Getting Ready

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 Santa Cruz, Bolivia

✓ Send Fly Water Travel a copy of your Yellow Fever Vaccination Card or waiver

✓ Provide Fly Water Travel with a copy of the passport photo page

✓ Complete personal online guest registration form

✓ Get travel cash

✓ Download WhatsApp for lodge communication

Tariquia Lodge Tackle Overview

We recommend traveling to Bolivia with at least 2 single hand setups. One being a 9 foot, 9 weight fast action rod for turning over larger baitfish patterns and poppers. The other being a 9 foot, fast action 8 weight for those medium sized baitfish and floating Pacu flies. All rods should be paired with saltwater style, sealed drag reels for battling the tough fish in the Jungle.

Tsimane Heli Provided Equipment:

  • Rods/Reels/Lines: Tariquia Lodge has all terminal tackle available for guest use for a fee. Please let Fly Water Travel know if you need gear, as there is a limited quantity at the lodge.
  • Flies: Due to the specific nature that the guides like their flies tied, we recommend that flies are purchased from the on site fly shop. Guests are also welcome to fill in a fly box with their own flies. We find that when fishing the headwaters accessed via helicopter, lighter colored flies work best in the clearer water.
  • Wading Boots: Sturdy, felt soled wading boots have proven to be the best boot in the jungle. The guides are adamant that studs spook fish, so please plan to arrive with non-studded soles.

Tariquia Lodge Primary Setup

In the Bolivian Jungle, a 9 foot, 9-weight fast action rod is the ideal all around setup for targeting dorado. This rod provides the accuracy needed for quick, short to mid range casts and enough power to turn over large baitfish flies over a longer cast. Dorado rods should be paired with a high-quality reel with a smooth, reliable drag system, spooled with a weight forward Floating/Hover/Intermediate warm water fly line. While a floating line will work, we prefer the Floating/Hover/Intermediate as it creates less sound and movement on the water's surface when targeting Dorado. Leaders are built on site, with 40lb Monofilament and 40lb wire bite tippet being standard.

Tariquia Lodge Secondary Setup

For a secondary rod in Bolivia, we recommend a fast action, 9 foot 8-weight fly rod for targeting a mix of both Dorado and Pacu. A bit lighter in hand than a 9-weight, casting a lighter fly with this rod can greatly increase an anglers accuracy. This setup should also be paired with a high-quality reel with a smooth, reliable drag system. Instead of the F/H/I line, this setup should be spooled with an 8-weight, warm water floating fly line. Because Pacu eat flies on the surface, this can be a great rod to have a large dry fly attached to.

Beh Kay Lodge Migratory Tarpon Setup

In the months of June and July, when the migratory tarpon season is in full swing, having a 11- or 12-weight is what you want to have on standby in the boat. Opportunities to get a fly in front of these fish may not come as often around Espiritu Santo Bay but the opportunities exist, nonetheless. If you enjoy chasing the silver king, make sure you are ready!

Suggested Packing List

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. As the climate is extremely changeable and a wide range of temperatures and conditions can be expected, we recommend layering clothes. Anglers should be prepared with sun protective clothing, fleece/soft shell jacket, and a rain jacket. Synthetic fabrics are preferred to cotton. Dress at the lodges/camps is neat but casual.