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.
What rod weight do I need?
It depends on the species. For permit, an 8 to 10 weight, with a 9 or 10 best on most days here. For tarpon, a 10 to 12 weight: a 10 for smaller fish in the mangroves, 11 or 12 for the big migratory ones. For bonefish, a 7 to 8 weight.
Can I use the same setup for multiple species?
Yes. An 8-weight rod can handle permit, bonefish, and snook. A 10-weight works for smaller tarpon and larger permit. You don't need a different setup for every species.
How much rain should I expect?
Rainy season (June-October) brings afternoon showers. Dry season (November-May) has occasional rain. A light rain jacket is enough. You don’t need heavy-duty rain gear.
Should I bring bug spray?
Yes, mosquitoes and no-see-ums are more active at dawn and dusk, especially near mangroves.
What if my gear breaks on the trip?
I carry backup rods and reels on the boat, so if something breaks we’ll get you back on the water quickly. Bring your own spare if you have one, but you’re covered either way.
Can I buy flies in Belize?
Fly shops are very limited, so I recommend you bring everything you need from home.
I have limited dates available each month. Get in touch to check availability or ask me anything.
What happens next?
I'll respond within 24 hours
We'll discuss your dates, preferences, and any questions
Payment is due at the end of your trip
Multiple shots guaranteed — 400+ permit landed —
