Since Vieques is an excellent destination for the do-it-yourself angler, a lot of folks are e-mailing and calling me with questions about what kind of gear will and won‘t work down here. Since the majority of our visitors are coming from trout or bass fishing locations, many freshwater rods, reels, and flies won’t be the best choice for our bonefish, tarpon, and permit. On top of that, there is absolutely nowhere to buy any fly fishing gear on the island so you’ll need to bring your own.
I’ve decided to set up a link here on this site for those of you who find yourselves empty-handed in the saltwater department and want the gear to hit our flats without breaking your bank account. Click on the green banner below and on the right labeled “Vieques Angler Flats Fishing Store” and you’ll find seven items perfect for heading out on the shallows without a guide.
Starting with an 8 weight rod and reel combo from Wild Water Fly Fishing, you’ll have a great four-piece travel outfit. I first saw these rods last year in Florida and couldn’t believe how well made they were for that price, $235. The reel is machined from 6061 bar stock aluminum and has a carbon disk drag. Ten years ago you would have paid at least $500 for the same technology and capability in a saltwater fly reel. This is a very welcome trend that started a few years ago in fly fishing, the affordable rod and reel. With this combo you’ll also get a matching weight-forward fly line and a 150 yard spool of 30# Dacron backing. On top of all that, their rods come with an unlimited warranty, so don’t worry about breaking it, they’ll send you a new one.
Next you’ll find a box of twelve different proven bonefish and permit flies that will work anywhere these fish are found, especially here on Vieques. At most fly shops you’ll pay around $4 to $5 for some of these saltwater patterns. Here you’ll get them for less than $2 per fly. A tough, pocket size fly box is also shown here and is only $3. These boxes are really handy for a lot more than holding flies.
The leaders I’ve selected are the best available, the Scientific Anglers Mastery Series. You’ll find them in both 9 and 12 foot lengths and I recommend buying the longer of the two. They are tapered to 8, 10, 12, and 16 pound tippets and I recommend the two heaviest for Vieques and the big bonefish you’ll find down here. You’ll want at least two or three of each.
One of the most useful fly fishing tools is also included here and that is the Orvis Micro Scissors/Forceps. These are durable and inexpensive, but most importantly they’re small enough that they can be packed in your carry-on gear and not be confiscated as a deadly weapon by airline security. You are currently allowed scissors blades under three inches and these are shorter. You’ll need them for clipping leaders, removing hooks, and a variety of other uses.
Finally, I’ve included Teva’s Proton Water Shoes in both men’s and women’s sizes. You’ll definitely need some kind of footwear anytime you wade the flats and these are my favorites. I actually own two pair of Water Shoes and wear them constantly, on and off the water. If I’m fishing, I’m wearing my Water Shoes, and if I’m going out to dinner, I’m wearing my dry pair of Water Shoes. Try a pair, you’ll love them. They’re light, comfortable, and a lot better looking than those unattrative Crocs.
So there is everything you’ll need for a Do-It-Yourself bonefishing trip to Vieques or almost anywhere else in the Caribbean. If you pick up all the tackle I recommend above, your total will be $337 before shipping. It’s hard to find a single fly rod in most shops for less than that. You’re also ordering this gear from Amazon.com so you have total security and a quick delivery time. You’ll be in good shape with anything you see on this site, so check out on the green link and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need some other recommendations.
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