The Essential Fly Fishing Gear List for Fanning Island

The Essential Fly Fishing Gear List for Fanning Island

The following list ensures you are prepared for everything from wary Bonefish to powerful Giant Trevally. Please note that all tackle must be specifically rated for saltwater use, featuring corrosion-resistant components and robust drag systems.

The following list ensures you are prepared for everything from wary Bonefish to powerful Giant Trevally. Please note that all tackle must be specifically rated for saltwater use, featuring corrosion-resistant components and robust drag systems.

The following list ensures you are prepared for everything from wary Bonefish to powerful Giant Trevally. Please note that all tackle must be specifically rated for saltwater use, featuring corrosion-resistant components and robust drag systems.

Rods, Reels, and Lines

Rods, Reels, and Lines

  1. Bonefish & Small Trevally

Rod Recommendation

2x 9-foot, 8 or 9-weight fly rods

(1 spare is advised).

Reel Specs

High-quality large arbor, saltwater reel with a sealed, smooth drag. Loaded with 300 yards of 50 lb braid backing.

Line Requirement

Weight-forward, tropical floating line (designed to handle high heat without becoming limp).

  1. Triggerfish, Milkfish & Wrasse

Rod Recommendation

1x 9-foot, 10-weight fly rod.

Reel Specs

Same high-quality saltwater reel. Loaded with 300 yards of 50 lb braid backing.

Line Requirement

Weight-forward, tropical floating line.

3. Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally & Barracuda

Rod Recommendation

2x 9-foot, 12-weight fly rods (1 spare is essential).

Reel Specs

Premium, ultra-robust large arbor saltwater reel with a maximum sealed drag system. Loaded with 300 yards of 80 lb braid backing.

Line Requirement

Heavy weight-forward, tropical floating line AND a 1x 750-grain sinking line for dredging channels.

Terminal Tackle & Fly Selection

Terminal Tackle & Fly Selection

Fluorocarbon Tippet

Spools of high-quality fluorocarbon in 15 lb, 20 lb, and 25 lb breaking strains.

GT Leader Material

1x spool of heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant mono (e.g., Suffix Zippy or similar hard mono) in 130 lbs for GT bite leaders.

Bonefish Flies

A complete selection of smaller patterns like Gotchas, Christmas Island Specials (Pink/Orange), Squimps, and Pillow Talk. Ensure varied eye weights (bead chain and small lead eyes).

Triggerfish Flies

Prawn and crab patterns like Alphlexo Crabs (Tan, Olive, White), Fleeing Crabs, and James's Sand Prawn. Focus on natural colors with contrasting legs (Orange/Chartreuse).

GT/Predator Flies

Large, dark profile flies like GT Brush Flies (Black/Tan), and large poppers (Not Your Average Popper - NYAP). All flies must be tied on heavy-duty, strong saltwater hooks.

Storage

1x Waterproof or submersible fly box to prevent flies from rusting in the elements.

Clothing, Protection, and Personal Gear

Clothing, Protection, and Personal Gear

Note on Colors: The flats environment requires stealth. All clothing should be in soft, natural, or muted colors (e.g., tan, light gray, pale blue, sage green). Bright, unnatural colors will spook fish.

Note on Colors: The flats environment requires stealth. All clothing should be in soft, natural, or muted colors (e.g., tan, light gray, pale blue, sage green). Bright, unnatural colors will spook fish.

1. Protection & Apparel

  • UV Flats Shirts: 3-5 long-sleeved, collared shirts. Must be soft, natural colors (gray, tan, sage) to avoid alerting fish.

  • Pants/Shorts: 1x UV-proof zip-off pants or flats shorts (also muted colors).

  • Rain Gear: 1x Lightweight, packable rain jacket.

  • Headwear: 1x Hat or cap, plus 2x Buffs (neck/face gaiters) for maximum sun coverage.

  • Gloves: 1x pair of Sungloves (full finger) and 1x pair of Stripping Gloves (fingerless) to prevent cuts/burns.

  • Anti-Chafe: 1x pair of cycling or compression shorts to wear under flats shorts.

2. Footwear (Non-Negotiable)

  • Flats Wading Boots: Absolutely essential. Must have thick, puncture-resistant soles and good ankle support.

3. Eye & Sun Care

  • Polarized Sunglasses: 2x pairs are mandatory. A spare pair saves your trip if the first pair is lost or broken.

  • Sunscreen & Lip Block: High SPF (30+), broad-spectrum, water-resistant.

  • Lens Care: Soft tissue or cloth for cleaning glasses and camera lenses

4. Tools & Storage

  • Saltwater Pliers: 1x sturdy pair for hook removal and crushing barbs.

  • Waterproof Storage: 1x Waterproof Backpack (or Dry Bag) for the boat and 1x Waterproof Fly Box to protect your flies from rust.

  • Lighting: 1x Headlamp or torch with spare batteries.

1. Protection & Apparel

  • UV Flats Shirts: 3-5 long-sleeved, collared shirts. Must be soft, natural colors (gray, tan, sage) to avoid alerting fish.

  • Pants/Shorts: 1x UV-proof zip-off pants or flats shorts (also muted colors).

  • Rain Gear: 1x Lightweight, packable rain jacket.

  • Headwear: 1x Hat or cap, plus 2x Buffs (neck/face gaiters) for maximum sun coverage.

  • Gloves: 1x pair of Sungloves (full finger) and 1x pair of Stripping Gloves (fingerless) to prevent cuts/burns.

  • Anti-Chafe: 1x pair of cycling or compression shorts to wear under flats shorts.

2. Footwear (Non-Negotiable)

  • Flats Wading Boots: Absolutely essential. Must have thick, puncture-resistant soles and good ankle support.

3. Eye & Sun Care

  • Polarized Sunglasses: 2x pairs are mandatory. A spare pair saves your trip if the first pair is lost or broken.

  • Sunscreen & Lip Block: High SPF (30+), broad-spectrum, water-resistant.

  • Lens Care: Soft tissue or cloth for cleaning glasses and camera lenses

4. Tools & Storage

  • Saltwater Pliers: 1x sturdy pair for hook removal and crushing barbs.

  • Waterproof Storage: 1x Waterproof Backpack (or Dry Bag) for the boat and 1x Waterproof Fly Box to protect your flies from rust.

  • Lighting: 1x Headlamp or torch with spare batteries.