Fly Lines, Leaders & Tippet For Bahamas Flats

A topic like this, with endless combinations and answers, can feel a bit nebulous. The purpose of this post is to provide some clarity and a path to success for anglers preparing to fish the flats of the Bahamas. We’ll dive into some proven set-ups and suggest a few different combinations of fly lines, leaders and tippet for anglers of all skill levels. If you’re interested in building your own leaders, which is a very valuable skill to have, take these below set-ups and do a quick google search on simple leader building formulas. You’ll find some great info out there. Below you’ll find suggested bonefishing set-ups for different skill levels, a tried and true barracuda rig and a trusted one for permit.

***Remember that these are just suggestions. Fly fishing, at its very core is an art form. There’s no rules in art. Blend perspectives and make it your own. There are no hard and fast rules, just guidelines that could potentially increase your chances of success. Play around and hone in on the perfect kit for you and your fishing style. We’re happy to guide you along the way.

The Beginner Bonefish Kit:

It’s important for new anglers to feel the fly rod “load”. When the rod is loading/bending, it’s storing energy that will ultimately be used to propel your line, leader and finally your fly towards the target. Fly lines with heavier heads will load the rod more easily, making it more effortless to execute a cast. Adding ease to the cast will lengthen your presentation and increase your confidence and therefore your odds. Beginners will find a shorter leader much easier to turn over. Finally, stronger tippet will give a little more room for error on the hook set. I roll this beginner set up into the following recommendation:

Scientific Anglers Grand Slam 8wt // 9 to 10 foot fluorocarbon tapered leader // 12 or 16 pound tippet

The Intermediate Bonefish Kit:

The intermediate angler has spent plenty of time with a fly rod in hand but might be a little rusty. I’ve catered to anglers throughout my career that have been fishing their whole lives but might only be able to sneak away for a week or two each year. These anglers have good instincts and have fished a lot of elements but need to rely on gear that will help them get back in the game quickly and pick up right where they left off and build from there. The recommendation below is a very great line which cuts down on friction allowing the cast to roll out more effortlessly. The 10 foot leader will not hinder the casters ability to throw a good presentation and will still properly conceal the angler. Bonefish line if you want to work on presentation and Grand Slam if you want to ensure you will feel the rod load.

Scientific Anglers Bonefish 8wt or SA Grand Slam 8wt // 10 foot fluorocarbon tapered leader // 12 pound tippet

The Advanced/Expert Bonefish Kit:

The expert angler has spent their fair share of time on the flats. You might even be spotting the occasional fish before the guide does and feel confident placing the fly in the very near vicinity of where you intended. This angler can deal with the wind to a degree and may be looking for that one big fish rather than numbers of smaller schoolie sized bonefish. With this angler’s elevated goals, they’ll need the right kit to make it all come together. This kit will be chosen by anglers that have no problem turning over a longer leader and they’ll see the benefit of a lighter fly line that will allow for sneaky presentations. A confident hookset with knowledge of the line’s breaking point is important to fishing lighter tippets. Advanced and expert anglers will want to choose gear that will allow them to put the fly on the fish’s nose so light lines, longer leaders, lighter tippet and small flies is the name of the game. Show the fish your fly asap without the fish spooking is what it’s about. Play the high percentage shots and strike before your quarry knows you’re on the flat.

Scientific Angler Bonefish 8wt // 10 to 12+ foot fluorocarbon tapered leader // 8 to 12 pound tippet

The Permit Rig:

The general theory with permit is to control as many of the variables as you possibly can. Practice your cast, sharpen your skills, tune your gear, and show up with a winning attitude. The below suggested permit rig is ultra stealthy and performs well with longer casts. The SA line has a nicely weighted head to deliver a heavy crab pattern at distances of 60’ to 80’. As soon as a permit comes into my casting range or shows some vulnerability, I like to deliver my fly as quickly as possible. I trust this kit and it performs best at distances over 50 feet.

Scientific Angler Grand Slam 10wt (heavier shooting head), Scientific Anglers Infinity (presenting line designed to turn over larger crabs & shrimp) 10wt OR Scientific Anglers Bonefish (most stealthy) 9wt // 10’ to 16’+ foot fluorocarbon hand tied leader // 16 to 20 pound tippet

Barracuda Rig:

Cudas are a wonderful catch in the Bahamas. For some, they are the main event and they deserve respect for their lightning speed and aggressive eats. They’re commonly overlooked but never under appreciated when an angler gets one to hand. I usually like to keep a 9 wt or another 10 wt ready for Barracuda. The set up here isn’t rocket science but can help when delivering a larger fly and deal with those sharp pearly whites.

Scientific Angler Grand Slam 9wt or 10wt // 8 to 9 foot fluorocarbon leader // 20 to 40 pound wire

Bait & Switch Rig:

The program is an absolute blast. When the tide is up and the bonefish are hiding away in the mangroves or surrounded by sharks we suggest picking up the spinning rod with the hookless plug to work water for a mixed back of jacks, snapper and other heavy hitting fish. The guide or second angler in the boat can throw the hookless plug to arouse a number of different species to chase the plug. The primary angler will be ready with fly rod in hand to cast at the fish attacking the plug. The second angler will quickly remove the plug from the equation and all that’s left is a tempting fly from the first angler and a charged up fish ready to hunt. Fish a 3 to 4” baitfish pattern from white to olive or black & purple. These fish won’t be spooky but they may be picky depending on who comes for the fly. A bar jack with crush most patterns but a mutton or horse eye jack can be as picky as a permit. Baitfish fly with a dropper shrimp pattern can be an effective cheat code… see the bait, eat the shrimp, easy peasy.

Scientific Angler Grand Slam 9wt or 10wt // 8 to 9 foot fluorocarbon leader // 20 pound flouro tippet

Let’s Wrap it Up…

Having confidence in your set up before you step up to the plate can make a big difference. I recommend doing a little practice with a rig similar to what you’ll fish on your upcoming trip to the Berry Islands. We're happy to help get you all dialed in, reach out anytime. At the Lodge we sell leaders, tippet, flies and some select fly lines so we’ll have a stock of gear that you can pick up and play with as well. Plus we have (14) Thomas & Thomas demo rods with Nautilus reels rigged with varying lines to explore. We’re here to help rig and teach. Pick each of the guide’s brain’s as they’ll have have a different answer to most of your questions. Also pick your host’s brain and squeeze out as many free casting lessons on the casting course at the lodge as you can!