Here comes the season for tropical fishing, the one where Tarpon start to migrate and where the waters become warm enough for Bonefish and Permit — here’s a little shopping list for the adventure! We’ll go from top to bottom!
Simms Cutbank Sun Hat, is a good compromise compared to a cap, its wide brim offers you shade but it can catch the wind and can be quite heavy as it is made of straw, however it is pleasant to wear in the right conditions. Drawstring and elastic band. Available in two colors. 70$
Costa Blackfin Pro Sunglasses . Costa del Mar is the absolute top of the line when it comes to saltwater fishing sunglasses, you can’t escape it and don’t even ask yourself the question: this is the one you need! This one or another model, but we’ve been wearing them for over 20 years when out on the flats, and even if your eyes, used to trout fishing, will still struggle a little to adapt to depth vision (you have to look “through the water” and not stop at the surface as if you were looking for rising fish). Anyway, we’re not going to give you a lecture, your guide will explain all of that better than we can! But these glasses, they’re absolutely awesome! (Buy either a strap to fit over the arms or a lanyard, so you don’t lose them!) 309$
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Natural Sun Hoody Ultra lightweight and offering maximum protection! The hood is a bonus, large enough to wear over a cap. Provides a feeling of coolness as soon as there’s a bit of wind (often the case) – Available in several colors, we love this iridescent blue with its aquatic print! 99$
Buff, CoolNet UV Sun Hues Blue t’s simple, you say Buff the same way you say Hoover or Band-Aid (for those who remember…), meaning it is THE neck gaiter that will protect you. We love the design of this one, there are others and plenty of different colors. The main thing is that your neck is sheltered from the sun. UPF 50+. 25$
Simms Solarflex Sungloves . The back of your hands is where you get the most sunburn and where melanomas and other suspicious spots tend to develop. So take great care of your hands! And on top of that, a good pair of gloves gives you grip — for Tarpon, Snook or Permit — and allows you to handle your fly line properly — without burning yourself, especially with bonefish. Besides, you don’t have much choice when it comes to brands offering such gloves. These are the ones we like. 28$ (3 different colours)
Patagonia Men’s Sandy Cay Pants .On board or in the water, you want a lightweight pair of trousers that protects you, dries quickly, but above all is a little roomy with pockets to hold the few bits and pieces you have with you. This one is a reference and you can add a belt for your pliers. You can also wear it in the evening… but there are also models with insect repellent built in… Two colors to choose from. 125$ Also available in shorts (sunscreen compulsory!).
Simms Guide Wet Wading Sterling socks. They are essential (and on top of that you’ll be able to use them for wet wading in rivers in the summer), they are comfortable, hydrophobic, have arch support and will keep your little feet happy! 30$
River Salt II Patagonia Boots. This is the best compromise and especially, even if cheaper models exist elsewhere, they remain the most cost-effective for the price as they will serve you on the flats (or on the boat since the non-marking sole won’t leave any marks…), and the ankle strap limits the intrusion of sand or gravel… or coral… you know the kind of thing that really drives you crazy when you’re fishing… In short, no hesitation! 349$
Guidewater Backpack 29L Patagonia. We’ve been fishing with it for a long time, and everywhere — it’s perfect for heading out on the flats or even leaving on the boat… you can fit your large fly boxes, your leaders and your rain jacket and also a water bottle, but most importantly you can bring a second rod with you thanks to the straps that you can thread through the loops! 299$ Comes in 2 colours,
Next time, we’ll be suggesting rods and reels for the tropics!