We’ve created a quick checklist of essential tasks to make sure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. If questions come up or you need anything at all, just give us a call, we’re here to help every step of the way.
To-Do List:
✓ Arrange flights to/from Great Abaco Island/Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, Bahamas
✓ Complete personal online guest registration form
✓ Get travel cash
We recommend traveling to Abaco with 2-3 single hand setups. The first is a 9 ft. 8-weight set up with a floating line and will be used primarily as your Bonefish rod. Second is a 9’ 9-weight set up with a floating line for Permit. Not all of the Bahamian Islands have Permit, but Abaco remains one of the exceptions. Lastly, a powerful 10-weight rod matched with a floating line. 8-weight rods are the perfect all around rod for Bonefish, able to handle both smaller and bigger fish, while also having the backbone to perform well in the wind. 9-weight rods are the go-to rod for Permit fishing, able to turn over heavy flies and fight larger fish. 10-weight rods are used to target Barracuda, which can grow to a significant size worthy of a stronger rod. All setups should be paired with high quality salt water reels, with about 150-200 yards of 20 or 30 pound backing.
Abaco Lodge Provided Equipment:
8-weight rods are the gold standard when it comes to fly fishing for Bonefish, able to handle anything from lightweight to heavy lead eyed flies. They are light in hand and provide enough backbone for the fish you will cast to on the Bahamian Flats. Reels should be reliable, saltwater safe with at least 150 yards of backing. While we prefer Gel Spun backing due to the abrasion resistance, standard Dacron works great. Tropical weight forward floating lines tend to be our lines of choice for any 8-weight Bonefish application.
While Permit may not be the shining star in the Bahamas, they are around in certain places. Abaco Island is one of them. 9-weight, fast action rods are preferred to turn over Permit flies as they generally have heavier lead eyes attached to them. 9-weights can also offer more lifting power for the larger Permit found in the Bahamas. Reels should be reliable, saltwater safe with at least 200 yards of backing. While we prefer Gel Spun backing due to the abrasion resistance, standard Dacron will work just fine. Tropical weight forward floating lines are what we gravitate towards for Permit fishing.
Barracuda are one of the most underappreciated fish targeted with a fly rod. They provide anglers with ample opportunities and are generally willing to eat a fly either subsurface or on topwater. 10-weight fly rods are used for these fish in order to cast larger flies, as well as slowing the fish down when they make their blistering runs. Because of their speed, a strong drag is a must. Reels that are proven to be saltwater safe, and have a very strong drag are highly recommended. A front heavy, tropical weight forward fly line is most utilized, making it easy to turn over the larger flies used for these fish.
10-12 ft. tapered leaders in 16LB and 20LB are the most commonly reached for. Pair these with 16LB and 20LB Fluorocarbon tippet fand you will be set up for success. When fishing for Barracuda, we recommend the RIO Toothy Critter as their, teeth can easily slice through standard Mono or Fluoro.
Guests should plan on arriving at the lodge with flies for the week. Our detailed fly selection list below will get you started in the right direction.
Top 5 Flies for the Bahamas:
We understand packing for an adventure is not easy. On a trip like this it is very important to have everything you need and nothing you do not.
Contact our travel advisor, Blake Katchur, below for more information about this unique destination and to inquire about setting up the perfect trip to match your goals.
303-794-1104
Blake@anglersall.com
