PACKING LIST

One of the greatest things about Kay Fly is how remote it is.

This, of course comes with a catch, and that is it pays to plan well. Lily and Jose have been doing this a long time, and along the way have acquired a pretty good idea of what you need to bring in able to be prepared for anything, and ready for everything. 

Fly Rods

Each angler should ideally have three rods: 8 weight, 9 weight, and 10 weight. The 8 weight is great for bonefish. The 9 weight and 10 weight are ideal for permit, tarpon and snook. Extra rods are always a good thing as these fish species are not friendly to equipment, especially rods. So if you have an extra 9 or 10, bring it. You can’t use it if it’s sitting in your closet at home.

Fly Reels

All reels should be saltwater specific and capable of holding a full fly line as well as 250 yards of 20-30 lbs. backing. Drag systems are absolutely paramount and must be high quality and smooth. The reel is arguably the most important piece of equipment when fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon or snook. These species of fish at Kay Fly will test the limits of your reel’s drag system.

Leaders

The basic leaders should be 9 feet or longer and tapered. The best and easiest plan is to buy pre-tied bonefish 10 and 12 lb, permit 16lb, snook and tarpon leaders from Rio, Scientific Anglers, Hatch, or Orvis and separate spools of 10 lbs, 12 lbs, 15 or 16, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 lbs (jacks, snook, tarpon) tippet.

Fly Selection

Kay Fly has a selection for sale at the lodge but it is very important to bring the right flies down with you. Please contact your local fly shop or Kay Fly directly to inquire about flies, suggestions and current conditions.

Some of the recommended flies for each species of fish listed below:

Bonefish Flies:

• Crazy Charlie – sizes 4-6 (medium lead weighted eyes) in white/cream, pink, and light tan, Qty. 6

• Crazy Charlie – sizes 4-6 (bead chain eyes) in white/ cream, pink, and light tan,

Qty. 6

– Flashy Charlie – sizes 4-6 (both medium lead eyes and bead chain eyes) in pink and pearl, Qty. 6

• Squimp – sizes 4-6 (both medium yellow eyes and bead chain eyes) in tan, Qty. 6

• Other productive patterns: Gotchas, Puffs, Grass Shrimps, Bonefish Muddlers, Snapping Shrimps and Baited Breaths

Permit Flies:

• *** guides choice: Rag Head Crab – size 2 in tan and white (preferably with yellow lead eyes), Qty. 4 each color

•*** guides choice: Peterson’s spawning shrimp in white and tan (preferably with yellow lead eyes), Qty. 4 each color

• Kung Fu Crab – size 2 in tan & tan/ olive, Qty. 2

• McCrab – size 2 in natural, Qty. 2

• Squimp – size 2 in tan (preferably with yellow lead eyes), Qty. 4

• SS Permit Crab – size 2 in tan, Qty. 2

• Avalon Crab – size 2 in tan, Qty. 2

• Becks Fleeing Crab – size 2 and 4 in tan, Qty. 2 of each

Tarpon and Snook Flies:

• Puglisi Peanut Butter – size 2/0 in grey/white and black/purple, Qty. 2 each color

• Tarpon Toad – size 2/0 in chartreuse, black, white and green, Qty. 2 in each color

• Skok’s Mushmouth – size 2/0 in sand/ white, Qty. 2

• Backcountry Sweeper – Size 1/0 in white – Qty. 2

• Deceivers

• Lightbulb fly

Flats Fly Fishing Accessories

The following are checklists of items that we recommend you bring to Kay Fly.

Essential Items:

• Rain jacket

•Polarized Sunglasses with Copper/ Brown Lenses with or without green mirror

(absolutely essential to spot fish and protect eyes, bring an extra pair if possible)

• Snippers

• Hemostats

• Dry Bag, Backpack

• Lip Balm with SPF

• Insect Repellent

• Flashlight, Headlamp

• Extra Batteries

• Optional

• Knot Book

• Lens Cleaners for glasses

• Zap A Gap

• Reel Covers

• Hook Sharpener

• Reel Lubricant

• Scales

• Tape Measure

• Pocket Knife

• Nail Knot Tool

• Leader Material

• Fly Line Dressing

• Needle Nose Pliers

• Medical Tape or stripping guards (casting blisters on fingers)

• Lumbar Support Fishing Belt

• Required Medications

• Reading Materials

• Camera and accessories

• Travel First Aid Kit

• Sunscreen, preferably zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide as active ingredients. They are biodegradable and the most effective as they are physical sunscreens as opposed to other ingredients which are chemical sunscreens which are not biodegradable.

Shirts and Pants for Fishing

There are a multitude of brands that sell clothing specifically for fishing. Some of the best brands are Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, Columbia, and Ex-Officio. The key aspects of tropical fishing clothing are lightweight, breathable, quick dry and full coverage for sun and bug protection. Shorts are very comfortable but if sun and bugs are a personal issue, look into quick dry wading pants or compression tights.

Footwear

Flats wading shoes are highly recommended but not necessary in all areas of the bay. They have a rigid sole that help protect your feet from any coral or shells. Simms and Orvis both carry models.  But we’ve found that a simple mesh water shoe is a great option. They’re easier to put on in a hurry, and don’t weigh you down. These can be found on Amazon for $25-35.  In many areas you can wade barefoot. Bring short white socks for burnt or hot feet on the boat.

Sun Protection

Wide brimmed hats or a hats with front and rear brims and a dark under bill are very helpful when sighting fish. Also a baseball type cap with a dark underbrim paired with a sun mask is sufficient and more aerodynamic. Buffs (manufactured by Buff, Simms and Patagonia) are great for protecting the face and neck from sun and wind. Sun gloves are also a great idea for those who want to limit all exposure. Simms, Dr. Shade and Buff all manufacture good models.

Non Fishing Related Gear

Casual Attire

Kay Fly is located in the tropics of the Caribbean. This climate is warm and humid but there is usually a light breeze. We recommend lightweight, cotton clothing in lighter colors. In the morning and day, dress for the day of fishing. In the evening, dress is casual around the lodge.

• Shirts and Pants for the Lodge

• Pants/ Shorts – at least 2 pairs in lightweight fabric

•Long Sleeved Shirts – light color/ fabric

• Short Sleeved Shirts/ Tops – polos, button downs, T-shirts for men, lightweight cotton knit for women

• Cotton Dresses – lightweight cotton dresses or shorts are perfect for women

• For Ladies – athletic brassiere for boat rides on choppy water

• Cotton Sweater, Sweatshirts or Jacket for cool mornings evenings (November – April)

• Shoes – bring at least one pair of rubber soled or non-slip boat shoes. Tennis shoes or sandals are perfect for evening and mornings around the lodge

• Swim Suits – great for swimming or hanging out on beach and around lodge