Tie flies sparsely to imitated fleeing crustaceans
Flies are a very important part of any trip to an unfamiliar area. Fortunately for our guests, we have expert knowledge of the flies and patterns that work on our flats. Our partnership with the experts at S.S. Flies makes us a valuable tool for you as you plan your dream destination. They have many years of tying experience and are always improving on their proven designs. Please let us assist work with you along side our friends as S.S. flies to make sure you are prepared to do battle with our gamefish. Most of the bonefish and Permit in Belize come onto the flats to feed on tiny crustaceans and baitfish. "Match the Hatch" applies to saltwater fishing also, so bring patterns that match the bottom color of our water. Most of the flats in Belize will be white sand or green turtle grass. Tan and light green flies that are tied sparsely will be most effective, but standard go-to flies like Pink Gotchas and Chartruese Clousers can be deadly also.
Small critter crab patterns cast easy and catch fish
BONEFISH Fly size is equally as important to color when selecting flies for your trip. Bonefish flies tend to run a little smaller in Belize when compared to other parts of the world. Bonefish flies range from 4-8 with a light bead chain weight to get the fly on the bottom quickly. On our tailing flats, an unweighted fly in #6-8 will work good. In knee deep water, a medium bead chain #4-6 will work great My personal favorite go to fly is a #6 pink Crazy Charlie tied with Crystal Flash and medium bead chain eye. Yucatan Charlies, and small crab patterns like Rag Heads are also very popular here. Try not to over complicate things when tying or purchasing bonefish flies, our fish tend not to be picky about flies. Weed guards are not necessary, as most patterns are tied with the hook point up to avoid snags. Flies tied with rubber legs or rabbit strips are also worth bringing as they look very realistic when stripped properly. FAVORITE PATTERNS: Crazy Charlies, Bitters, Gotchas, Raghead Crabs, Yucatan Charlies, Borski Shrimps, Spawning Shrimp, Small Clouser Minnow.
Mantis and Spawning shrimp in #2-4 for Permit
PERMIT Many bonefish flies will also catch permit in our waters, however, we have developed some special patterns lately that are deadly. We have found that many of our fish will follow a fly for quite a few feet before eating it. It is not uncommon to get bit when there is only the leader left outside the rod. With that said, we like to develop patterns that look realistic when stripped slowly. Flies tied with an emphasis on movement are deadly. Rabbit strips, Marabou, and silly legs should all be considered when filling your favorite fly box. Mantis and spawning shrimp patterns are our favorite, but Clouser minnows and large Crazy Charlies work great. Crab patterns should also be put in your box, as we have a large population of nickel/quarter sized blue crabs in our waters. We suggest that you contact us before your trip to talk about Permit flies and how to fish them. FAVORITE PATTERNS: Raghead Crab, #2 Crazy Charlie, Mantis Shrimp, Merkin Crab, Spawning Shrimp, #2 Clouser Minnow.
Andy Mill's Tarpon Toad tied in purple/black using marabou
TARPON Standard Tarpon flies seem to work everywhere. Tarpon are opportunistic and must feed aggressively to maintain their size and energy. Less focus on patterns and more focus on leader construction is advisable. Stu Apte Tarpon flies in dark colors are easy to cast and Tarpon love them. New "toad" style flies developed by world record holder Andy Mill have drawn a lot of attention lately, and for good reason...THEY WORK. He has won more tournaments using this fly than anyone. We have seen Tarpon shoot out of a school after these flies this year. Watching a 125 pound poon compete with others for your fly is a mind-bending experience. Bring lots of these flies tied in chartuese/yellow and purple/black in sizes 2/0. FAVORITE PATTERNS: Sliders, Stu Apte Tarpon Flies, Tarpon Toads, Lefty's Decievers.
There are a lot of lines on the market, ask us before you buy
FLY LINES & LEADERS Fly lines are the single most overlooked item in most fly-fishers checklist. Traditional coldwater lines will be useless in tropical climate, so be sure to bring lines rated for water temps above 60 degrees. Species specific lines suchas SA Bonefish lines and Rio Tarpon lines are great. We use floating lines almost 100% of the time, but some manufacturers offer intergrated clear intermediate tips, and we like these also. Weight forward floating lines will turn over heavy flies with ease. 9 to 12 foot monofilament leaders are standard choice, with test rating from 12lb (bonefish) to 20lb. (Permit). Flourocarbon tippets will increase your hookup ratio. I like to use a 12ft/12lb leader with 10lb tippet for bones, and a 9ft/16lb Striped Bass leader (heavy flies) with 16lb tippet for Permit. Tarpon specific leaders are great, and should be considered when planning.
