Going to the Turks & Caicos Islands in March. Has anyone fished there? We are staying on Middle Caicos. My buddy there has a smaller flats boat and a larger prop boat. I suspect mainly Bonefishing but hopefully other targets Permit/Tarpon? Would appreciate any help since I have not been there before.
P Sasser
Founder, GoFishSC.com
You ever met the Pate family from Pawleys? Tommy, Jordan, and Richard. They have spent lots of time fishing there and could give you some good info. Let me know if you need their number.
I went to Parrot Cay, near Provo, for my honeymoon in August. The fishing was great, we caught 19, 7 by my wife on a spinning rod and 11 by me on the fly. We chartered Darin Bain, I highly recommend him, let me know if you want his contact info and I’ll pm you. A guide really helps in spotting fish along with where to go. If you want to do it yourself I would recommend the flats behing Parrot Cay, I went back there a couple of afternoons and saw a handful of bonefish. Those little guys are a little harder to see than a tailing spottail, just look for the green shadow! As far as tarpon and permit go, there aren’t a whole lot chances. Darin said they get some tarpon in the winter but is mainly fishing deep channels/holes. We did see 2 permit while fishing, but according to Darin that is more of an exception than a rule. Let me know if you have any questions.
I had three days booked with Capt Bain. We are staying at a house on Middle Caicos, in the Blue Horizon Resort. http://bhresort.com/ The couple that manages the resort are Americans that have retired to TCI and have set up their own fishing guide service. He’s been at it for a couple of years. I think I’ll set up a day with these guys and a day with Capt Bain & and see how it goes…
P Sasser
Founder, GoFishSC.com
Good deal. I would give Darin a shot for at least one day, it is well worth the money. Once you get a hang of it you can try a day or two on your own. I would bring smaller, Bahamas style flies (Crazy Charlies, Gotchas, Puffs- pink, tan, and white seem to be the hot colors) instead of the larger flies used in the Keys. The bones down there are not as big as the Keys, usually around 3-4 pounds. The biggest we caught was around 8. However, these fish aren’t nearly as skiddish as they are in the Keys. Most of the flats are sand flats and easy to wade. I would recommend flats booties or tennis shoes. I tried wading one day in sandals and they tore up my feet pretty bad, I went bare foot the next day and it was much better. Good luck and keep us posted on how you do after you get back!
Now that’s helpful stuff, thanks alot! Got my flies, at least the basics. My box contains, almost to the t, what you’ve described. got the wading shoes, learned that lesson also the hard way. Think two rods (an 8 & 9 wt rod) will be adeqate? Or should I take a 10 wt?
P Sasser
Founder, GoFishSC.com
8 and 9 weight should be perfect. I took a 7 and 8 and they worked fine, but a 9 would be good if the wind kicks up. The fish aren’t huge, like I said usually around 3-4 pounds, so I wouldn’t worry about being undergunned with a 9. Sounds like your set on flies, the fish aren’t to picky, usually if you get it in front of them with decent presentation they will eat. I did use fluorocarbon leaders, I usually use regular mono leaders whe fishing for spottail, but I figured I’d use fluorocarbon because of the crystal clear water. Good luck, I’m jealous, I’m sure you’ll have a blast!
The trip could not have been any better. Planning to go back next year.
P Sasser
Founder, GoFishSC.com
Sounds like you had a good time. I’m interested in the details. Species, size, number, etc.
http://www.scgofish.com/vbulletin/content.php?22-Epic-Bonefishing-Adventure
Here’ a link to the article I wrote about it.
Here are the pics on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B2sUI11igw&feature=player_embedded
P Sasser
Founder, GoFishSC.com