Dreaming of fly-fishing in the Caribbean? Here’s what you need to know to have a great trip

For winter-weary Canadians, the Caribbean conjures up visions of azure waters, warm breezes and lazy days on the beach. For fly anglers, it means something different: thrilling action for exotic, plentiful and mind-bendingly powerful fish. What’s more, both the islands and the mainland cater to fly anglers, offering accommodations and professional guide services, along with smooth travel connections.

Still, the switch to saltwater can be jarring. The heat is punishing, the fish follow the tides, the tactics are unfamiliar, and the casting conditions range from somewhat tricky to extremely challenging. To up your odds of success, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. If you’re ready to dip your toe into tropical fly fishing, here are some tips about where to go, what to expect and how to prepare…

#1  THE FISHING

The bonefish is king of the Caribbean. Found on shallow, often-windy flats, these mirror-sided speedsters take flies readily, though warily. Bonefish and other flats species (including jacks, barracuda, small sharks and the elusive permit) are targeted exclusively by sight-fishing, which is exciting, but challenging.

Some Caribbean destinations also have mangrove-lined channels and lagoons where you can hide from the wind. In these steamy jungle waterways, you blind cast toward the tangled mangrove roots, hoping to entice a fish from cover. Prime mangrove species include snook and baby tarpon up to 20 pounds, as well as snappers, occasional bones and various regional species.

These tropical fishing techniques are completely unlike anything in Canada. So, to have any chance of hooking up, you need to fish with an experienced local guide. Adjusting to all this takes time, so plan for at least two days on the water (three, four or five is even better). In general, this is fishing for anglers who enjoy the hunt as much as the catch. Your numbers may not be high, but the fish will be unforgettable.