tackle and flies

      Costa Rica provides an amazing opportunity for taking billfish on a fly, as well as inshore action for roosterfish, snapper, grouper, jack crevalle, and many others. Once you arrive at either of the lodges, you will find very little opportunity to find flies, extra equipment and tackle. You will want to be prepared by making sure you have all of the recommended items with you.

OFFSHORE

Rods: 12-14 weight rods are best for sailfish and marlin.

Reels: A sturdy large arbor reel with a good drag system that holds at least 400 yds. of backing.

Fly Lines: Sink tip lines are what you will use. Deep sea lines in 300-500 grain are recommended. (Quantity 3)
Leaders: 16-20 lb. tippet with 100-125 lb. shock tippet. Climax and Rio both make offshore leaders. (Quantity 2-4 per day per person)

Flies: 5/0 to 8/0 tandem hook offshore flies, or offshore tube flies rigged with tandem hooks. They should have very little mylar (captain can remove if too much) in mostly pink with white belly. If you want to use other colors, make sure they have some pink in them with white belly-I.e. pu rple/pink/white, green/pink/white. (Quantity 2-3 per day per person)

Poppers: Make sure you have plenty of 1-2" sliding popper heads. (Quantity 2 per day per person in different sizes)

INSHORE

Rods: 10-12 weight rods are best for inshore species.

Reels: A sturdy large arbor reel with a good drag system that holds at least 250 yds. of backing.

Fly Lines: Sink tip lines in 200-400 grain are recommended. You can also use a floating line. (Quantity 3)

Leaders: 12-16 lb. tippet with 40-60 lb. shock tippet. You should have some wire available as well to fish for barracuda and mackerel. (Quantity 2-3 per day per person)

Flies: 1/0-4/0 streamers and poppers in various colors with white belly-Sea Habits, Deceivers, Clousers, etc. (Quantity 3-5 per day per person)

OTHER THINGS TO BRING

The following is a list of additional items recommended to help make your trip more comfortable. Reminder: you should bring your own supplies as there will be little access to them once you are at the lodge.

Other gear:

• Wire Crimps
  
• Wire Cutters/Pliers
  
• Extra tippet and shock tippet
  
• Extra hooks and popper heads
  
• Extra fly line
• Rod repair kit
  
• Reel Lubricant
  
• Line Cleaner
  
• Nippers/ nail knot tool/ hook hone

Misc:

• Valid passport
  
• Camera and plenty of film
  
• Snorkel, mask and fins
  
• Flashlight
  
• Polarized glasses (copper or brown), cleaner and croakies
  
• Spare eye-glasses
  
• Lots of Sunblock
  
• Waterproof tape to protect fingers
  
• Tape measure
  
• Basic First Aid Supplies
  
• Personal toiletries and medications
  

Click here to see a map of Costa Rica.