Packing Recommendations

Packing is a very important part of preparation for an expedition, especially for one of this caliber. You must aim to have only what you need, and nothing of what you don’t. Any extra weight will only be a nuisance. Below you will find the detailed list of items we recommend bringing on this trip.  Please feel free to ask any questions regarding your packing items, we will be glad to personally help you by phone, Skype or email.

Packing List

  • Documentation: Passport, plane tickets, visa [or visa application with valid passport photos (2), vaccination card (with yellow fever vaccination), invitation letter (or hotel reservation and/or itinerary), proof of funds (Copy of current bank statement, personal checks, and cash), and $160 Visa fee.]
  • Rods: 2-3 rods of your choosing (4 piece). For purposes of keeping the weight down we take our rods out of individual metal tubes and put into one lightweight rod case.
  • Reels: Two-three large arbor reels.
  • Floating Lines: One floating line and one sink-tip. Heavy headed lines like the Rio Outbound or Clouser (we feel the freshwater versions are slightly better than the saltwater versions but both are adequate). Also, the Wulff Ambush line performs well. It has a very short heavy head and throws large flies well. We recommend bringing one spare floating/sink-tip and sinking line.
  • Sinking Lines (optional): One intermediate tip line and one 300-grain line
  • Tippet: Four spools of tippet – 30lb, 40lb, 50lb, 60lb
  • Wire: Four spools of coated wire – (2) 30lb, (2) 40lb, 60lb optional
  • Flies: Approximately 4-6 dozen flies. As water conditions will vary you need to be prepared with everything from big heavy and black to light weight and multi colored. Often times a fly will only last for one or two fish.
  • Pliers: One good pair long nose pliers
  • Clippers: One line clipper. Hardware store wire cutters are the best, large Dr. Slick scissor pliers also work well for wire.
  • Knife: One medium size knife.
  • Boots/shoes: One pair of quick dry closed toed shoes for camp, and for Fly Fishing/wading- one pair of felt-sole wading boots with good ankle protection.
  • Waders: Although this is a tropical climate and lightweight waders are mostly unnecessary it is not a bad idea to have them. Alternatively you can bring a pair of expedition weight long underwear for warmth.
  • Socks: Four pairs of wading socks. You need to take care of your feet! You should keep your feet as dry as possible when not fishing and to bring antifungal foot powder/cream. Also bring good amount of cotton socks to wear and keep your feet dry when not fishing.
  • Shirts: 4-5 long sleeve quick-dry shirts.
  • Pants: 4-5 pairs of quick dry pants with zip off legs.
  • Hats: Two hats.
  • Rain Jacket: One lightweight rain jacket
  • Warm Layer: Although this is a tropical climate we recommend bringing one fleece or lightweight down jacket as well as a pair of fleece pants or sweat pants. Also one long sleeve thermal layer just in case.
  • Camp Shoes: One pair of lightweight shoes for around camp.
  • Gloves: One pair UV protection fly-fishing gloves/stripping gloves.
  • Buff: Two “Buff” facial sun/insect protectors.
  • Sunglasses: Two pairs of polarized sunglasses. It is great to have a lens cleaner and a soft cleaning cloth as well.
  • Sun Screen: One full bottle 50SPF +.
  • Lip balm: Two tubes of 50SPF+ lip balm.
  • Repellent: One or two bottles of at least 80% deet repellant.
  • Backpack: One waterproof backpack.
  • Tape (For Fly Fishing): One roll of athletic tape (Coban) -used for taping fingers. Alternative is stripping guards or gloves.
  • Camera: Don’t forget extra batteries, chargers and waterproof case/bag.
  • Headlamp and Flashlight: One small LED headlamp and flashlight with batteries.
  • Baggies and/or Waterproof Bag: Six medium sized Ziploc baggies for storing cigarettes, phone, lighter, lens cloth, etc. and waterproof bag for camera, etc.
  • Toiletries Kit: Toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, Advil, band aids, Bactroban (prescription anti-bacterial ointment), Benadryl, Goldbond powder, seasickness pills (for charter flight), and anti-fungal ointment.
  • Liquid Band-Aid: Paint on super glue for finger cuts
  • Miscellaneous: Candy and treats for native kids, Tape Measure, notepad/pen, Travel dictionary and/or translator (English-Spanish), any personal medications you use, Credit cards, personal checks, cash for tipping and personal expenses.
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