10 TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING SWFFERS

1 If you are travelling in a skiff always keep your reel in a neoprene pouch to protect it from scratching and denting.

2 Be very careful with rods; they are easily broken by everything from the ceiling fan in the hotel, people falling on them in the skiff to belligerent sharks that don’t like being prodded with the rod top! 3 Wash everything with freshwater that has been near to saltwater, this includes tackle, accessories and flies.

4 Rinse clothing out in fresh water too – if you leave saltwater on them they will stay damp. For a week-long trip take two sets you can wear on alternate days, leaving a set to dry fully on its day off.

Take plenty of sun cream and 5 insect repellent and lip balm. We recommend the ‘once a day’ sun protection that is also highly water resistant.

Take a basic first aid kit if going 6 somewhere remote, including paracetamol, antihistamine tablets, re-hydration salts, diarrhoea treatment, antiseptic cream, plasters and sterile wound dressings. 7 Photocopy all travel documents including passport and keep them in your luggage.

Make sure you drink lots 8 of fluids throughout the day – if you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated so get in the habit of drinking small amounts continuously through the day. Listen to the guide’s advice - as 9 well as finding the fish they also know how to catch them. If you can master a few words of their language it will help enormously.

Take time to enjoy the beauty 10 of these wilderness areas – it really is a privilege to visit these amazing places!