When Traveling Flats Anglers Use Outfitters...

One phrase that serves as an important guide for traveling flats anglers that use an outfitting service is, " to thine ownself, be true." What this basically means is that you should honestly acknowledge to yourself what your real needs and aspirations are when you want to travel to a destination to fish. This would include at the least what the brevity or plentitude of features and amenities are at your target destination. Also, what are the physical demands placed on you enroute to where you're going, as well as once you arrive and begin fishing. Start to think about what you really want and what you really need for that angling trip of a lifetime. It's important to acknowledge your goals as well as personality and preferences. Here's just a few things to consider:

1. Are you flying, and what is the length, legroom, carry-on policy, and overall reliability of your air carrier? Different anglers have different levels of preference and tolerance for these features. A one hour flight from Fort Lauderdale to Abaco to fish the Marls is one thing and a double digit flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Hawaii to Christmas Island is another.

2. What are the real size ranges and availability of target flats species at your destination? For instance, find out whether the camp you are going to is a real tarpon destination. Alternatively, if you want bonefish only, the Bahamas are fine.

But if you are looking for a Grand Slam, start to think about the Carib Coast of Quintana Roo State in Mexico from Ascension Bay south. If you want a trophy bonefish, think about Miami, Islamorada, Green Turtle Cay off Abaco, and maybe even Mayaguana in the Southeast Bahamas. If money and time spent is no object, go across the world and fish the northern islands of New Caledonia.

Also, insist on seeing seasonal availability charts for flats species at your intended destination. Equatorial destinations are more weather- stable. Bonaire is a year-round bonefish destination, while the flats of Bermuda are much less weather resistant.

3. Is your destination a far-flung wilderness setting that is rustic and spartan or is it a closely-located site with a full range of amenities like air conditioning, internet, twenty-four hour running generators, and such. Double check the claim that ceiling fans and ocean breezes will keep you cool and comfy at night: think about whether those rooms in the northeast Yucatan peninsula will feel one way in December and another way in August.

4. Your outfitter should even know the personalities, experience, and equipment of the fishing guides they are sending you to fish with. A laid-back but excellent guide provides one experience, while a twenty-four hour perfectionist provides another. Ask yourself who you prefer, and insist on it. A good outfitter should know all these specifics.

These are just a few of the things you should be thinking about when you are trip planning with an outfitter- the more they know about what you want, the better they can match you to a specific destination!

Jan