open water. In both places a number 7 – 9 weight outfit is recommended with a saltwater proof reel sporting a tough drag system. Once hooked, tarpon cannot, repeat CANNOT, be allowed to bolt into the mangrove trees and roots. There is no getting them free without divine intervention. They will break, cut snag and shred lines and leaders in the Mangroves. Anglers need to snub tarpon down and let them have no line to prevent this from happening. Once clear of the Mangroves or in open water, they can be played like any other supercharged fish as comfortable jumping out of the water as it is boring to the bottom.

On the reel have 20 – 30 pound backing (at least 100 yds), a saltwater (not freshwater) floating fly line, 3’- 4 ‘ of 30 - 40 pound leader butt, knotted to the line and 4’ – 5’ of 40 – 60 pound shock tippet and to this tie the fly. If you’ve never looked into the mouth of a tarpon you might wonder why the heavy shock tippet. The reason is the rasp-like lining of its lips and mouth. It will wear through mono in no time unless it is thick enough. The pound test of the shock tippet isn’t so important as its thickness and abrasion-resistance. For larger tarpon, shock tippets range from 80 – 125 pound-test.

For flies think movement, flash and color.
The size range is may vary somewhat, but 1/0 and 2/0 hooks should work very well. Occasionally, smaller flies or larger flies may entice finicky fish, but 1/0 and 2/0 are used 90% of the time. For colors, have some in dark colors (black, blue, purple), neutral (tan, white, light brown, grizzly) and bright (orange, chartreuse, red, yellow). A minimum number of flies would be 2 dozen, in various colors, per person. Flies with flash can sometimes spook fish. They will rush up to it only to turn away at the last minute. I have cut the flash from the fly, when this happens, and most of the time it will be just enough change to entice a strike.Your fishing will be from the bow of the boat. Unless you have a system worked out with your fishing partner to fish at the same time, you will take turns (sometimes called “ups”) with him/her. Each taking a turn at the bow while the guide poles the boat looking for tarpon cruising or feeding or laid up. Usually, 20 – 30 minutes “up” or a hooked fish constitutes a turn. Of course, you can make any arrangements that make sense to you. The person not “up” will help spotting fish and constantly monitor the line on the bow deck to make sure it is not snagged or under the foot of the caster.

Clothing

Tropical shirts and pants are designed to keep you protected from the sun and to keep you cool. They also will dry out quickly after a storm catches you without your rain jacket out on the flats. If your clothes stay wet, the ever-present wind or the ride in the boat can cool you to the point of being uncomfortable. Most anglers prefer long sleeve shirts that allow the sleeves to be rolled up and fastened. Long pants that can be converted to shorts are also very popular.

• A long billed-hat that will shade eyes and protects your ears and back of neck is a must.
  
• Sun gloves are a recently developed protective-garment that can save the backs of your hands from too much sun and also protect you fingers from line cuts. They are great. They are highly recommended. Golf gloves and such just don’t cut it.
  
• A bathing suit is always welcome in the tropics.
  
• Lodge clothing is very informal and consists of any clothing you feel comfortable in. Shorts, t-shirts and sandals are fine in most places.
  
• If you are planning to go out “on the town” in Campeche some places may suggest long pants, but still casual dress for the most part.
  
• Rain gear is a must. A lightweight jacket that is easily carried, folded up or rolled into a small package, waterproof and breathable is perfect for the job. They can help cut the wind also. Take it with you on all boat rides.

TIP - Two or three sets of fishing clothing outfits are suggested. Take one on the plane with you as a carry-on (in case luggage is lost). After using one set, wash it. Use the second set the next day while the first is drying. When it is time for washing the second set, the first set is clean and ready for use.

Personal

• A small first aid kit including items that you may need that are not always available in remote areas.
  
• Sun protection that is water proof, sweat proof and spf 25 or higher is recommended. Check with your doctor if you have any allergies or sun sensitive skin.
  
• Lip balm with sun protection (the highest you can get).
  
• You might check with your personal doctor to find out what medicines you may want with you and if a prescription is needed, get it. Then put it into your first aid kit along with the directions for its use. For any prescription drugs you are required to take daily, carry them on the plane with you along with the prescription.
  
• A small towel is handy to take out in the boat with you then wash it, if needed, in your room when you get back from fishing.
  
• Extra set of prescription glasses if you need prescriptions.
  
• Polarized sunglasses are a must. THEY HAVE TO BE POLARIZED.
  
• Extra pair of sunglasses.
  
• Soap to wash clothes is handy. Most hotels have laundry service in Campeche.
  
• A small powerful flashlight can be useful. Take an extra set of batteries also.
  
• To add to your knowledge of where you are fishing, the local people, your guide and for more fun in general, get a dictionary for translation from the local language to English. Just learning a few words go a long ways to giving you a better trip experience.
  
• Take your pre trip information (and actually read it). Especially, keep the emergency phone numbers handy, just in case you need them.
  
• You better take along some GOOD insect repellent and an anti-itch/sting lotion. Mosquitoes can be a problem after heavy rains. Especially, at sun rise and sunset. When going out at night, take the repellent with you, just in case you need it.
  
• Take your camera along with extra batteries, and lens cleaner.
  
• Zip lock freezer bags are handy to keep small items dry while fishing. It is nice to have dry lens cleaners for your glasses after being caught in a rain storm or a wet boat ride.
  
• Personal care items.
  
• Personal journal and pen.
  
• Book(s) for quiet time reading and killing time in airport.
  
• Binoculars for spotting moving tarpon or other surface activity can mean more opportunities for catching fish. As an added activity, bring a bird ID book and use the binoculars for identifying the numerous birds in tropical and sub tropical areas.
  
• A fly tying kit could come in handy, especially in remote areas and when one fly clearly out-fishes others. Besides, it is fun to experiment with new patterns.
  
• Take along a garbage bag or two in case you have to keep large items dry or you have wet gear when packing to go home. Don’t for get to take out whatever is in there immediately upon returning home. You don’t want to know what it is like to forget wet clothes and wading shoes in there and discover them at some future date.

Fishing Necessities

• A knot tool for attaching the leader to the fly line is always useful.
  
• Bring a hook hone for keeping hooks sharp.
  
• Stripping/fighting gloves (mentioned above in clothing) can prevent nasty sunburn and cut fingers.
  
• Saltwater pliers for crimping hooks, cutting wire or monofilament and aiding in tying knots are important.
  
• A good knife is handy.
  
• Take a small flashlight.
  
• Always have a good line cleaner with you so your line casts easily.
  
• Travel alarm clock. Nothing worse than oversleeping on a day of fishing.
  
• DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSPORT! Make copies of the picture and personal information page and pack it separately in each piece of luggage you have.
  
• Take cash, including some smaller bills for tips and/or snacks.
  
• Airline tickets and flight itinerary.
  

TIP - I always carry a rod-reel-line repair kit. It contains extra guides (stripping, snake and large tip tops) electrical tape, tip top heat stick adhesive and a lighter or matches. In it is also, reel lube, light oil, neetsfoot oil, tools for working on rods and reels. I also have two 4-inch squares of carpet backing (a kind of rubber mesh) that I use to grip rod sections to help get them apart when extra tight. For glasses, carry the tools and extra screws to keep your glasses together. I keep this stuff in a waterproof container and take it out on the boat with me for emergencies. Keep whatever you find handy to have in it.If you have any questions, comments or concerns about your fly fishing trip, give us a call or email. We will do everything we can to make your trip all that it should be.