Get ready - your trip is right around the corner!
Having the right equipment can ensure your trip goes as well as possible. If you don't have everything you need, don't worry we can help. As a Destination Travel customer, you are entitled to a 15% discount on any gear that you may need in our online store. Use code Belize1125 when checking out to receive your discount. If we are out of stock or you don't see what you want in our online store, please let us know. We are happy to place a special order for you if the item is available from our supplier.
Also for reference, electrical power in Belize is the same as the United States (110-120V at 60Hz), utilizing Type B outlets.
El Pescador Lodge has prepared this great brochure that is full of useful information. Click here for your copy
Fly Rods
Nine foot fly rods are the norm for flats fishing at El Pescador. Rods in the 7–8 wt. range are perfect
for our bonefish, 8-10 wt for permit and 10–12 wt are the right choice for tarpon. A lighter bonefish rod (7 wt)
is great fun when there is little or no wind and an 8 wt rod has more than enough muscle to deliver a fly in
even the stiffest of gales. An 8 wt rod could double as a small permit rod but many anglers prefer to have
the larger rod, 9 or 10 wt, rigged up and in the boat because our permit can approach 30 lbs. The ideal rod
for our resident tarpon up to 75 lbs is a 10 wt. But, when fishing migratory tarpon, a 12 wt is needed for the
100–150+ lb fish.
Fly Reels
Should be anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater models that will hold a full fly line, plus
approximately 200 yards of backing. Reels equipped with high quality, smooth, drags are essential to
prevent break-offs from the blistering runs of a hooked fish. Large arbor reels are recommended as they
help pick up line faster and allow the drag tension to remain constant regardless of how much line is out.
Fly Lines
A weight forward saltwater floating line is ideal for most of the sight fishing you will encounter. There
may be times when an intermediate sinking line or an intermediate sink tip line is the answer for tarpon or
permit fishing. Anglers should also bring along some line cleaning supplies since saltwater has a way of
making them sticky after a few days use.
Terminal Tackle
Leaders:
Tarpon:
Custom Fly Leader:
Leader #1–9' long straight 60 pound or 80 pound for fish over 70 pounds
Leader#2 is 9' long - 30 pound class tippet with 60–80 pound bite tippet
Tippet material. . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 and 80 pound for bite tippet, 30 pound. for class tippet (flouro or mono)
Bonefish:
Tapered Leaders. 9' long–12 pound (flouro or mono) we go heavy in case you run into a permit!
Tippet material: 12 lb
Permit:
Tapered Leaders: 10'-12' long–16 to 20 pound (flouro or mono)
Tippet material: 16 lb, 20 lb
Apparel
Clothing at the lodge is comfortable, casual and informal. Shorts, T-shirts, bathing suits, SPF
clothing to protect from the sun and sandals are encouraged. No formal dress (sport coat, etc) is
necessary. The island’s motto is “No shirt, No shoes, No problem.”
Travel Bags and Luggage
In case you need any travel bags or luggage for your trip - feel free to browse our selections below.
Flies
Tarpon: Sizes 1/0–3/0.
Think about materials that move for the bite! There is controversy as to whether
tarpon flies should be tied on J-hooks (standard) or circle hooks. If you are new to
tarpon fishing, circle hooks provide a good bet for hook ups. More experienced tarpon
fishers generally prefer the J-hooks.
Tarpon Bunnies 1/0 - 3/0 Chartreuse, Tan, White, Black, Purple, Olive
Black Death......... 1/0 - 3/0
Tarpon toads....... 1/0 - 3/0 Chartreuse, Tan, White, Black, Purple, Olive
Cockroach........... 1/0 - 3/0. Standard, olive, orange, white (variety)
Deceivers............ 2/0 - 3/0 Various colors, White/Red, White/Green,
Black/Green
Bonefish:
Bonefish can be found on a variety of flats from 6 inches deep to 6 feet
deep. Approximately 40% of the flies should have bead chain eyes, 50% should
have barbell eyes, and 10% should have plastic eyes or no eyes at all. While fishing
over turtle grass you will want some with weed guards. Sizes 4, 6 & 8 in colors tan,
white, orange, pink and olive green with contrast.
Gotchas #6 & #8
Standard
Crazy Charlie. #6 & #8 Tan, white, pink
Christmas Island Special #4,#6 & #8 (Various colors)
Clousers #6 & #8 (Various colors)
Shrimp patterns #6 & #8 (Various colors)
Small crab patterns #6 & #8 (Various colors)
Permit:
Christmas Island Special #4, & #6 (Various colors)
Avalon Fly #4 & #6
Standard
Mantis Shrimp #4 & #6 (Various colors)
Raghead Crab #4 & #6 (Various colors)
Shrimp patterns #4, & #6 (Various colors)
Crab patterns #4 & #6 (Various colors)