Question on fly lines for Permit...

[acirig]

All,
Looking for advice on WF fly lines for Permit. I am headed to Belize to fish for Permit and Bones. I think I am ok with Bonefish but any advice on line choice for Permit. I know this can be very personal preference but figured I would try to get some opinions. I saw a review of Jim Teeny line that seemed positive but I was mostly planning on sticking with Mastery Bonefish/Saltwater line. Thanks!

[TRIGGERFISH]

I too fish with Sa Mastery series lines.
You will probably be carrying a larger rod for permit, presumably a 9 or 10 weight correct? I would recommend an intermediate line, one that you can shoot well. I also like Royal wulff lines, as they are made by SA and they have aggressive front tapers that allow you to load the rod quickly and minimize false casts. I saw an 11 wieght monoclear intermediate on ebay. It will be less visible. Regardless, I would stay with an intermediate or sinking line for the permit.
P.S. Be sure to wash your hands thouroughly to rid the sunblock before handling your flies, and I suggest picking up a handfull of sand and clentching it around your fly to dissolve scents.

[DickM]

Acirig............................................ .
You mentioned in another post that you will be going to Turneffe Flats. I will be leaving for Turneffe Flats in two and a half weeks for my 7th visit there.
Believe me that you do not need a sinking line for Permit there. Not the way they are fished. It is more important to be able to pick up and recast quickly which is hard to do with an intermediate line. I have taken 4 Permit there and never needed a sinker. A WF10F will do you just fine.
DickM.:

[acirig]

Dick,
Thanks! I am planniing on using the WF10F line so it's good to hear you agree. I also plan on bringing 7,8, & 9 Wts for Bones and light wind days. Do you have any other advice on gear or flies? One other question I have is if I should buy the Simms flats boots or go with a hard flats sock (like orvis christmas island style) and just wear sandals on boat? Any other advice?
Enjoy your trip. You will have to let me know how it went when you get back. Thanks again.
--Andrew

[DickM]

Hi Andrew...............
Actually the line most used for Permit is the WF9F. You hadn’t mentioned that you had this line size in your previous posts.
As for the flats boots, it depends on how often you plan on doing this. The socks won’t cut it, (the coral can get pretty mean), and the Simms are adequate. But if you plan on wading the flats often there is nothing like Patagonia Marl Walkers. You will notice the arch support difference right away. They are armored for protection and will last forever.
Other than that have the best polarized sun glasses you can afford. Plenty of sun screen, (including chapstick; you wouldn’t believe how your lips can burn), insect repellant, (the flies can eat you alive), proper hat, (for shade), and at least one pair of long fast drying pants. The shorts are fine but if you take too much sun you will be happy to have a set on long trousers along.
As for flies. The standard crab patterns are all good. And I would have some Mantis Shrimp, (in olive), and the Spawning Shrimp patten seem to do the job if they are feeding. If they aren’t feeding there is nothing you can do.
The big one is, listen to your guide and do as he advises.
DickM.:thumb: