Fishing Gear for Belize
Fly Rods
Fly rods in the 7-8 wt. range are the ideal size for Belize bonefish. The lighter rods (7 wt) are great when there is little or no wind and an 8-weight rod has more than enough muscle to deliver a fly in even the stiffest of gales. Moreover, the 8-weight rod will double as the ideal rod for permit and light tarpon fishing. Many anglers prefer to have the larger rod, 8-10 wt. rigged up and in the boat for the permit and a 7 weight rod with a floating line in hand for the bonefish that are routine. This also leaves a heavier rod as a reserve for extremely windy days. Ten to twelve weight rods are perfect for Central American tarpon fishing.
The choice of rod length is important. Nine or nine-and-a-half foot long rods are optimum. More line can be picked up off the water with the longer rods, with less surface disturbance. Also, for the vast majority of fly anglers, greater distances can be covered with less effort using the longer fly rods.
Fly Reels
Should be anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater models that will hold a full fly line, plus approximately 200 yards of 20 lb. backing. Reels equipped with high quality, smooth, drags are essential to prevent break-offs from the blistering runs of a hooked fish.
Fly Lines
A weight forward saltwater taper floating line is ideal for most of the sight fishing you will encounter. There may be times when an intermediate sinking line is the answer for tarpon and permit fishing. Anglers should also bring along some sort of line cleaner for the lines as well, since saltwater has a way of making them sticky after a few days use.
Leaders
- Tarpon
- Custom Fly Leader 20 lbs – 100, 80 pound bite tippet
- Bonefish
- Tapered Leaders 10’-12’ long – 8 or 10 pound
- Permit
- Tapered Leaders 10’-12’ long – 10 to 15 pound
Spin Fishing Suggestions
Catch and Release
Permit, Bonefish and Tarpon are always released; some Snook, Snapper, Barracuda, & Grouper are kept for the table.
