Essential gear for your
Belize fly fishing trip
Make sure you Come prepared
When you’re coming all this way to fish, it’s essential to show up prepared
— especially since access to fly shops in Belize is limited.
Below are my recommendations for rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, and a few other essentials. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help ensure you’re ready for your trip.
— especially since access to fly shops in Belize is limited.
Below are my recommendations for rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, and a few other essentials. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help ensure you’re ready for your trip.
Recommended gear for Permit fishing
Recommended rod weights:
8-10 wt. I'd lean on an 8-weight rod for pinpoint accuracy in calm conditions. When there's more wind, a 9 or 10-weight gives you the edge you need.
Fly reels:
Be sure your reel matches that rod weight, and consider a large arbor for quicker line retrieval.
Fly lines for Permit fishing:
I recommend using a full floating, tropical fly line made for warm conditions.
Leader thickness and length:
16-20 pound 9-12 foot standard tapered leader.
My Permit fly pattern recommendations:
A #4 hook with a wide gap and a weed guard is highly recommended.
- Merkins (#4) – Tan, Olive, Brown
- Bauer Crabs (#4) – Green/Gray (gray legs), Brown/Tan (brown legs)
- Strong Arm Crabs (#4) – Tan, Olive, Brown, White, White/Orange
- Grand Slam Crabs (#4) – Tan, Olive, Brown
- Ragheads (#4) – Tan, Olive
- Camo Crabs (#4) – Brown/Tan, Olive/Tan, Gray
- Danger Muffin (#4) – Brown/Tan, Olive
- EP (Enrico Puglisi) Crabs (#4) – All colors
- Flexo Crabs (#4) – All colors
- Avalon (#4) – Tan/Orange
- Del Brown's Crab Fly (#4) – Tan/Brown
Recommended gear for Tarpon fishing
Recommended rod weights:
10-12 wt. I use a 10-weight rod when targeting smaller fish in the mangroves or on the flats. If we're after larger Tarpon, I'd step up to 11 or 12-weight.
Fly reels:
Be sure your reel matches that rod weight, and consider a large arbor for quicker line retrieval. Also, make sure you bring a reel with a very solid and smooth drag system.
Recommended fly lines for Tarpon:
I like to have a range of line options depending on where the fish are holding. A full floating line is excellent when tarpon stays near the surface, while a full intermediate line helps you cut through wind and currents. When fishing deeper waters, a 450-grain full sinking line does the trick. Having all three on hand lets us adapt to changing conditions to stay in the action.
Leader thickness and length:
5–6 foot leader, 20–30 lb class tippet, with a 40–80 lb shock section.
My Tarpon fly pattern recommendations:
Use #2/0 hooks, no weed guard needed
- Tarpon Toads (#2/0) – Purple/Black, Black/Red, Black/Blue, Chartreuse
- Lefty's Deceivers (#2/0) – Red/White, Blue/White
- Gummy Minnows (#2/0)
- Clouser Deep Minnows (#2/0)
- Apte Tarpon Fly (#2/0) – Orange/Yellow
- Bob's Banger (#2/0) – Yellow/Green
- Bob Popovics Silicone (#2/0)
- Bob Popovics Surf Candy (#2/0)
- Dan Blanton's Whistler (#2/0)
Recommended gear for targeting Bonefish
Recommended rod weights:
7-8 wt. On calmer days, I recommend a 7-weight rod, which gives you the finesse to land a perfect cast on shallow flats. Bringing an 8-weight for those windier moments is also a good idea.
Fly reels:
Be sure your reel matches that rod weight, and consider a large arbor for quicker line retrieval.
Fly lines for Tarpon fishing:
I recommend using a tropical fly line made for warm, humid conditions. A full floating line works well on these shallow Bonefish flats.
Leader thickness and length:
I typically use a 9-foot tapered leader rated from 8 to 12 pounds, depending on the conditions and the size of the fish.
My Bonefish fly pattern recommendations:
A #4 and/or #6 hook and weed guards are highly recommended.
- Christmas Island Special #6, 8 / Pink, Pearl, Orange
- Crazy Charlies (#4, #6) – White, Pink, Tan, Olive
- Bonefish Bitters (#4, #6) – Brown, Olive, Tan
- Squimps (#4, #6)
- Pink Puffs (#4, #6)
- Slim Beauties (#4, #6)
Other Gear
Sunglasses:
Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting fish on the flats. Copper, amber, or brown lenses are ideal for clarity, and a wraparound style or side shields help reduce glare. Bring a backup pair if you can, and some glass cleaner to keep them smudge-free.
Reef safe sunscreen:
A high-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30) is a must, but choosing a reef-friendly option is also important. Check the label and avoid products containing chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, parabens, triclosan, or nano-sized particles. Once you apply, wash your hands so you don't transfer residue to your leader, fly line, or flies. Don't forget SPF lip balm, too.
Clothing:
When we're out on the water, I recommend wearing a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, hoodie, and wet-wading pants that offer UPF 50+ protection. Add a neck gaiter to shield your neck and face and a cap or hat for extra shade. Consider some light fishing gloves as well for extra coverage.
Rain Gear:
Rain can pop up without warning, so bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket with a hood. You should also consider bringing a dry bag to protect your gear during a sudden downpour.
Footwear:
Flip-flops work on shore, but you'll want proper flats booties or wading boots for the flats. Coral, sea urchins, and shells on the flats can be sharp, and sturdy footwear keeps you safe.
Camera Equipment:
A smartphone is fine for quick photos, but if you bring more advanced cameras or lenses, store them in waterproof bags or cases to protect them from spray and potential downpours.
Tools:
I usually bring the basics, but if you want to bring your own, pack a small toolkit with fishing pliers, forceps, a hook file and nippers.
Travel Documents:
A valid passport is required and should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Keep photocopies or digital backups of your passport, ID, and other essential documents in a separate spot.
Travel Insurance:
It's wise to have coverage for unforeseen events that could disrupt your trip. A company like Global Rescue can provide medical evacuation and travel insurance to cover a range of situations.
