We've had the privilege of fly fishing and hosting trips globally, but Soul Fly Lodge stands out for the fishing, excellent accommodations, and world-class hospitality. We look forward to sharing our favorite place in the world with you! Our trip is fast approaching, and to help prepare, I've decided to put together a breakdown of must-have fishing items.
- 8wt- The quintessential bonefish rod for the Bahamas and one you'll probably reach for the most when targeting bones. It's perfect for presenting the average-sized bonefish flies generally used in the Berry Islands, presents flies more delicately than a 9wt, and will handle light wind.
- 9wt- If someone cruelly forced me to bring only one fly rod to Soul Fly, it would likely be a 9wt. The modern nine-weight possesses as much backbone as a 10wt from a decade ago but will fish more like an 8wt. Light enough for bonefish on windy days, but enough power to toss some permit crab flies. It's the go-to rod for many permit anglers today.
- 10wt- There was a time when a 10wt was the definitive permit rod, but it seems the tides have shifted, and more anglers are opting for the lighter nine. However, the permit in the Berry Islands are bigger, stronger, and faster than permit in other fisheries, and you will appreciate the ten's added backbone when on the bow and needing to drop a heavy crab on a permit's nose from seventy feet out.
- We recommend each angler have at least three rods rigged and ready to go for the various fishing situations we may encounter at any given time on the flats.
- Our Picks: Hardy Marksman Z, Thomas & Thomas Sextant, Thomas & Thomas Exocett SS, Sage Salt R8
Fly Reels
- The fly reel should correspond to the rod's weight and hold at least 200 yards of 30lb Dacron backing.
- Unlike trout fishing, where the fly reel is merely a line holder, our goal for this trip is to put hard-charging fish on the reel and hear the drag's scream! The reel's drag must be robust, sealed to keep salt and sand out, and smooth enough to protect light tippet.
- Reels are typically one of the more disaster-prone items on saltwater fly fishing destination trips, and nothing ruins a trip faster than a blown-out reel. Remember, we're on a small island, and replacing broken gear isn't feasible. Don't ruin your dream trip by skipping on a reel.
- Our Picks: Hatch Iconic +, Abel SDS, Hardy Fortuna Regent
Fly Lines
- Lines for Soul Fly Lodge should all be floating, weight-forward, have a tropical core and match the rod's weight.
- Bonefish-specific lines have lighter, longer heads for delicate presentations, loop control, and accuracy.
- Lines designed for general-purpose flats fishing, like Scientific Angler's Grand Slam and RIO's Flats Pro, punch through the wind and turn heavier crab flies easier but lack the lighter touch of bonefish lines. Both types of fly lines will see their fair share of use during your week of fishing.
- Our Picks: RIO Flats Pro, Scientific Anglers Grand Slam
Terminal Tackle
- Fluorocarbon tapered leaders in 12, 16, & 20lb
- Matching fluorocarbon tippet and 20lb bite tippet for 'Cudas
- 16lb will see the most use, but on calm days, opt for 12lb during calm conditions, and 20lb for permit
- Our Picks: RIO Fluoroflex Bonefish Leader, RIO Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet, RIO Powerflex Wire Bite Tippet
Fly Selection
- Bonefish flies range in size from 4 to 8 and imitate shrimp and crustaceans.
- Matching the fly's color to the flat's bottom is essential. White, tan, and pink are popular choices for bonefish.
- Light-colored crab patterns in size two are the go-to for permit.
- Have a mix of flies in both bead chain and lead-eyed varieties. Bead chain eyes are lighter and perfect for skinny water bones. Permit crabs are commonly tied with lead-eyes for dragging along deeper turtlegrass flats.
- Popular flies include Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, Spawning Shrimp, Mantis Shrimp, Flexo Crabs, Rag Heads, and Strong Arm Merkins.
- Please call Stephen at 706-580-6712 or email stephen@kismetoutfitters.com, and he'll put together a killer Soul Fly Lodge box.
Fishing Pack
- A waterproof pack is necessary for daily fishing outings. Whether you're wading or fishing from a skiff, your pack WILL get wet.
- A backpack holds everything needed for a daily outing, including multiple water bottles, food, a camera, spare spools, fly boxes, and a rain jacket.
- Our Picks: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack
Apparel & Footwear
- Remember, cotton kills! Dress for a day of flats fishing like you would with any high intensity outdoor pursuit.
- I prefer lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking pants like the Patagonia Terrebonne Jogger. Not only do they dry super fast and offer sun protection, they're sleek enough to wear to dinner.
- Pack long sleeve performance button-up shirts that are nice enough to wear back at the lodge. The Patagonia Island Hopper Shirt has become the unofficial Kismet uniform.
- Sun hoodies provide the best UPF protection to help combat those tropical rays oppressively beaming down on you.
- I don't like wearing footwear on the skiff on account of not being able to feel the fly line if it wraps under your feet. Neoprene Wading Socks will prevent foot sunburns and blisters without hindering your ability to feel line.
- Wading barefoot is only optimal for those willing to risk the health of their Plantar Fascia from corral, sharp rocks, and various sea critters. Consider picking up the Simms Zip It Bootie to prevent an avoidable and utterly embarrassing disaster. They are lightweight, comfortable, and the next best thing to fishing barefoot.
Find Soul Fly Lodge's sample packing list HERE
Read last year's trip report HERE
