Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page
Tackle and Gear
Tackle
Andros is a great fishing destination. Because of its remote location, it is difficult to acquire most fishing gear or personal effects on the island itself. The following suggestions will help you enjoy your time on Andros and assure that you have accounted for the proper equipment and clothing.
FLY RODS:
The rod you will want to make sure you have is a 7-8 weight, fast action rod. A back-up rod is recommended which could be another 8 weight, or maybe a 10-weight rod for barracuda or snapper. Travel rods in 3-4 piece construction are helpful for carry-on purposes.
REELS:
Bonefishing will challenge any equipment you bring. Owning the best quality reel you can buy will ensure a problem free angling experience.
We recommend a reel capable of handling 200 yards of 30 lb. backing.
A large arbor reel is an advantage because of the speed of the bonefish and permit. Bring extra spools with backing and extra fly lines.
FLY LINES:
Make sure that the lines you purchase are specifically for saltwater, otherwise you will encounter problems with your line functioning properly. We recommend a weight forward, floating line with a saltwater taper. Back-up fly lines are highly recommended. Many fly lines have been lost or destroyed by fish and coral, and you will not have access to purchasing additional lines on the island.
LEADERS:
* Bonefish leaders: 9-12 feet long, 8-15 pound clear monofilament or fluorocarbon. Tippet in 8-15 lb..
* Permit leaders: 9-12 feet long, 10-15 pound clear monofilament or fluorocarbon. Tippet in 10-15 lbs.
* Barracuda: 8 foot 30-40 lb. wire leaders.
* Jacks: 8 foot 30-40 lb. wire leaders, or 40-60 lb. shock tippet.
* Snapper: 9 foot, 20 lb. tippet.
Don't forget: extra tippet of clear monofilament for bonefish, and extra wire or shock tippet for barracuda and jacks. Make sure you bring wire crimps
Flies
Bonefish will be found primarily on the flats. Since water on the flats ranges in depth, a wide selection of weights must be incorporated into the flies. From no eye, to bead chain, to lead eyes, it is important to have each type of fly tied in many different weight categories. Make sure to have some of your flies with weed guards for grass flats. Your guide will be able to help you select appropriate flies for the different water types and species. Since there are several food sources available in the Bahamas, a well-stocked fly box is a necessity.
Bonefish Flies: We recommend at least six dozen bonefish flies for the week in varying weights and sizes.
* #2-4 Clouser Minnows in Gotcha, Gold Shiner, Silver Shiner
* #2-6 Gotcha, Gold Gotcha
* #4-6 Krystal Charlie's in Gold and White
* #4-6 Horrors
* #4-6 Tan Yarn Crabs
* #4-6 Tan or Golden Mantis Shrimp
* #4 Orange Christmas Island Special
* #4-6 Tan/Orange Bonefish Puffs
* #4-6 Crazy Charlies in Tan/Gold, Tan/Pearl and Gold
* #6 Moose Turd
* #4 Borski's Super Swimming Shrimp
* #2-4 Rabbit strip bonefish flies in brown, tan, white and pink
Permit Flies: You probably will only need about 1/2 dozen permit flies for the week. Many of the bonefish flies work for permit as well.
* #2-4 Yarn Crabs
* #2-4 Clousers in tan/white, chartreuse/white, and red/black
* #2-4 Gotcha and Gold Gotcha
* #2-4 Del's Merkins
* #2 Borski's Chernobyl Crab
* #2 Veverka's Golden Mantis
Barracuda Flies: You most likely will want to have at least 1/2 dozen flies to use for barracuda.
* #4/0 Orange Popovic Banger
* #1/0 Cuda Killers
* #1/0 Candy Eel
* #2/0 Deceivers in a variety of colors
Gear
The following is a list of additional items recommended to help make your trip more comfortable. It is certainly better to come prepared than to find yourself without something you may need. If you need help finding anything on this list, please let us know and we can assist you.
Clothing* Passport and plane tickets
* Camera with extra batteries and plenty of film* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Water bottle
* 2 pair polarized sunglasses (copper or brown), cleaner, croakies
* Sunblock (waterproof)
* Insect repellent-waterproof and perspiration resistant
* Basic first aid kit
* All recommended fishing gear and flies
Clothing for fishing should be in a Supplex or nylon material. This will help keep you cool as well as protect you from the intense sun. They also dry very quickly, and some are now made with sun protection in them.
* Long sleeve Supplex or nylon shirts
* Long pants of Supplex or nylon
* Flats hat with long bill and flap
* Sun gloves
* Light rain jacket and pants
* Wading boots, sandals
* Swimsuit
* Shorts and t-shirts
* Underwear, socks, other personal effects.
* Toiletries, Aspirin , Pain reliever, basic cold medication
* Sweater or Sweatshirt
Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page
PO BOX 180446 BOSTON MA 02118
Phone: 888-857-6700
Fax: 617-427-7890
ed@flyfishingheaven.com