| Sunglasses
The most important accessory, use good quality
polarizing sunglasses. The polarizing lenses
will help you to see through the surface
glare and spot fish. Fishing without sunglasses
is almost impossible, although some local
guides disprove this as many do not wear
sunglasses at all yet still see fish before
the average angler. |
| |
| Hats
As far as hats are concerned, because the
fly fisher is so often required to see his
quarry before making a cast, a baseball
cap or a special 'flats' cap with an extended
peak will shield eyes from unwanted glare
and provide essential protection from the
sun. Caps with ‘legionnaires’
flaps on the back may not be a positive
fashion statement and look stupid but they
can be a godsend. An alternative is a broad
brimmed hat such as an ‘Akubra’
but be warned they can sometimes be susceptible
to the breeze or when travelling in a boat
at speed……. |
| |
| Sunscreen
Sunscreen or sunblock is another obvious
'must.' Leading flyfishing outfitters now
sell special waterproof and unscented sunblock
that will not taint your hands with a chemical
smell that might spook fish. Lipbalm is
also a must. Don’t forget that the
casting action exposes areas, the inside
of the lower arms for instance, that one
would not normally cover with sunblock so
use it as bad sunburn can stop or seriously
hinder your fishing. |
| |
| Repellent
Mosquito repellent is another 'must
have' for the flyfisher. Although mosquitoes
are not usually too much of a problem during
the main part of the day, in the evening
and early morning they can be a nightmare!
Any time you fish in or near the mangrove
you will encounter mosquitoes. Of even greater
concern are the small black flies that the
Cubans call the 'Hehen.' We usually refer
to them as 'no see 'um's' or 'little black
b******s.' These diminutive, almost invisible
flies, appear out of nowhere and have a
bite quite out of proportion to their size.
Mosquito repellent is useless and if you
encounter the Hehen there is only one way
to react - get the hell out! |
| |
Clothing
Specialist clothing is available for saltwater
fly fishing which is made from special
lightweight material which wicks away
moisture.
Flats Boots. These protect your feet
when wading in, on and around coral. They
have neoprene or synthetic leather uppers
with tough soles. While not perfect for
the job, one can get away with the new
style of ‘action sandals’.
Long sleeved shirt. A broad range of
specialist shirts are available but key
design requirements are: loose fitting,
lightweight quick drying, rear ventilation
flap, front pockets for fly boxes, spools,
scissors etc.
Trousers. A broad range of specialist
trousers are available but key design
requirements are: loose fitting, lightweight
quick drying, zip on/off legs to turn
them into shorts, belt loops, some front
pockets for equipment.
Spray Jacket. Long sleeved spray jacket
is useful for the boat trip if it is a
bit lumpy! |
| |
| Hardware
If you are keen to catch fish with teeth,
always carry some pliers and wire cutters
with you. Generally, it is best to ask the
guide to handle the fish and remove the
hook. Special mesh gloves are also useful
for handling barracuda and sharks. Normark
sell 'filleting' gloves and they are ideal. |
| |
| Water
Water water water! Obviously this will be
provided but make sure you make it part
of your checklist prior to setting out fishing
- obvious we know but please make sure you
drink enough. By the time you are thirsty
you are already dehydrated, drink small
amounts regularly. Dehydration can sneak
up on you and will impair your ability. |
| |
| Other
Pack your flies in waterproof, floating
fly boxes, carry some spare leader materials,
braided leader loops and a small first aid
kit containing sticking plasters, antiseptic,
bandages and paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets. |
