subject: Fly Fishing In The Tropics Lures Those Looking To Land Some Monsters [print this page] Anglers not looking forward to fly fishing the Rocky Mountains this winter in all of its Colorado cold and snow and are taking their fly fishing efforts to the tropics for a warm alternative.
Tropical fly fishing can be quite different than mountain fishing, but the lure is irresistible. The weather is warm, of course, and from Key West down through the Caribbean rim countries, there is outstanding salt water fishing and inland freshwater venues, and the challenges, not to mention the memories, are outstanding. Look for such monsters as barracuda, bonefish, cobia, grouper, kingfish, marlin, permit, sailfish, shark, snapper, tarpon, tuna, sea bass, dorado, snook and wahoo in the saltwater flats. To find exotic catches like mojarra, bobo, machin, tepe, guapote and machaca, go inland on the rivers and streams.
Renowned fishing spots populate the Caribbean from the Keys to the Yucatan Peninsula, the Caymans, the Bahamas and St. Lucia, St. Thomas, Turks & Caicos, Puerto Rica, and in the coastal waters and inland streams of such countries as Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras. Tropical fishing is also great in Cuba, however the trip can be challenging considering all of the travel restrictions.
Experienced fly fishermen recommend that Colorado anglers unfamiliar with the tropical fly fishing, especially where the catch can be many, many times the size of the typical mountain trout, contract with experienced local fishing guides. Of course searching the web is helpful, and they can also be found through local fishing outfitters offering travel options and destinations. These in-country guides know the waters, are familiar with the various species in their area and when they run, and they also are equipped with the proper fly fishing gear appropriate for the task(s) at hand.
For instance, a guide in Costa Rica recently posted an article on the web that indicated finding tarpon in freshwater lagoons in that country which were plentiful up to 200 pounds. To reel in a giant like that, no less than a #10 rod is required. He brought along both floating line, for when the fish are striking at the surface, and sinking line for those days when the fish tend to hug the bottom of these relatively shallow (up to 20-feet deep) lagoons.
Another web search turned up an 8-day fly fishing excursion in Honduras. For $1700 for the week, all inclusive, this outfitter was offering 5 days in that country's Bay Islands looking for permit fish, bonefish, snook, snappers, jacks and more, with travel and sightseeing days wrapping around. There are, of course, tropical fly fishing opportunities worldwide, with such popular destinations as Hawaii, Fiji and Tahiti high on the list of the most desirable. However, the Caribbean basin offers the widest set of options for both salt water and freshwater adventures.S. making these areas easy to get to from any place in the country.
Tropical fishing and deep-sea fishing are memorable experiences in any context, but adding in the romance and challenge of fly fishing for some of the most fierce fighting fish in the world is an experience of a lifetime, say those who have been there. However, they warn nearly every tropical fishing novice who is familiar with Rocky Mountain streams will want to return to the tropics annually for their winter trip. Be prepared to be hooked.
