Fishing Equipment.

Rods

  • 7 wt 9’ (for bonefish)
  • 9wt 9’ (for permit)
  • 9wt 9’ (for baby tarpon & snook)
  • 10 to 12 wt 9’ (for migratory tarpon)

 

Reels & Lines

  • Saltwater capable reels with adjustable drags, capacity for 150 yds of 30 to 40 lbs backing.
  • 7wt weight-forward tropical floating Bonefish Line (tropic taper)
  • 9wt weight-forward tropical floating Permit Line (for permit)
  • 10 to 12 wt weight-forward tropical floating Floating Line (for tarpon and snook)

 

Leaders

  • For Permit: 10-12 foot – 12 to 20lb Fluorocarbon (mostly 16lb); tippet recommendations: 1 spool of each – fluorocarbon – 12lb, 16lb
  • For Bonefish: 10-12 foot – 8 to 10lb mono; tippet recommendations: 1 spool of each – fluorocarbon – 8lb, 10lb
  • For Tarpon
    – Baby/Resident: straight fluorocarbon 40-50 lb 6 to 9 foot
    – Migratory: straight fluorocarbon 60-80 lb 6 to 9 foot
  • For Snook: Snooks are generally not very leader shy and you should be able to present your typical baby-tarpon fly rigged with 40 or 50 lb successfully without having to change flies or leader.

 

Flies

For Permit: Permit’s primary food source in Ascension Bay mainly consists of small crabs and spawning or mantis shrimp. The choice of crab and shrimp patterns, varying in sizes and weights (such as lead eye and bead chain eyes), depends on the fishing location and the depths being explored. A diverse array of flies becomes crucial to match the right pattern, accounting for distinct bottom structures, water depths, and fish behaviors. Among the essential flies for permit, variations of tan and white ragheads, typically in size #2 or #4, top the list. Equally significant are patterns imitating spawning and mantis shrimp. Notably, Enrico Puglisi’s range offers the finest Spawning Shrimp patterns, available in diverse styles, colors, sizes, and with different eye types (bead chain and lead).

  • Casa Blanca Raghead Crab | COLOR: White | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Casa Blanca Raghead Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Raghead Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Tequila Twister | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • ER Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Enrico Puglisi Spawning Shrimp | COLOR: Tan, White | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Enrico Puglisi Ascension Bay Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Cathy’s Fleeing Crab | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Various Enrico Puglisi Crabs | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2, 4
  • Avalon Fly | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 2



For Bonefish: Typically, Ascension Bay’s bonefish exhibit a preference for smaller flies, ranging from size #6 to #8, though having a couple of size #4 flies on hand is advisable. Instead of having numerous patterns, a smart approach involves curating a practical assortment of the top 8 to 10 most effective flies in diverse colors, sizes, and weights. This strategy enables precise matching of patterns to varying bottom structures and water depths. Choosing the ideal bonefish selection for Ascension Bay need not be overly complex—adhering to fundamental patterns is the key.

  • Gotcha | COLOR: Pearl | SIZE: 6, 8
  • Bunny Gotcha | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 4, 6
  • Crazy Charlie | COLOR: Brown, Tan, White, Pink | SIZE: 6, 8
  • Beck’s Silli Legs | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 6, 8
  • Bonefish Scampi | COLOR: Tan/Pink, Tan/Brown | SIZE: 6, 8
  • Bonefish Junk | COLOR: Tan, Brown | SIZE: 6
  • Pink Puff | COLOR: Pink | SIZE: 6
  • Bonefish Bitter | COLOR: Amber | SIZE: 6, 8
  • Veverka Mantis Shrimp | COLOR: Tan | SIZE: 6
  • Charlies, Sillilegs, Puffs, Bitters, and other basic shrimp and small crab imitations Flies size #4, #6, #8

 

For Tarpon:The majority of the tarpon fishing on Ascension Bay is in the backcountry lagoons and lakes for juvenile “baby” tarpon in the 5-25 pound range. During the late spring and summer months you may also encounter large adult, migratory tarpon on the flats or near the reef on a calm day. Almost any type of baitfish pattern or standard issue tarpon pattern will work well – in accordance to the size of the fish being targeted. Baby tarpon flies should be 1/0 – 2/0 & adult tarpon flies should be as large as 3/0 – 4/0. There is no scientific method to prepare your tarpon box, so just have a nice cross section of the following recommendations as well as any of the standard tarpon patterns you may already have. It is also a good idea to have a few tarpon toads and deceivers in the arsenal.

  • Fishalicious | COLOR: Red / White | SIZE: 2/0
  • Tarpon Toads | COLOR: Red/Black, Purple, Chartreuse, Brown, Tan | SIZE: 1/0 – 3/0
  • Triple Threat | COLOR: Brown | SIZE: Large & Small
  • Big-Eyed Tarpon | COLOR: Brown/Orange | SIZE: 1/0 – 3/0
  • Green Zima | COLOR: Green | SIZE: 2/0
  • Tarpon Snake | COLOR: Black | SIZE: 3/0
  • Various Clousers & Deceivers | COLOR: Green, Blue, Chartreuse, Black, White | SIZE: 3/0-2

 

For Snook: Snook will eat most all standard baitfish and baby tarpon flies, however as a rule of thumb snook tend to key in on red and white colored flies in particular. Make sure to have a handful of red/white clousers, deceivers, and even a few poppers in the box for snook. Snooks are generally not very leader shy and you should be able to present your typical baby tarpon fly rigged with 40 or 50 lb successfully without having to change flies or leader.

 

Footwear: High-quality wading boots for bonefish areas.If you are planning on fishing for permit exclusively, you can get away with some simple closed-toed sandals (Keen, Simms, or Teva) or neoprene ankle-zip boots. A Hip/Chest Pack for essentials is crucial when wading.