matching the equipment with the trip

[JScott]

Okay, I just got invited to an 8 day trip to Belize to fly fish for Snook, Tarpon, Permit and Baracuda! I about wet my pants!
My question is what weight rod, reel and line do I need for this trip? Flies and leaders will be provided.
Once I find out, I've got to start gearing up. I've always had good luck with the info on the board, so thanks guys in advance.
JScott

[huntfish]

First off, you will need a porter. I'll be the first to volunteer.
Hunt

[edwin]

JScott,

No bones? Sounds like you are going to fish the southern part of Belize. I went to Ambergris Caye (pronounced key, like all Belizean "cayes") in February. I don't know how big the tarpon are this time of year, but if they are large, you are going to need something like an 11 wt. Generally, however, Belize tarpon do not run extremely large. A 10 wt. might do and even a 9 would be ok for small tarpon.

For permit, you can get away with an 8 wt. in some spots, but I have seen some large permit down there, so most folks use a 9 wt. It is windy.

For snook, again, you could get away with an 8wt., but most folks use a 9 wt. You could even use a 10.

In short, if you only wanted to carry one rod, I would carry a 10 wt, but that wouldn't be much fun on smaller snook or bones (if you do fish for bones). Bones don't run very large down there.

A good combo may be a 9 and 11 or an 8 and a 10. I have an 8 and a 10 and it was fine, but I didn't do much tarpon fishing either.

Have fun. It's a great country.

[JScott]

Edwin,
Yes, Bonefish too! I'm so excited, I forgot about them.
Thanks for your direction.

[GonetoSeed]

I was down there in March on Ambergris. You are in for a treat.

I think Edwin is right on. I carried a fast action 8, mod-fast 9 and 6. (Yes a 6. Fished a couple of times in backwater lagoons on the key for small Tarpon. It was a blast).

Used the 8 the most. Lots of wind when I was there. The bigger Tarpon were not around (or we just couldn't find them http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif ) but if they were, a 10 would have been nice to have.

If I only had one rod, the 9 would have been OK, but an 8-10 combo would be more versatile.

[Drifter]

When I read your post, I immediately thought, "9 weight". Then after scrolling down the thread, I see that most concur. If I could only afford and take one rod, it'd be a 9.

Drifter

[Scott Swartz]

I think you will be happiest with an 8 & 10 weight. You'll throw the 8 most of the time for bones, snook, occasional permit while keeping the 10 wt. at hand with a wire leader for cuda and sharks. If you target permit or tarpon (except baby tarpon) you will want to have the 10 rigged. Of course I'd be glad to caddy for you and bring you a 6-7-8-9-10-12 with reels, leaders, and an assortment of flies http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/wink.gif

Scott

[edwin]

Heck, buying Scott a plane ticket and putting him up might be cheaper than buying new rods. Plus, you'd get some excellent casting instruction, I'm sure.

Is that offer available for everyone, Scott?

You may have just figured out a way to get yourself several free trips to the tropics. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif

[Scott Swartz]

Sure, the offer is good. Heck I'll even get my own air fair. Just pay the lodge to put me up and have me in the other end of the boat with you. I'll bring the gear and give the casting instructions. Of coure I may need to demonstrate a cast or two or three...

Scott