TOP 10 TIPS ON PACKING FOR OVERSEAS SWFFING

1 Having the correct clothing can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of a day’s fishing. This applies more to flats fishing than possibly any other type of fishing. You will probably spend the greater part of the day either wading shallow flats or standing on the bows of a skiff being poled across the flat. Either way you will be in the tropical sun with no shade, so all your clothing needs to have a high sun protection factor to prevent damage to your skin.

2 If you are going to the tropics make sure you cover up well; clothing with an SPF rating is essential. Use good quality suntan lotion such as Riemann’s P20 single application. The tropical sun can be deceiving especially if there is a breeze.

3 Invest in a good pair of Polaroids such as Smith fishing sunglasses in green or blue mirror finishes.

4 Safety is important especially when wading; be sure to have a good robust pair of flats boots that will protect your feet from stingrays, coral and volcanic rock!

5 Be frugal with your packing; try to avoid filling your bag with too many clothes as this will reduce the amount of fishing tackle you can take. A lightweight travel bag will give you more available check in weight. Most locations are remote and if you run out of something it often is not possible to get a replacement so always be prepared.

6 Be sure to take a lightweight waterproof jacket and a pair of over trousers. This may sound crazy in over 30-degree heat but when rain comes it will bring quite a drop in temperature and it is very easy to become cold and uncomfortable.

7 Make sure that all of your reels are properly rigged and fit for purpose.

8 Brush up on your casting before you depart. Having the confidence and ability to make that all important cast count can be the difference between a good trip and a fantastic trip!

9 If you are going to a new destination do as much research as you can; try to talk to someone with first-hand knowledge of where you are going.

10 A flats pack or backpack is a great piece of kit that will allow you to carry essentials such as water, fly boxes, leaders and the all-important camera without impeding your casting.

11 A buff and a good, peaked cap will help to cut out any sunlight allowing you to spot fish more easily.