Most people that want to enjoy a day in the sun on a flats boat down in Belize would think of wearing maybe swim trunks or a bathing suit and lots of sunscreen. But, most people who have been in a flats boat for a full day or wading the flats for a full day know that if you just wear a swimsuit you’re probably going to look like a lobster by happy hour. While a swimsuit is perfect to wear as a “base layer” below you will find a general guide of recommended clothing and gear you need to bring for your permit fly fishing adventure in Belize.

While most all of our Belizean Fly Fishing guides have canopy’s on their boats. Often when fishing the canopy’s are down so the sun will be beaming down on you. If you prefer to have a guide with a canopy please let us know and let the guide know you would like the canopy up as much as possible.

Hat and Sun Mask (Buff):

Make sure to bring a baseball cap or wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. Many flats specific hats even have a black under-visor to absorb sunlight to make it easier to target fish. Many anglers prefer light-colored water-resistant hats in the flats. Simms Fly Fishing makes a few that are specific to the tropical flats.

A Buff of facemask is also essential to keep the sun off the back of your head and face. They can be bought almost everywhere and can be easily packed in your carry on bag. So don’t forget your buff as it will keep that sun off your face and prevent unnecessary sunburns.

Fishing Shirt or Sun Hoody:

A lightweight long sleeve fishing shirt is a great item to bring down to Belize for your days on the water. The classic Columbia PFG is one that many anglers prefer. The breathable shirts allow for comfortable fishing in the hottest conditions. The collar also protects you from the sun.

A sun hoody is more of a newer trend in flats fishing. The lightweight hoody keeps the strong UV rays off your skin thus, reducing your body temperature. The hoody also is nice as it provides UV sun protection on your head and face.

For women both a hoody and a long sleeve fishing shirt work great as a layer over a bathing suit, so you can still soak up some rays.

Pants or Shorts:

Many anglers prefer lightweight fishing pants as these protect your legs from getting sunburnt on a long day of fly fishing. Shorts and swim trunks are also a good option depending on your preference.

Packable Rain Jacket:

This is probably the most often neglected essential item to bring on your flats fly fishing trip to Southern Belize. You think you are headed to a tropical climate with warm temps, well often in the mornings before the sun is rising it can be a bit chilly out on the ocean. Especially if the waves are a little choppy and the water is splashing in the boat. So be sure to pack a lightweight rain jacket on your flats fly fishing trip. There is also always the chance of quick tropical rain systems that move through.

Footwear:

Most anglers who fish from a flats boat prefer to be barefoot to be able to feel the line if it tangles at your feet. This is a great option but if you are fishing for multiple days your feet may take a beating from the sun even with the aid of sunscreen. Another option is to wear some socks with traction on the bottom or lightweight boat shoes, sandals or even your wading boots. But remember one loud step and that tailing permit will be long gone. So we recommend barefoot and having a backup in case your feet do get a little sunburnt.

Also, be sure to pack your saltwater wading boots in the boat and have them readily available.

Polarized Sunglasses:

Polarized sunglasses are essential for your flats fishing trip. Many anglers bring two pairs, one as a backup or to wear when you take runs to the flats so one pair stays crystal clear of saltwater. Bringing some alcohol wipes in your kit is a good addition for cleaning the saltwater off your glasses. The flats fly fishing guides prefer typically Costa or Smith Glass lenses in the green or blue mirror lens for bright days or the copper or grey lens on cloudier days.

Waterproof Dry Bag:

Packing all these gear into one waterproof dry bag is a great way to stay organized. Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, and other fly fishing companies make a handle of dry bags, backpacks, slings, duffels, and hip packs that work great for flats fly fishing from a boat. While you can put your bags in the hull to keep them dry having a nice waterproof bag is a great addition.

Guide tip: Have a plastic bag or fly puck of some flies and tippet that you can stick in your pocket if you need to hop out of the boat to hunt a fish down. This makes it so if you break off or have to change flies you can do so quickly.

If you have any additional questions about what to wear for your flats fishing trip in Belize, feel free to reach out to us at info@bluehorizonbelize.com. We hope that this aids and prepares you to catch your grand slam a permit, bonefish, and tarpon down in Belize!