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Shop|Turneffe Atoll Equipment List
Turneffe Atoll Equipment List
Shop For Your Next Turneffe Atoll Fly Fishing Adventure
Turneffe Atoll is located on the coast of Belize and hosts a great variety of saltwater fly fishing opportunities. Bonefish and permit are common, and both resident and migratory tarpon can be caught there. For anglers targeting the allusive grand slam, Turneffe Atoll can be a good option. A variety of flats, creeks, and mangrove habitats allow for a wealth of fishing opportunities and allows for guides to fish the ideal locations based on the best tides.
Relevant to These Lodges: Turneffe Flats Lodge, Turneffe Island Resort
Having extensively traveled and fly fished the world, we are the industry’s foremost authority on destination-specific equipment, gear, and flies. Over a week of fishing around Turneffe Atoll, anglers can expect shots at bonefish, permit, and potentially tarpon, barracuda, and more. If you are fishing for less than five days, we recommend a bare minimum of twenty-four flies or a more adequate selection of thirty six flies.
Sharks, barracuda, and more can be caught throughout the Turneffe Atoll fishery. Some general baitfish patterns are ideal for snook (use tarpon flies above), while mylar tube flies and poppers are great for targeting barracuda.
What Type of Rod Action? Fast-action rods capable of quickly delivering accurate casts are recommended.
What Weight? For permit, a 9 and/or 10-weight is ideal and a 7 or 8-weight is perfect for bonefish. A 9 or 10-weight is ideal for juvenile tarpon, while larger tarpon require an 11 or 12-weight.
What Type of Fly Reel? Strong, smooth and fully-sealed drag systems with large arbors are a must in this fishery.
What Weight? A reel matching the rod weight for each species is recommended.
How Much Backing? 150-200 yards of 20# backing is recommended for permit, bonefish, and juvenile tarpon, while migratory tarpon require 250 yards or more of 30# backing.
Bonefish: A weight-forward, tropical floating line is your go-to when fishing for bonefish. Beginner fly anglers should consider opting for a quickshooting line, while more experienced casters can perform with a more gradual tapered fly line. Ensuring a delicate presentation is crucial for most any bonefish scenario.
Permit: A weight-forward, tropical line that allows the angler to quickly load the rod, deliver an accurate cast, and turn over sometimes heavily weighted flies is a must. Longer fly line heads are handy here to both deliver flies at long distances, while also allowing for gentle presentations.
Tarpon: We recommend anglers bringing a weight-forward floating fly line for small, resident tarpon among creeks, channels, and lagoons of the Atoll - your bonefish or permit line will be satisfactory. Bring an intermediate or sink tip fly line (11-12 weight) for large, migratory tarpon that travel between June and August.
Over time, dirt, grime, and other contaminants can accumulate on your fly line, which can negatively impact your casting performance. A dirty fly line can stick to your guides and drag through the water, resulting in poor casting distance and accuracy. Regularly cleaning your fly line can help extend its lifespan. Dirt and other contaminants can cause the coating on your fly line to degrade faster, leading to cracks and other damage that can weaken the line. A clean fly line can help you detect subtle strikes and improve your overall fishing experience. A dirty line can reduce your ability to feel the fly and detect when a fish has taken it.
How Many Leaders? Two to three leaders are recommended for a week, though some anglers prefer to have fresh leaders each day. More are recommended if anglers intend on targeting species other than bonefish.
What Size and Weight Leaders? A 9 or 10-foot 12# leader is most common for bonefish, while 16# test is recommended for permit. Anglers pursuing tarpon can bring 20# leaders.
How Many Spools of Tippet? A single spool of each recommended size, and a spool of wire tippet for pursuing barracuda.
What Size and Weight? Spools of 10#, 12#, and 16# can be used for bonefish, while the addition of 20# tippet will cover you for permit. For juvenile tarpon, a spool of 40# tippet is ideal for bite tippet, while large, migratory fish demand a shock tippet of 50-80#.