#661809 - 02/09/11 05:55 PM
WTB Fly Set Up for Central America
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Juvenile at Sea
Registered: 12/08/09
Posts: 149
Loc: Seattle
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If any of you remember that, "A Hypothetical," post I started a while back, I'm happy to announce that that chit is no longer a hypothetical. I'm gonna be heading down to Belize (shout out to Kaiser D for your suggestion) in a month or so on a one way ticket, and see where things go from there.
From the research that I've done, the best all around fly set up for the fish down there will be a 9wt. I've heard that may be a little light for tarpon, but should handle most everything else. Oh, it's also got to be a 4 piece because it needs to fit in my backpack. A rod and reel package would be nice, but if you have one and not the other, I'd still be interested to hear about it. So I just wanted to see if anyone had anything lying around that they don't use that they want to get rid of. I'm on a budget, so I'm not looking for the top of the line, but something that will hold up to some solid fishing for a a couple few months or longer. If it would be helpful for you, I'd be 100% willing to work out some kind of deal to trade manual labor if you have any projects around the house. Plus cash if the project wasn't enough. I have experience in various types of construction, so I know how to run a saw/power tools. I've also done some commercial fishing in AK, so if it's just straight up grunt work, I can do that too.
Or, if anyone has any suggestions on a brand new decent setup that won't totally break the bank (really hoping to spend no more than 400 or so), I'm all ears. Thanks for anything, ideas or otherwise, that you may have.
One other thing, now that I'm out of the office world, my innermet time has dropped off drastically (which is awesome, I might add). I'll try to check in here as often as possible but if I don't get right back to you, it's because I'm just not on here very much. PM's are welcome, too.
-Cheers, Andy
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The Dude abides.
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#661939 - 02/10/11 11:20 AM
Re: WTB Fly Set Up for Central America
[Re: seastrike]
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Reverend Tarpones
Registered: 10/09/02
Posts: 8379
Loc: West Duvall
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Are ya ever coming back? If so I can loan you everything you need including flies.
Need some sort of collateral of testimonials from some guys i know. But if you pass i will loan you a couple of appropriate travel rods and reels.
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No huevos no pollo.
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#661947 - 02/10/11 12:05 PM
Re: WTB Fly Set Up for Central America
[Re: Dave Vedder]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 03/08/99
Posts: 13515
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Bacota,
Tropical salt water fishing is a once in a while thing for me, so I have been getting by on the cheap. I'm heading to Mexico in 3 weeks, and my heaviest rod was an 8 wt I bought for a Bahamas trip 2 years ago. It is a house brand rod from "The Fly Shop" in Redding at $125, and it was plenty good for bones, and a faster action than I prefer. Long story shorter: check out Cabela's Three Forks series rods. 4-piece 8 and 10 wt for $59.99. Amazingly good action and feel and looks and finish for that price point. Look every bit as good as rods priced $250 or so. I just got the 10 wt to add to my quiver. I'll have a fishing and tackle report Mar. 9.
Saltwater worthy reels are a tougher proposition. For value I recommend checking into Allen Fly Fishing tackle. He has some really good import reels for as low a price as you'll find. I have one I got on a close out last year for $45 - he doesn't have any that cheap now - and I've got it loaded for the 8 wt with a bonefish line. If you'd rather not take that chance, the Ross CLA is a good reel for a little over $200. Or the Orvis mid-arbor gets good reviews also. And the best deal of all is to just borrow Vedder's stuff if he can be without it for as long as you'll be gone.
If you can do it, try and take both an 8 and 10 wt outfit. That way you aren't so over-gunned for the bones or small schoolie permit, and you still have the horsepower for larger permit, baby tarpon, 'cuda, snook, etc.
Have a great trip!
Sg
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#662257 - 02/11/11 03:14 PM
Re: WTB Fly Set Up for Central America
[Re: Sebastes]
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Juvenile at Sea
Registered: 12/08/09
Posts: 149
Loc: Seattle
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Best site ever.
As much as I'd like to bring two rods, I'm going to be backpacking this trip, and every ounce counts. I may end up regretting it, but I really only want to bring one rod, and a reel with a couple spools of different line types. That being said, I still have some time to think about it, so I'm going to do just that.
Dave Vedder, that's one hell of an offer, sir. Yes, I will be coming back, but I honestly have no clue as to when. It could be a year or more depending on how frugal I can be. And also, I don't know if I'd feel comfortable borrowing that much gear because I think I would be too worried about losing it, breaking it, or getting it stolen. However, maybe we could work something out on some flies? Maybe even for purchase, as I'd imagine some of the fish down there have the capability of breaking me off something proper. As far as testimonials go, I haven't fished with anyone that I know online (which is mostly a result of me not getting to fish that much). And I haven't been on this site for very long. But I have been on steelheader.net for a while, and there are a few folks that are on both sites that I think could vouch for the fact that I'm good people. Albeit only knowing an internet persona. I'd be happy to meet you and let you be the judge.
Salmo, thanks for all the advice. You really got me thinking. I wish I could wait for your review on the 9th, but I'll be leaving right around that time and need to gather my gear in the next few weeks.
I see you too, Sebastes. Thanks for you .02. Any and all info helps me to second guess myself and make this decision even more informed. I'll be offline for most of the weekend, but might get a chance to check in.
I recieved a PM about a 9wt sage, so I may now be just looking for a reel if I do indeed to decide to bring just one rod. Gotta pull the trigger in the next week or so. Decisions, decisions.
Again, thanks all.
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The Dude abides.
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#662259 - 02/11/11 03:17 PM
Re: WTB Fly Set Up for Central America
[Re: bacota]
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Juvenile at Sea
Registered: 12/08/09
Posts: 149
Loc: Seattle
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Oh, and thanks for the well wishes, seastrike. Placencia is defnitely on the list, as are the conch fritters (and various other yummy ways to combine them with a cold belikin).
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The Dude abides.
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#662289 - 02/11/11 05:57 PM
Re: WTB Fly Set Up for Central America
[Re: seastrike]
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Hippie
Registered: 01/31/02
Posts: 4450
Loc: B'ham
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Nice Bacota! Way to live! Everyone is friendly there. Take advantage of it because they'll happily give you advice and point you in the right direction when it comes to about anything. My only advice regarding the fly rods is if you are already bringing a 4 piece rod and it fits it a tube, you can likely fit a second 4 piece rod in the same tube. It wouldn't take up any more space in your pack. You should shoot me your e-mail address. I'll be back in San Pedro next Nov/Dec and you should have all the spots honed in for me. Post some pics on PP in a couple of months and make us even more jealous! -AP
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