Having the right equipment is crucial for a successful fly fishing trip in Roatan. If possible, we always recommend for anglers to bring their own rods and reel that they are comfortable with, but we do offer free gear rentals during your trip.
Fly Rods, Reels, Line, & Leaders:
If you are coming in on a multiple full day fishing trip we highly recommend having multiple rods rigged for different targets. Below is my recommended setup organized by the three primary species in Roatan.
Bonefish:
8wt fly rod
Large arbor reel with good drag control (ideally sealed for salt protection).
Tropical weather floating saltwater fly line to match. Although expensive, Rio Flats Pro is a phenomenal line that can last for several trips and potentially hundreds of fish.
16lb tapered leaders with 9′ length
16lb fluorocarbon tippet
Permit:
9wt fly rod
Large arbor reel with good drag control (ideally sealed for salt protection).
Tropical weather floating fly line to match.
16-20lb tapered leaders with 9′ length
16-20lb fluorocarbon tippet
Tarpon:
10-11wt fly rod
Large arbor reel with good drag control (ideally sealed for salt protection).
Tropical weather intermediate fly line to match.
Leader for tarpon is a little different. You can bring ready made tarpon specific leaders but personally I like to make my own.
40lb fluorocarbon tippet
Flies:
This section will also be broken down by species.
Bonefish:
Small green/tan crab & shrimp patterns with weed guards and lightweight slow sinking eyes.
Below are examples of bonefish bitters, bonefish buttah, and other effective small shrimp patterns.
Permit:
Small green/tan crab patterns with weed guards and lightweight slow sinking eyes.
Below are examples of rag heads, flexo crab, and the infamous Del Brown’s “Merkin Crab”.
Tarpon:
Anything that moves! Just kidding, but we did have a client catch a tarpon on a bonefish fly by accident.
Any mullet or baitfish pattern. We recommend white/silver, white/green, or black/purple color combinations. EP makes some phenomenal patterns that get the job done. The most effective are between 3-4″ in length and have strong saltwater hooks.
Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories:
Protection from the elements is an import aspect to prepare for to ensure you are comfortable in the tropical climate of Roatan.
We recommend a good hat, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve SPF sun shirt, and quick drying shorts/pants. Although a little expensive, Simms makes fantastic quality clothing that can last for dozens of trips. If you are particularly sensitive to the sun and dislike applying sunscreen all day, we also recommend bringing an SPF face buff and SPF gloves for full sun protection.
Picking a good pair of wading shoes is also important for protection. Close to ninety percent of our fishing is done on foot and the flats here in Roatan are covered in sharp shells, rock, and coral. You don’t need to get fly fishing specific shoes but if you do, we highly recommend the Simms ZipIt II Flats Booties combined with their wading socks to keep sand out. (I promise we aren’t sponsored we just love their stuff!). Lastly, you should bring quality lotion based sunscreen.
Terminal Tackle We Love: