Equipment and Flies

If there is one word to describe the fishing at Paradise Lodge it is variety. And for that reason, a variety of flies are needed to be successful. One needs flies for bonefish, permit, snook, tarpon and barracuda.

The most successful anglers have two or three rods set up in the boat with different flies ready to go. One for bonefish (#7 or 8), one for permit (#8 or 9) and another for tarpon (#8, 9 or 10) or barracuda (#8 or 9). In the lakes there are no bonefish, so a rod for tarpon and one for barracuda will work with possibly a #10 heavy outfit set up in case one of the big boy tarpon show up. All with tropical saltwater floating fly lines. The reels have to be saltwater proof with smooth, smooth drag and the capacity for 150 to 200 yds of backing.

Take along a pair of white cotton socks. Wear them while in the boat. They protect your feet from the sun and insects, prevent slipping on a wet deck, soak them to cool your feet off in the tropical sun and, importantly, when “up” for fishing and the fly line is peeled out onto the deck, it can be felt through the socks if standing on it.

Be sure to have line cleaner handy to give your line a thorough going over whenever it feels sticky, is not shooting the guides correctly or is not floating properly. It is amazing how much this helps distance and accuracy.

A good way to share the fishing position on the deck in the bow of a boat is to make the “ups” 20 minutes long, or a fish is caught or hooked (even if it is lost). This keeps the rotation flowing and the period between fishing stints at the bow don’t get too far apart.

If more than two or three fish approach a fly but shy off just short of striking, change the fly. And/or clip the flash out of it. Too much flash can sometimes spook otherwise interested fish. Try a different color, size, weight or shape. The old adage is true about flies; “If it doesn’t work, fix it.”

Every time a fish strikes or is landed or the fly snags on anything, check the hook for point damage and the leader for nicks and unwanted knots. Fix any problems.

A complete detailed equipment and fly list is supplied to each of our guests in plenty of time before their trip. You can also download a PDF version right now by clicking on:

•  2011 Paradise Lodge Tackle & Travel Planner
•  2011 Paradise Lodge Brochure
•  2011 Paradise Lodge Questionaire
•  2011 Paradise Lodge Welcome Letter