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Lagoon View Resort Packing List

Essential fly fishing gear… Don’t leave home without it!

What to bring on your next fly fishing trip?

If you’re like most skinny water infatuated fly fisherman, you start packing for a trip weeks and weeks in advanced. Little piles here and there, lists scattered everywhere. Trip prep is an exciting time. If you’re going to be fishing in remote locations like Christmas Island or the outer Bahamian Islands, you need to be thorough. Most of these places have no gear and no fly shop to run to when you forget items that are easy to overlook. Bonefish, triggerfish and trevally all need different lines, leaders, tippet and flies. Show up without the right stuff and you are out of luck. This list should help make sure your DIY or guided adventure lives up to your expectations!

 

  • Rods

» 7-8 weight for bonefish and triggerfish
» 10-12 weight for trevally on the flats
» 12 weight for trolling in the blue water
» Spare rods are a must, no replacements available on the island

 

  • Lines

» All floating lines
» Quick shooter lines work great
» Bring spare lines, GT love souvenirs!

 

  • Leaders and Tippet

» 10-16lb at least 10’ long leaders
» 12, 15, 20, 25, 40, 60 and 100lb fluorocarbon tippet

 

  • Flies

Bonefish
» Christmas Island special (of course)
» crazy charlies
» all in light tans and off whites, pinks and oranges
» sizes 4, 6 and 8
» 12-15lb tippet

Triggerfish
» leggy shrimp and crab patterns
» use heavier hooks when possible
» 20-30lb tippet

Blue Trevally
» most any baitfish pattern
» triggerfish flies
» bonefish flies
» point is, these are aggressive and will chase about any fly
» 15-30lb tippet

Golden Trevally
» leggy shrimp and crab patterns work well (oranges, tans and pinks)
» 20-30lb tippet

Giant Trevally
» We like brush fly patterns in brown and black
» EP fiber flies work well too
» Baitfish imitators
» 4/0-6/0 size hooks
» 80-100lb tippet

Milkfish
» Arno’s milky dream (smaller sizes) in shades of green and light brown
» Algae imitating flies
» 12-20lb tippet

 

  • Flats Stuff

» Flats Fishing Boots or booties
» Liner Socks (avoid those blisters!)
» Waterproof Backpack or Hip-pack for fishing
» Fishing hat (plus back-up) and buff and gloves
» Fishing shirts and pants
» Packable rain jacket
» Camera
» Pre-moistened lens cloths (these are must haves)
» Sunscreen
» Stripping sleeves
» Chapstick
» Nippers and pliers
» Polarized sunglasses in amber and copper

 

  • Miscellaneous

» Flip flops
» Headlamp
» Toiletries and personal effects
» Passport – have a couple spare photocopies
» Copies of your flight information
» Cash for gratuities, and rental car and gas and misc
» Bug repellent – bugs are rarely an issue here
» Small med kit
» US and AUS outlets available

 

  • DIY Fishing List

» GPS- can help you find your way out of the interior if you get turned around
» Google Earth details pre-loaded onto your phone or tablet. This is crucial!
» Walkie-talkies if fishing with buddies
» Inflatable SUP if possible – opens up a lot more areas to fish
» Tide charts

 

  • At Lagoon View Resort

» Will meet you at the airport (even if you are renting a car from JMB)
» Transfer to and from airport included
» Will provide lunch to take out for the day whether in boat or going DIY
» Let the staff know what time you’d like breakfast and dinner served
» Want something special for any meal? Just let them know.
» They have experience helping with Gluten free, let Skinny Waters know in advance if you would like this option
» Will take you on a complimentary island tour
» Booze or wine from Duty Free (very limited options on the island)

Suggested Gratuities
» Lodge staff – $10-$15 per day
» Boat captain – $5-$10 per day
» Guides – $20-$30 per day

 

  • Travel Insurance

» We strongly recommend you have travel insurance, including evacuation coverage while on the island. There are several choices online. We like the folks at Hopes and Dreams Travel. You can contact them at hopesanddreamstravel@gmail.com.

 

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