Yikes, based on the number of phone calls, emails and comments I’m getting it looks like people are starting to think seriously about their winter trips. Which means I may have to put down my salmon rod and get back to work. (If you can call what I do work) I’ve got a lot on my mind this year and I’m going to spend a bunch of time on the blog talking about DIY flies vs Guide Boat flies and techniques for catching spooky fish vs those “happy go lucky” bones that are accessed by boat. I still see lots of people using the same #2 Tan Rubber Legged Gotcha with barbell eyes that worked yesterday with the guide on a heavily fished DIY flat. But before all of that, let’s Pack For A DIY Day. After years of stepping out of the car or kayak and on to a flat, what do I carry now? Keep in mind I’m talking about a typical exploration day when I leave the car at 9:00 a.m. and am not back again until 4:00 p.m. So whatever I need for the day…..is in my pack. Pack Contents: lunch water sunscreen, chapstick, eye drops, sungloves, buff, hat, sunglasses camera extra hand tied leader spools of #12 & #16 flourocarbon tippet toilet paper file pliers rain jacket VHF radio, waterproof and floatable (don’t ask) One fly box with 58 flies One baggie holding 12″ wire leader, a cuda popper, a cuda fly and two permit crabs printout of Google satellite image I use to carry more (particularly flies) but over the years I have realized I just don’t need it. Obviously we can talk for days about the “58” flies, what to take, what size what colour, etc. but I have it down pretty well now and what I take may help you in your selection. I would guess I bring around 500 flies with me on a trip and replenish as I need and switch out the box each evening if required. As I have gotten older, safety tends to weigh more heavily on my mind. So I and my “gang” have gone to VHF radios that are long range, have good batteries and are impervious to my regular “dunking” events. The good ones are in the $200 range, but what the heck, my wife says I’m worth it. If the area is new to me I print off a Google Earth image of my planned route. I’ve never been lost……but had a few anxious moments when all the mangrove islands look the same. And since I can’t even remember where I last put my keys, a map, Google Earth even a compass can come in mighty handy. So pack carefully for the day keeping in mind safety, sun protection, comfort (I’m talking about weight here) and what you need to be successful.
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