George Anderson's suggestions on

Tackle, Equipment, Flies, and Clothing for Ascension Bay

and Casa Blanca Lodge

Rods | Reels | Lines & Leaders | Flies | Flats Booties

| Clothing | Luggage

Helping you get set up right for our trip

Casa Blanca Lodge, located on Ascension Bay in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula offers a wonderful variety of saltwater flats fishing, some the best in the world.   Ascension Bay is perhaps the best place around to pursue a Grand Slam – Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit on fly in the same day.    Add a snook, which is entirely possible and you have a “Super Grand Slam”.  

In addition to the big four, there are other exciting species of flats fish that will take your fly, like big Barracuda, and Jack Crevalle that will pull even harder than Permit!  With such a large variety of flats fish on tap, we’ll want to be prepared for all of them!

Tackle

Anglers going on this trip need to bring a variety of tackle to handle all these species.  Since the tarpon are generally in the 20-50 lb. class, you’ll need only a 10-weight rod rather than a #11 or 12 that we use for 100-pound tarpon.   A good 10-weight rod is perfect for permit, smaller to medium sized tarpon, and big Cudas. An 8-weight rod is perfect for the bonefish, snook and most of the jacks you’ll catch unless you latch onto a 15-20 lb. jack crevalle, and then you’ll wish that you had your 10 weight!   You can use one ten- weight rod and switch your leader systems while fishing for tarpon and permit, but I like to take along two ten-weight rods and reels.  This way I can have one set up specifically for permit and the other set up for either tarpon or Cudas.  If you really want to catch a permit, it is very important to have a permit loaded and ready to go at all times.   On some flats where there are both bonefish and permit you’ll want to be holding your permit rod or at least have it stripped out and ready to go at a moment’s notice.  

If you are going for tarpon, your guide will tell you to switch off to a tarpon set-up and you’ll have some time to get set up and get ready.  Ditto for Bonefish.    Catching a big Cuda is a lot of fun, but once you spot one lying there on the flats, your only good shot at catching it is to get a cast off before the barracuda realizes that you are close-by.   Once they sense the presence of the flats skiff or see you the gig is up.   So this means that if you really want a good chance to catch a Cuda, you’ll need to have a rod all rigged with a wire leader and a Cuda fly and it must be ready to go so that all you have to do is to grab, strip off fifty feet of line and make the cast.  Usually if this takes longer than 30 seconds, you’re done.    A 9 or 10 weight rod is perfect for Cudas, but if you have a spare 8-weight, you can rig this too.    With the slim Cuda flies we are using they cast well enough to throw well with an 8-weight.   If you hook that 45-inch cuda though, you’ll very quickly see why I recommend the 10-line rod.   To land it on an 8-weight, you’ll have to have the rod bending down into the cork handle!   

Sometimes my fishing partners are shaking their heads when I’m up on the front deck holding my permit rod, while I have two other rods stripped out, one for bones and the other for Cudas.  That’s what I love about fishing at Casa Blanca though – the fact that there is such a wonderful variety of fish to cast to, sometimes on the same flat, and I like to throw to all of them.   

Bonefish rods

Bring One Bonefish rod along with one back-up rod

These can be either #7 or #8 line rods but I prefer a #8 that will handle the wind better.  My favorite is the G. Loomis CrossCurrent GLX in 9 foot #8 that won our 8-weight Shootout.

Regardless of brand, you’ll want a 9-foot rod.   Other great bonefish rods are the Sage Xi2, the Sage Z-Axis, 

St. Croix’s Legend Elite and Winston’s new BIIMX.  Most of these rods are in the $600 class.   If you want to economize, we stock some great less expensive rods like the Albright A-5, Redington’s CPS and the TFO TiCr-X. These rods are in the $200-300 range.    All of the rods mentioned above are four-piece rods that allow them to be easily hand carried while traveling. 

Tarpon, Permit, Barracuda rods

Bring One to Three Ten-Weight Rods for Permit, Tarpon & Cudas.

As mentioned above, it is handy to have more than one ten-weight rod.  If you have a #9 line rod I’d bring this as a #9 will also work for Cudas, snook, jacks, and even permit. 

My favorite 10-weight rods are the G. Loomis CrossCurrent GLX and the Sage Xi2, both in 9-foot length.  These are 4-piece rods, both in the mid $600 price range.   For a less expensive alternative, try the Redington CPS in the 9 foot #10.  I used this rod extensively last year and I was really impressed with its lightweight, casting ability and power. 

These Redington CPS rods are in the $300 price range. .    All of the rods mentioned above are four-piece rods that allow them to be easily hand carried while traveling.  

Rod Tubes, Cases, and Travel Tips

I like to hand carry my rods while I'm traveling, so the 4 piece rods make a lot more sense than taking two or three piece rods that may need to be checked.    I'll stick the rods in one of the 4" diameter travel cases x 32" long, from Winston or Sage.   These will hold 4-5 four-piece rods in their cloth bags.  These multi-rod cases run about $75.00. 

One other trick I've learned from experience traveling with my rods is to plug the top of your rod case with a wad of paper towel.  This will take up the rest of the available space so there your rods can't move inside.  Otherwise, you'll risk opening your case to find a broken tip before you've even on the water.

Reels

Drag systems on saltwater reels are far more important than what we use for small to medium sized trout and other freshwater fish.  Any two-pound bonefish will peel all the line off your reel and put you into your backing. A big bonefish or permit will peel all that line off and another hundred yards of backing, and do it in a hurry!    So a silk smooth and powerful drag is a must. 

All the good saltwater reels are totally anodized and use stainless steel bearings and pawls that won’t corrode in saltwater use. 

 If you like saltwater fly fishing, you’ll want to invest in a good reel, as these will last a lifetime.  By far the best are the Tibor and Abel reels.   I use both.  They are bullet proof if you give them just a minimum of care.  Personally I like the drag and clicker system on the Tibors better than the Abel, especially the sound of that Tibor drag when a big fish is running full out.  Then the three clickers set into the cork drag plate shriek somewhat like a smooth BMW six approaching the redline.   

For a 7-9 line Tibor’s Everglades or the Abel Super 8 are the reels you’ll want.  They come in several standard colors and a variety of custom colors for a little more money.   Both can be set up to retrieve either left hand or right hand and have the capacity to take a WF-8-F line plus 200 yards of 20 lb. Saltwater Micron backing.   These reels are both in the $600 range.  

Abel's Super 8 Bonefish reel can also be converted into a much larger capacity reel by simply adding an Abel standard arbor #3 Big Game X/spool.   I've used the #3 Abel reels for years for both big tarpon and permit. We don't recommend changing these Abel spools out on the water though as it is possible to lose some of the parts.

We also stock the new Ross Momentum saltwater reels, and either the #4 or 5 work well as bonefish reels. A #4 will hold a WF-8-F line plus 200 yd. of 20 lb. backing. These reels utilize a Carbon fiber and Rulon drag mechanism that is totally sealed keeping grit and sand out of the enclosed drag.   These reels use oil impregnated bronze bushings rather than sealed ball bearings like the Tibor or Abel reels. The price for the Ross Momentum Reels is in the $445-$495 range depending on model. 

There is one less expensive bonefish reel that has impressed us, and this is the TFO 375.  This is light, good-looking reel with a very smooth drag, a quick detach spool and the capacity for a WF-8-F line and plenty of backing.  I took this reel on a two-week saltwater trip last year and it performed flawlessly.   My only complaint was that the click on the drag is so quiet that you could call it silent.  The price is great though, at around $250.

For The 10-Weight line rods,  you’ll want Tibor’s Riptide or Abel’s Super 10.  You need to have the capacity for a 10 weight floating line and 150 yd. of 30-pound Micron backing for bigger fish like permit and tarpon.   The Ross Momentum #6 is the right size for these 10-weight lines and backing.    TFO also makes a larger version of their inexpensive saltwater reel and this is the TFO 425.  This will take lines up to WF-12 with backing.  Prices of these 10-weight reels are just slightly more than the smaller 8-weight versions.

Lines and Backing 

For nearly all of the fishing we’ll do in Ascension bay, floating lines are the only thing you’ll need.  Both Scientific Anglers and RIO make excellent saltwater lines with stiffer cores and stiffer coatings to handle the heat of the tropics.   I think the best overall floating line is the standard Scientific Anglers Bonefish/Tarpon Taper. These are built with a braided monofilament core that cast very well in hot tropical climates yet resist tangles when you are trying to clear your line on fast running fish.  RIO offers their “Powerflex” solid monofilament core saltwater lines and although these shoot better than anything, I’ve found that they tangle more in the boat if you are facing windy conditions and this can cost you some critical permit and tarpon shots.    RIO did come out with a terrific new line last year that is called the Tropical Outbound.   This is a long belly line with a slightly heavier head than a normal line and a very small solid monofilament core that seems to be less prone to tangles than the Powerflex lines.  The Outbound is really unbelievable in calm or light wind conditions, as it will cast farther, and with less effort than any line in existence.  This is a 120-foot long line and a decent caster can blast it out there all the way!   I’ve had a lot of fun using this line and I’ve been able to reach tailing bones that I’d never get to with a standard line.   The trade-off is that this line does tangle in the boat a lot more easily than an SA Bonefish taper when you are out in hard wind (and that can be a lot of the time).   Still, I like to have one along for those calmer days.

We rig all these saltwater lines with loops in the back end of the line so that you can loop to loop these quickly to your backing.  This also gives you 100% knot strength compared to a nail knot or needle knot connection which is only about 70% of your backing strength.  Then we add a permanently attached Fluorocarbon butt section on which to tie your leaders.

Leaders and Tippet

Having a leader that will turnover a big, wind resistant crab fly to a tailing permit, or one that will punch into a twenty knot wind on the bonefish flats is a big key to success.   Over the years we have designed our own leaders for bonefish, permit and tarpon, using stiff hard nylon butt sections and Seaguar GrandMAX fluorocarbon tippets.   These are all hand tied with our special formulas, developed by George Anderson over twenty five years of fly fishing the flats.   These leaders have rapid tapers and will turnover a heavy fly with the flick of the wrist.  You can even cast a tight loop with them in your hand right out of the package! 

Our Bonefish and Permit leaders are tied with a Mason's hard nylon butt section with a quick taper, allowing the best turn over in a hard wind with great accuracy.   We use Stu Apte improved blood knots to connect the tippets for near 100% knot strength.  On our Bonefish leaders we use a tippet of 1X Seaguar GrandMAX Fluorocarbon that tests nearly 15 pounds.    On our Permit leaders we start with a heavier butt section and then use 02X GrandMAX for the tippet, with the breaking strength at 20 pounds.  

For the Casa Blanca trip we recommend that you bring at least 6 bonefish leaders and 4 permit leaders.  

For tarpon you’ll need 3-4 quick-change tarpon leaders.  Although you can use as little as 60 lb. test fluorocarbon shock tippet, we recommend heavier 80 lb. Fluorocarbon shock as these are perfect for large tarpon as well as smaller tarpon.  Yucatan tarpon are not at all tippet shy so it makes sense to use the heavier standard big tarpon leaders.  We tie these with 20 lb. class tippet and 80 lb. shock.  We now tie these quick change tarpon leaders using two and a half feet of Seguar Fluorocarbon shock tippet so that you can tie several flies onto one leader before having to throw it away.  Each tarpon you hook or catch is going to rough up the first 6 inches of your shock tippet, but you can cut that off and tie on a new fly if you have a long enough shock tippet. If you are changing fly patterns, you'll also use up at least six inches of shock tippet tying on each new fly. Since there is almost no chance to catch a world record tarpon in Mexico, using a shock tippet longer than 12 inches (IGFA specs. for world record fish) makes more sense. Longer shock tippets are also a lot easier for your guide to grab and you'll lose fewer fish at the boat.    

For barracuda, we sell our special “Cuda Killer” needlefish fly already rigged with wire bite tippet connected to a nylon leader you can loop to loop onto your butt section. 

Special knots and backing

We use a variety of methods of attaching a butt section to all these lines, from back to back nail knots on the Rio powerflex core lines to our special Triple TK (totally tricked out tarpon knot) on the braided core lines.   These line to butt section connections are slim and will run right through your guides, but are 100% reliable, and we test every one for strength before it leaves the shop.   

For backing, we'll use 20 lb. on most bonefish set-ups, and 30 lb. for larger fish like permit and tarpon.  We like to use Saltwater Micron with it's special teflon coating and the ability for us to tie blind spliced loops in the end of the backing to give you that critical loop to loop connection between backing and fly line.

Send us your reel and line and get it rigged up right

Many of our customers send us their reels and lines before the trip and we'll be happy to check everything out, replace old lines, re-do all the critical knots and then clean and lube your reel.   If you don't have the time to do all this, let us help.    It could mean the difference between next year's christmas card with you holding a 30 lb. permit, or just a nice Ascension Bay sunset shot silhouetted by palm tree at the Loge.

Fly Selection for Ascension Bay

Since we’ll be fishing for a large variety of flats fish, anglers need to have a larger variety of flies than for a bonefish trip to the Bahamas.  Bonefish are found in abundance in Ascension Bay, but there are also very good opportunities to catch both permit and tarpon. You’ll find some fly patterns that will work better than others, so having a wide variety pays big dividends. On turtle grass bonefish flats you’ll want darker patterns while on the white sand flats you need lighter colored flies.  You also need some unweighted bonefish flies, without bead or lead chain eyes for tailing fish on shallow flats. Many of the saltwater flies you now have will work just fine but many of the newer patterns, especially the Enrico Puglisi permit crabs and tarpon flies have proven deadly and you want to make sure you have these. 

Here’s my idea of the perfect fly selection for Casa Blanca and Ascension Bay:

Bonefish Patterns

Tan Squimp    2/4, 4/8                    @2.95

Pearl Squimp   2/6, 2/8                   @2.95

Pearl Gotcha    2/4, 2/6                   @2.50

Pearl/tan Crazy Charlie 2/6, 2/8        @2.50

Amber Bonefish Bitters 2/6, 2/8        @2.95

Olive Bonefish Bitters  2/6, 2/8         @2.95

Chartreuse/white Clouser 2/6           @2.75

Unweighted Crazy George 2/4, 2/6    @2.50

Tan Mini-Merkin    2/6                      @4.95

Permit Patterns

EP Tan Palometa Crab  1/1-0, 2/2     @6.50

EP Beige Palometa Crab  1/10, 2/2    @6.50

EP Three Tone Crab 2/2, 1/8             @6.50

Anderson McCrab   2/4                     @6.95

Del Brown Merkin   2/2                     @4.95

Tarpon/Snook Patterns

EP Black and Purple  1/3-0                @6.50

EP Mangrove Baitfish  1/3-0              @6.50

EP Black and Purple  2/2-0                @5.95

EP Black and Red  2/2-0                    @5.95

EP Mullet  2/2-0                               @5.95

Orange/Yellow/Grizzly  2/2-0              @5.95

White/Grizzly Deceiver  2/2-0             @5.95

Barracuda

Cuda Killer needlefish fly 2/2-0          @7.95

(rigged with wire) 

The full Ascension Bay fly selection above is $269.20 but our special price on the selection is $225.00.  Take a look at what you have now for saltwater flats flies, then call or e-mail me at georgea@yellowstoneangler.com and we’ll figure out what to send you for our trip.      

Clothing needed for Casa Blanca

When you step off the plane in Cancun, you’ll know you are in the tropics.  It is going to be hot and humid.  November is a lot cooler than the summer months but temps are still going to be in the high 70’s and low 80’s.   Great weather for a pair of shorts and a t-shirt or tropical fishing shirt.   The lodge is very informal so there is no reason to bring anything other than fishing clothes.   

Pack Light for this trip

We’ll be flying into Casa Blanca in small, chartered aircraft that do not have anywhere the luggage space that you do on normal commercial flights.  They would like us to limit our baggage to one larger, soft-sided piece of luggage and try to keep the weight of all your clothing and gear to 45 lb. (not including your carry-on rod case)   

You’ll just need a few changes of clothes, and underwear but be sure to bring at least one pair of long pants and a long sleeve shirt or two in case you are getting too much sun.  Personally I love to fish in shorts and a short sleeve tropical fishing shirt but I do slap on a lot of SPF 50 waterproof sunscreen. It is possible to get some laundry done at the lodge or a very nominal charge (Usually a tip to the gals).  

Here are some things to remember to bring:

Underwear – several changes

Fishing Shorts and 1 pr. of swim trunks

At least one pair of long tropical fishing pants – or the convertible type

Vented Supplex nylon tropical fishing shirts, including at least one long sleeve

T-Shirts to wear around the lodge and impress (or repulse) your friends

Gore-Tex or good breathable rain jacket (and pants)

Flats fishing style cap or hat with wide or long brim

Extra baseball cap in case you lose the above. 

        Simms Flats Sneakers        Patagonia Marlwalkers

Flats wading shoes with a pair or two of thin liner socks. Good flats boots give you great grip in the skiff as well as good protection from coral, shells and other nasty stuff on the flats on the flats. If you don't have flats booties, bring your normal felt-soled wading shoes with neoprene socks to take up the extra space needed for the neoprene socks you have in your waders. 

Siped deck shoes for wearing around the lodge and in the skiff. Most running shoes work good and are cooler to wear all day than your flats boots if you are not doing any wade fishing.  I'll often bring both with me in the skiff.  

A fanny pack with water bottles is handy out wading the flats

One note on rainwear - I’ve learned from experience that it is good to bring both a good rain jacket and also rain pants.  If you have to run any distance in the mornings in hard wind, there can be a lot of spray. I hate to start out my fishing day soaking wet.   Going home at the end of the day it’s not so critical as it won’t be long before you’ll have a good hot shower.   So arriving dry is critical.  

By far the best rain gear I’ve found for this saltwater fishing is the Simms Packlite Gore-Tex jacket and pants.   They are light in weight, and extremely breathable, staying comfortable in tropical climates.   The jacket has a good hood with pull cords to cinch down over your cap.   The pants have full-length full zip legs, to make it very easy to get in and out of them with your deck shoes or flats boots on.   When I get back to the dock after a day on the flats I just hose them down with fresh water (or take them into the shower with you) and they will dry completely in just a half hour. 

Other gear and necessities you don’t want to forget

Your passport – check this NOW to make sure it is current for our  trip. Make a copy of the first two pages and stick it in a separate bag.

Airline tickets if you need anything other than e-tickets and your itinerary.

Money – You probably don’t even need to convert into Pesos but you’ll need some cash for gratuities, your bar tab and gift items at the lodge. They have some great logo fishing shirts and hats for sale there at the lodge.

Your wallet/purse and Credit Cards – never leave home without them.  

Your shaving kit or toiletries and any medications you need for the trip. Don't forget emergency anti-biotics, Imodium, and other cold or flu caplets or gels.

Hand lotion – You’ll need this after day 3 on the flats when your hands look like you've taken sandpaper to them.

Two pair of good polarized sunglasses – Tan or brown lenses give the best contrast for saltwater flats fishing. 

Reading glasses, Flip Focals, or other magnifiers built into your sunglasses so you can tie those knots or read your book at night.

SPF 30-50 Waterproof Sun Screen – the best we have found is the

Coppertone Sport lotion in SPF 50, in the blue squeeze bottle.

Sun Gloves to protect your hands (light nylon fingerless ones)

Insect Repellant – We probably won't need any out on the water while fishing but it will be good to have for the sand flies in the evenings around the lodge.

A small waterproof day bag to take along in the skiff for all your gear and clothing.

Digital Camera with charger and spare cards – in a waterproof case.

A pair of small, lightweight binoculars to see all the beautiful flamingos, other birds and that occasional crocodile.

Zip Lock bags to protect your camera and other stuff from salt-water spray

Your i-Pod or other mpeg music player with ear buds or headphones.

Your cell phone for traveling.  It probably won't work in Mexico though.  Bring your satellite phone for this if you have one.

A good paperback to read on the trip

Foam earplugs for running in the skiffs will save your hearing, or to help you get a good night’s sleep when your roommate snores. 

Fishing rods – I like to hand-carry these in a multi-rod travel case.

Reels – I hand carry these too, in my carry-on.

Flies in floating fly boxes, leaders, tippet, clippers etc. This all goes in my carry-on.  Just be careful your clippers do not have a knife blade.

Cigarettes, cigars etc.  Just remember to stick that lighter or torch for your cigars in your checked luggage.

We would like to help you with any tackle or equipment you’ll need for our trip.  As in the past, we offer a 10% discount across the board to our clients on these Yellowstone Angler hosted trips.  This helps, especially if you are lusting for that new bonefish or tarpon outfit.    

Just give me a call or e-mail me if I can answer any of your questions and get you set up right for our trip.

Best,

George Anderson

The Yellowstone Angler

406-222-7130

georgea@yellowstoneangler.com