FS Digest

I’m headed to the Caribbean this summer and plan on doing some fly fishing with a guide. I also go to the Texas coast (Port Aransas/Rockport area) a couple of times a summer. I’ll probably be in the Cabo area every two years fishing (rooster fish). I currently have an 8wt Cabelas Bighorn I’d like to upgrade. So I have a multitude of options. I currently have a pre-Waterworks Lamson reel loaded with 9wt Rio Tropical intermediate sink tip line. I just got an Orvis Hydros SL IV, but haven’t gotten a line yet. So I’m considering upgrading to a TFO II Pro in a 9wt and putting a 9wt floating line on my Hydros. That gives me two line options when on the water. I know I could get a spool for the Hydros and put line on it, but my interest is not in the reel part so much, but rather if sticking with a 9wt is the way to go. I will probably use the setup on lakes for very large poppers and streamers too. I feel that would allow me to still utilize my Cabelas rod and my Sage two piece 8wt with either reel/line, even though they would be over lined. What’s your thoughts on this? One of the nice things about TFO is they are literally 25 miles from me so if I do need a replacement for a damage rod I can get that very quickly. I know some guys that have gotten replacement segments the next day.

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by kindofageek

FS Digest

Given that you are in TX, I'd size the rod for what you are going to be doing the most of locally. Personally, I think a moderate fast 8wt is the most versatile rig you can have. It'll do bass to inshore. Having the option to overline one for windy days is nice, but the way I look at it is I can cast a normal 8wt all day long without fatigue. Bump that up too much and it becomes a chore.

As for some of your other expeditions, it pays to ask if the gear is reasonably provided by the guide or if you are expected to have your own. So far, from what I've seen most guide services know most clients won't likely have much over an 8wt, so for the larger species gear is usually provided as part of the package.

Here's what Baja Flyfishing Co has to say about rods and lines for roosterfish:

- Rods: Appropriate rod size will vary by size of fish in quest. We fish nine and ten weights on the beach for the smaller to medium sized fish.When the grandes are present we step up to the ten and twelve weights, especially when throwing the larger flies that capture the interest of the bigger fish.

- Lines: We find that a clear intermediate line is the best all around line for roosters and will cover all applications including fishing with poppers.Floating lines are adequate in most cases, but will give up some distance and control in cross wind situations.

- All Equipment provided including fly rod, reel and flies.

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by Independent

FS Digest

Since I already have two 8wt rods I figured I’d add a 9wt just to have. That gives me a full range of rods from 3-9wt, covering pretty much all of my non-guided outings. My Caribbean trip is in an area with guides, but non of them have flu fishing gear, even though they do fishing trips on flats and areas where fly fishing would work fine.

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by kindofageek

FS Digest

If you have 8wt covered, do you want to bump it up to a 10? Increments of 2wts, ie, 4,6,8 have worked well for me. That said, I have a nominal 8 that I use as a 9 per mfr recomendation. Ask the rod mfr what the line grain weight window of the rod(s) you are considering. The nominal weight is all out of whack for some of them.

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by Independent

FS Digest

Been to the Caribbean lot of times now and I can tell you, you better get ready for some wind and sharp reefs.

I used a #9 to #12 for medium to big fish and a #6 for reef fish.

Take multiple line for what you want to fish the most. I lost a few lines because of reefs, especially with bigger fish. 450grain 50lbs shooting head cut in two like it's nothing. Get some cheap Maxx Catch lines. They have a great quality, no memory and you get 4-5 lines for the price of one Rio line.

Additionally I would think about getting running line and shooting head combos, because of strong winds. Practice you double haul to the extreme, you gonna need it.

Lure wise, shrimps for the win. I've been to the Caribbean about 10-12 times each time for at least a month and shrimp imitations catch everything. From tuna to octopus to shark. I usually bring shrimps in different colors, weight(!) and size. From 1 to 10 inches.

Also, white/pick streamers and clouser minnows with long black goat hair. The goat hair has unbelievable action in the water.

That's all I got for you. Good luck and tight lines.

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by Satan_Stoned

FS Digest

Sage Motive is marked down from $500 to $350 right now, that’s a steal for a great rod. I’d stick with the 8wt, it’s more versatile.

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by pibe92

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

A lot of good work in this thread..