There are so many people who think that you need to bring everything in your skiff. But my set-
up is very simple. I like it that way because having few gears allows me to just target any fish
effectively, in whichever water I choose to be in.
So today, I will be telling you about the fly rods which I have when fishing, whether that’s in the
Keys or the Everglades.
I want mine to have double purposes since all which I have now has that feature. I also prefer
that all which I use have a similar feel so it’s not so hard to shift from one to another.
These are what I use now when I’m out on a day trip: a Maverick 18 Hpx-v and a Maverick 17
Hpx-S. With a permanent marker, I write the weight of the rod on the cork grips so that it’s
easier for my clients to get that which I asked them to get. I also use the Rio Ridge Clear fly lines
on the rods. This rod system is one of the most favored specifically for our clients, especially
those recreational anglers.
I also don’t bring more than two clients out on a trip since it’s better to have one client do the
job while the other sits, switching off throughout the day trip.
Another rod I have is the G Loomis GLX Classic 9wt. This measures nine inches, has Tibor
Everglades and, finally, the Rio Ridge Clear line.
This is one amazing rod, especially for bonefishing. I attach a leader that is tapered down to a
fluoro measuring 12 pounds. The Ridge Clear fly line gives me about 15 inches clear floating but
the rest of it is still colored for easy fly tracking.
Another rod I always have with me is the G Loomis Pro 1 10wt, particularly for tarpon and
permit. I use this with a Tibor Riptide and (of course) a Ridge Clear line.
The next rod I bring is the G Loomis NRX Pro 1 12wt. This has a Tibor Signature. Depending on
the season and the location, I use an intermediate or the full floating. It is great for large
tarpon.
The Orvis Helios 2 7wt, this time with a Tibor Backcountry and a clear line, is the fourth rod I
carry with me. It is great for smaller bonefish. In clear and calm waters, it’s even possible to
catch the extremely spooky redfish.
The 8wt G Loomis Pro1 is what I use for snook fishing when I’m in the Everglades. I attach a
flyline by Rio Redfish and a Billy Pate reel here.
A customized 6wt Classic G Loomis IMX has a slow action, great for short casts in Everglades
creeks. Using this with a Ridge Clear line and a Tibor Tailwater reel, this super fun rod is perfect
for redfish and snook fishing.
On a regular day, I only have four, maybe five, rods with me. I leave the permit and bonefish
rods when I know I’ll be just in the Everglades and the 6 and 8 wts when I’m in the Keys. As I
said earlier, all I need is the simplest set-up!
