Exotic fishing is becoming increasingly accessible. On the one hand, the evolution of equipment has made it possible to access increasingly high-performance sea fishing gear at lower cost. On the other hand, low-cost airfares are making it possible to travel to the most famous destinations for exotic fishing.
However, the angler must remain vigilant and dress appropriately to avoid the many dangers associated with the exotic fishing environment.
We'd like to give you a few recommendations on how to equip yourself 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 around the flats in complete safety. Choose a model with a thick sole to protect you from reef fish and shellfish, which can be very dangerous...
We use water shoes. This allows you to move around the flats in complete safety. Choose a model with a thick sole to protect you from reef fish and shellfish, which can be very dangerous...
- Pants: We use pants that can be converted into lightweight shorts in ultra-light stretch fabric. They're a must-have for tropical fishing. Too many anglers neglect lower-body protection. But it's very important. These breathable pants protect you from the sun and dry very quickly.
Ideal for use throughout the fishing trip as well as while fishing.
- Swimsuit: A good alternative to pants, especially for fishing in the flats. It does, however, require a good sun cream if you don't want your hams to turn into chorizos...
Upper body equipment
- 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, quick-drying fabric will keep you comfortable during your fishing outings. We prefer the shirt for its neck protection and numerous pockets, so you can keep your favorite fishing tools close at hand...
- Jacket: Exotic countries have a lot of sunshine and heat, but also very violent storms. The angler must therefore not forget a jacket to protect against wind and rain in the event of a storm. We use a lightweight jacket that doesn't take up much space but will protect you from wind and rain.
Essential accessories for tropical fishing
Gloves used during an exotic fishing trip :
Unlike freshwater fishing, sea anglers need a pair of gloves. They'll protect your hands from the line or silk. And above all, fish! Indeed, the diversity of species found at sea means that anglers can't know the dangers of all fish, so it's strongly recommended to handle them as delicately as possible, and with gloves. Last but not least, gloves will protect your hands from the sun. We use a lightweight model with free fingers, so you can feel the bite and tie your knots without removing your gloves...
Buff choker :
It will protect your face and neck from the sun (and flies). We use a lightweight, breathable BUFF-type model for maximum comfort.
Cap or Bob :
Don't forget your cap or bobsleigh for optimum 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 :
And don't forget your polarized glasses. We use a lightweight model that covers 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 you lose them... Also, don't forget a cord to fasten your glasses.
Fishing bags:
We strongly recommend a waterproof bag, as your bag will take on water whether in the boat or on the flats. When fishing on foot, we may add a waterproof chest pack at the front to enable us to quickly change flies or lures without having to remove the backpack. A significant time-saver for those who, like us, regularly change bait when the fish are fickle...
How to equip for an exotic fishing destination?
fly rods for tropical fishing
Bonefish and small trevally are best fished on flats with a 9 or 10-foot 7 WF (floating) rod. This is often sight fishing.
When fishing in blue water, the surprises can be huge, as we fish underwater. We don't know which fish will be seduced by our fly. Don't hesitate to equip yourself with a powerful rod with a 10 or 11 intermediate or sink line.
During our stay we used and tested several Banana Rods fly rods. These rods are powerful, light, precise without frills and use the best components on the market.
We fell in love with the Delta Salt 10-foot silk 7 rod (custom-made in France on request).
I hope you enjoyed the article "Equipping for exotic fishing". For more information, don't hesitate to send us an email in the " contact " section of our field & fish website.
NB: Most of the equipment we recommend in this article is sold on our e-commerce site.
Halieutically,
The Field & Fish team
