Recommended gear
for permit fishing
Recommended rod weights: 8-10 wt
You can use an 8-weight for accuracy in calm conditions, but for most days down here, you'll want a 9 or 10-weight.
Fly reels
Match your reel to that rod weight. Consider a large arbor for quicker line
retrieval.
Fly lines
Use 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 essential. The bottom here is mostly sand, turtle grass, and coral rubble. Weed guards are non-negotiable.
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
Use a 10-weight when targeting smaller fish in the mangroves or on the flats. For larger tarpon, step up to 11 or 12-weight.
Fly reels
Match your reel to that rod weight. Consider a large arbor for quicker line
retrieval. Bring a reel with a solid and smooth drag system.
Recommended fly lines for tarpon
Have a range of line options depending on where the fish are holding. A full floating line works when tarpon stay near the surface. A full intermediate cuts through wind and current. For deeper water, a 450-grain full sinking line does the job.
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 bonefish
Recommended rod weights: 7-8 wt
On calmer days, a 7-weight gives you the finesse to land a perfect cast on shallow flats. Bring an 8-weight for windier moments.
Fly reels
Match your reel to that rod weight. Consider a large arbor for quicker line
retrieval.
Fly lines for bonefish
Use a tropical fly line made for warm, humid conditions. A full floating line works best on the shallow flats around Placencia and Hopkins.
Leader thickness and length
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 a must-have.
Bonefish Bitters (#4, #6) – Brown, Olive, Tan
Christmas Island Special (#6, #8) – Pink, Pearl, Orange
Crazy Charlies (#4, #6) – White, Pink, Tan, Olive
Squimps (#4, #6)
Pink Puffs (#4, #6)
Slim Beauties (#4, #6)
Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are essential. Copper, amber, or brown lenses are ideal for clarity. Bring some glass cleaner as well.
Sunscreen
High-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30). Choose reef-safe options. Avoid oxybenzone, octinoxate, and parabens.
Clothing
Lightweight long-sleeve shirt, wet-wading pants, and neck gaiter with UPF 50+ protection. Hat and light fishing gloves.
Rain gear
Lightweight waterproof jacket. Dry bag for your gear.
Footwear
Flats booties or wading boots. Flip-flops won't cut it on the flats.
Camera
Smartphone works fine. If you bring a camera, keep it in a waterproof case.
Tools
I bring the basics. If you want your own, pack fishing pliers, forceps, hook
file, and nippers.
Can I use the same setup for multiple species?
How much rain should I expect?
Should I bring bug spray?
What if my gear breaks on the trip?
Can I buy flies in Belize?
Can I fish any tide?
Do I need a backup rod?
Multiple shots guaranteed — 400+ permit landed —
