Rods:

An 8 wt. rod has proven to be an all around excellent choice for the flats fishing on Acklins.  It provides an excellent balance of power to cast through a breeze and finesse to make a quiet presentation to tailing fish.  More often than not you’ll be casting to fish that are less than 60 feet from you, so choose a rod with which you are comfortable making quick, accurate casts.  A 9wt or 10wt is a good second choice for barracudas and permit.

Reels:

Many people prefer mid or large arbor reels to help retrieve line after the blistering first run of a bonefish.  We’ve found that almost any saltwater reel will work on the flats as long as the drag works well!  Bring a reel with an excellent drag and 200 yards of backing and you’ll be fine-just remember to keep your fingers off the handle on that first run!

Lines:

A weight forward floating line will be perfect for 99% of what you encounter here.  The island environment can be hard on equipment and the cold water lines of the north will not stand up to our conditions.  You would be well served to bring a bonefish line or warm weather equivalent.  If you are looking for a change of pace from fishing the flats, a sinking line and clouser can be effective in the channels and near the reef. 

Leaders:

A 9-foot 12lb or 10lb leader will work on most days but be prepared to extend it a couple feet if they’re being picky or shorten it if the winds blowing.  Fluorocarbon leaders aren’t necessary but we do recommend adding a fluorocarbon tippet section.

Flies:    

The bonefish on Acklins have not seen that many flies and have not developed the same sense of “refinement” that their Florida cousins have.  Most bonefish patters will work on any given day here.  Of course, that’s the difficult (fun) part, finding the right fly for your day.  Flies in sizes #6 and #4 will do the job most often, but it’s a good idea to have a few #8’s and #2’s in case.  Some of the basic patterns that work well are:

• Traditional Gotchas and “Crazy Leg” Gotchas in tan, brown and root beer;
• Crazy Charlies; similar colors;
• Mini-Puffs-pink and brown;
• Horrors;
• Snapping Shrimp  in brown and olive;
• Simrams;
• Bunny Bones;
• Clouser Minnows in white and chartreuse; and
• Crab patterns for permit and larger bonefish;
• Also, don’t forget a few barracuda patterns as well; anything long and green will work fine. 

We have a tying vise at the lodge for the convenience of our guests, but you should plan on bringing your own materials as supplies are extremely limited here.

Other Items to Bring:

A basic list of things to bring include:

·        Long billed hat (preferably with a dark under bill);

·        Quality polarized glasses;

·        Lightweight rain gear;

·        Extra rod, reel, leaders, and fly line;  

·        Waterproof bag for the boat;

·        Wading shoes/sandals-keeping your feel comfortable is important;

·        If desired, a water bottle for when you’re away from the boat wading;

·        Bug spray-just in case;

·        Basic Pharmacy items-most guests never need anything but if you think you might need extra aspirin, antacids, pepto, etc. bring them along.    

·        Sun block and appropriate clothing-fishing is fun and we take our fun seriously!  Nothing can ruin a trip faster than a bad sunburn; sun block is a necessity and tropical long sleeve shirts and pants can be a real plus.

One of the great charms about Acklins is its unspoiled nature.  Acklins is a true “Out Island” and as such supplies can be limited.  Therefore it may be beneficial if you bring any comfort items you need to make your visit more pleasant.  Optional items that guests have brought and swear by include:

·        Coffee; if your day doesn’t start until you’ve had your special cup of starbucks, dunkin’ donuts or Peete’s, you should bring it with you.  While we certainly stock coffee, if you have a special brand you may want to bring it with you.  There are no Baristas on Acklins!

·        After dinner drinks/beer and rum can almost always be found but if your tastes run to the more exotic, consider picking something up in duty-free.

·        Special snack foods; our guests typically do not go hungry here!  The portions aren’t tiny and the seafood is fresh, but if you have a personal favorite and you don’t want to chance being without it bring it along.   

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