Exotic fishing is becoming more and more accessible. On the one hand, the evolution of the equipment allows to have access to a more and more performing sea fishing equipment at a lower cost. On the other hand, low cost air tickets allow to travel to the most famous destinations for exotic fishing.
However, the fisherman must remain vigilant; he must dress properly to avoid the many dangers associated with the exotic fishing environment.
We'll give you some recommendations on how to be well equipped from head to toe and make your tropical sessions as enjoyable as possible.
How to dress for an exotic fishing trip?
Clothing for the lower body
- Shoes for fishing: We use water shoes. This allows you to move in the flats safely. Choose a model with a thick sole which will protect you from fish and reef shells which can be very dangerous...
We use water shoes. This allows you to move in the flats safely. Choose a model with a thick sole which will protect you from fish and reef shells which can be very dangerous...
- Pants: We use a pair of pants that can be transformed into light shorts made of ultra light stretch fabric. They are a must have in tropical fishing. Too many fishermen neglect the protection of the lower body. But it is very important. These breathable pants protect you from the sun and dry very quickly.
Both ideal for use during the fishing trip as well as while fishing.
- Swimsuit: Good alternative to pants, especially for fishing in the flats. However, it requires a good sun cream if you don't want your hams to turn into chorizos...
Equipment for the upper body
- T-shirt or shirt: This is more a choice of style than performance. Opt for a long-sleeved model that will protect your forearms. Like the pants, a breathable and quick-drying fabric will give you great comfort during your fishing trips. We prefer the shirt because of its neck protection and its many pockets that allow you to have your favorite fishing tools within reach...
- Jacket: Exotic countries have a lot of sunshine, high temperatures and sometimes very violent storms. The fisherman must not forget a jacket to protect himself from the wind and rain in case of storm. We use a light jacket that takes up little space but will protect you well from wind and rain.
The essential accessories for tropical fishing
Gloves used during an exotic fishing trip :
Unlike freshwater fishing, the sea angler needs a pair of gloves. It will protect his hands from the line or the silk. And especially from the fish! Indeed, the diversity of species found in the sea does not allow fishermen to know the dangers of all fish, so it is strongly recommended to handle them as gently as possible and with gloves. Finally, the gloves will protect your hands from the sun. We use a light model with free fingers in order to feel at best the touches and to be able to make its knots without removing the gloves...
Buff necklace :
It will protect your face and neck from the sun (and flies). We use a light and breathable BUFF type model for the greatest comfort.
Cap or Bob:
It's obvious, don't forget your cap or your bob for an optimal protection of your head from the sun. We use a foldable model so you can put it in your pocket. The cap will also give you better visibility on the water.
Sunglasses :
Also essential, don't forget your polarized glasses. We use a light model that covers the vision well and whose lenses we can change to adapt to different weather conditions. We advise you to bring 2 pairs of glasses (and caps) in case of loss... Also, don't forget a cord to attach your glasses.
Fishing bags:
We strongly recommend a waterproof bag, your bag will take on water whether it is in the boat or on the flats. When we fish on foot, we eventually add a waterproof chest pack in front which allows us to quickly change flies or lures without having to remove the backpack. This saves a lot of time for those who, like us, regularly change baits when the fish are fickle...
How to equip yourself for an exotic fishing destination?
fly rods for tropical fishing
To fish on the flats for Bonefish and small Carangues it is advisable to use a 9 or 10 foot 7 WF line (floating). It is often a sight fishing that we practice.
For blue water fishing the surprises can be big as we fish underwater. We don't know which fish will be seduced by our fly. Do not hesitate to equip yourself with a powerful rod with a 10 or 11 intermediate or plunging line.
During our stay we used and tested several fly rods from the Banana Rods brand. They are powerful, light, precise rods without any frills and using the best components on the market.
We had a crush on the Delta Salt 10 feet silk 7 rod ( rod made to measure and manufactured in France on request)
I hope you enjoyed the article "equip yourself for exotic fishing". For more information, feel free to send us an email in the " contact " section of our site field & fish.
NB: Most of the equipment we recommend in this article is sold on our website
Halieutically,
The Field & Fish team
