Bonefish: 7–8 weight rods — sometimes 8–9 wt if bones are larger.
Permit: 9–10 wt rods.
Tarpon: 10–12 wt rods — generally 10 wt is fine for smaller/medium tarpon; for larger fish 11–12 wt may be used.
Saltwater-rated reels with enough backing (150–200 yds or more) and a smooth drag.
Lines / Leaders / Tippet:
Use tropical saltwater floating fly line for flats fishing (common for bonefish and permit).
For tarpon (or deeper water/rougher flats) consider intermediate or sink-tip lines.
Use saltwater tapered leaders (around 9–14 feet common for bonefish/permit) and suitably heavy tippet or shock leaders depending on species.
Have a range of tippet/leader materials: lighter fluoro for bonefish, heavier or shock/tippet for permit or tarpon.
Flies: Build a diverse saltwater fly box:
Bonefish flies: “Gotchas,” “Crazy Charlies,” small shrimp or baitfish-pattern flies, size ~#6–#8 (sometimes up to #4), often in colors like tan, white, pink, brown.
Permit flies: Crab or shrimp imitations — crab-pattern flies tend to draw more attention, often in tan/olive/sand colors; flies around size #2 to 1/0 are common.
Tarpon flies/streamers: Larger baitfish or slim-profile patterns; size around 3/0–4/0 (depending on fly type & size of tarpon).
Tools & Accessories:
Pliers / nippers / hook-sharpener.
Polarized sunglasses (copper/amber/green lens often recommended for flats).
Waterproof gear bag or dry bag (for wading or boat work), wading pack or chest/hip pack for essentials.
Water bottle (stay hydrated), small towel, insect repellent, lip balm / sunscreen.
Wading Boots
Patagonia River Salt Wading Boots — Excellent all-around boot for saltwater flats and wet-wading. Vibram outsole for strong grip on wet/dry surfaces, quick-drain perforations, and rugged build for rocky or reefy flats.
Korkers Chrome Lite Wading Boots — Lightweight but tough; great traction on wet rock and sand. The Boa-style lacing system makes them easy to adjust for comfort and stability — nice if you cover a lot of miles wading.
Orvis PRO LT Wading Boots — Mid-cut boot that balances ankle support and nimbleness; great for anglers who may transition between flats wading and rougher terrain.
Simms Zipit Flats Bootie II — A good option if you want a lighter, more minimalist flats bootie. Easy on/off, drains quickly, and useful for warm-water flats or boat-to-shore dips.
Frogg Toggs Men's Saltshaker Flats Shoe — Lightweight flats shoe that gives reasonable traction and dries quickly — a decent budget option for anglers wanting lighter gear or a backup pair.
Caddis Men's Neoprene Extra Thick Ripple Sole Wading Boots — A simpler neoprene-based shoe built for warm wet wading — good for shallow flats, calm water, or for anglers who want a soft boot for barefoot-like feel.
Simms Freestone Wading Boots — A more “classic boot” for wading; good if you expect deeper wading or rougher terrain. Durable build, good ankle support, and built for regular use.
NRS Men's Paddle Wetshoe — A budget-friendly, versatile wetshoe that works for boat access, easy shallow wading, or as a backup pair. Less protective than full boots but lightweight and functional.
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