What to Bring on a Riviera Maya Fly Fishing Trip

Preparing for a Riviera Maya fly fishing trip is simple, and most of the fishing equipment you'll need is provided on our guided trips. What you should bring depends partly on where you'll be fishing and whether you plan to use our equipment or your own favorite fly or light tackle gear.

The information below covers what is provided on our trips, what we recommend bringing with you, and the rods, reels, leaders and flies commonly used for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook throughout the Riviera Maya.

What We Provide

All fishing gear and tackle are provided on our Cozumel, Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca trips, including rods, reels, flies, lures and the terminal tackle needed for the day. Anglers are always welcome to bring their own favorite fly rods, reels or light tackle equipment if they prefer.

Ascension Bay trips include one fly rod and reel per person, but terminal tackle—including flies, leaders and tippet—is not included. Anglers fishing Ascension Bay should bring their own terminal tackle, and additional flies are available for purchase locally if needed.

What Should I Bring

The Riviera Maya's tropical climate means sun protection and lightweight clothing are important for a comfortable day on the water. We recommend bringing polarized sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeve sun protection and comfortable quick-drying clothing.

A light rain jacket is also a good idea, particularly during periods when brief tropical showers are possible. Bring any personal medications you may need during the day, along with a small waterproof bag or case for your phone, camera and other personal items.

Polarized sunglasses are especially important for flats fishing, as they reduce glare and make it much easier to spot fish in shallow water.

Fly Fishing Gear

Saltwater fly fishing in the Riviera Maya generally calls for 8- to 10-weight fly rods, depending on the species being targeted, wind conditions and the size of the flies being used. An 8-weight is a versatile choice for bonefish and lighter flats fishing, while 9- and 10-weight rods provide additional power for permit, tarpon, snook and windy conditions.

Reels should have a reliable drag system and enough backing for strong saltwater fish. Tropical weight-forward floating fly lines are the standard choice for most of our flats fishing.

Leaders and tippet should be matched to the species and conditions. Lighter presentations are generally used for bonefish and permit, while heavier leaders are appropriate for tarpon and snook, particularly when fishing around mangroves or other structure.

Recommended Saltwater Flies

Fly selection depends on the species, location and conditions you're fishing. Carrying a variety of shrimp, crab and baitfish patterns in different sizes and weights gives your guide options as conditions change throughout the day. The following are some of the patterns we commonly recommend for the Riviera Maya.

Permit Flies

Del's Merkin Crab, Raghead Crab, Alphlexo Crab, Ascension Bay Mantis, Bauer Crab and The Squimp.

See our complete permit fly fishing guide for more information about targeting permit in the Riviera Maya.

Bonefish Flies

Gotcha, Crazy Charlie, Bonefish Bitters, Spawning Shrimp and small mantis shrimp patterns.

See our complete bonefish fly fishing guide for more information about targeting bonefish in the Riviera Maya.

Tarpon Flies

Tarpon Toads, Cockroach patterns, EP Baitfish, Black Death and Deceivers in appropriate sizes.

See our complete tarpon fly fishing guide for more information about targeting tarpon in the Riviera Maya.

Snook Flies

Clouser Minnow, Lefty's Deceiver, Crystal Schminnow, Gurgler / Surface Slider and EP Baitfish.

See our complete snook fly fishing guide for more information about targeting snook in the Riviera Maya.

Light Tackle Spinning Gear

Light spinning tackle is a good option for anglers who prefer conventional gear or want to combine fly fishing and spin fishing during the same trip. A 7-foot medium to medium-heavy spinning rod paired with a quality saltwater reel gives you a versatile setup for the species we target.

Reels should be spooled with approximately 10- to 20-pound braided line, with fluorocarbon leader strength adjusted for the species and conditions. Lighter setups work well for bonefish and smaller flats species, while heavier leaders and tackle may be needed for tarpon and snook around mangroves or other structure.

Productive artificial lures include soft-plastic shrimp and baitfish imitations, small jigs, spoons and surface lures. Your guide can recommend the best tackle and presentation based on the species being targeted and the conditions during your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend bringing polarized sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, lightweight long-sleeve sun protection, comfortable quick-drying clothing and a light rain jacket. You should also bring any personal medications you may need and a small waterproof bag or case for your phone, camera and other personal items.

All fishing gear and tackle are provided on our Cozumel, Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca trips, although anglers are always welcome to bring their own favorite equipment. Ascension Bay trips include one fly rod and reel per person, but anglers should bring their own terminal tackle, including flies, leaders and tippet.

Lightweight, quick-drying clothing works best for the Riviera Maya's tropical climate. A long-sleeve sun shirt, hat and comfortable clothing that provides protection from the sun will help keep you comfortable during a day on the water.

Polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the water and make it much easier to see fish moving or feeding on shallow flats. They are especially useful for sight-fishing permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook.

For Cozumel, Cancun Lagoon and Isla Blanca, flies and terminal tackle are provided. Anglers fishing Ascension Bay should bring their own flies, leaders and tippet. Carrying a selection of shrimp, crab and baitfish patterns in different sizes and weights can also be useful if you prefer to fish your own tackle.

Yes. Our trips can be fished with fly tackle, light spinning tackle, or a combination of both. Anglers who prefer to use their own spinning equipment are welcome to bring it, and your guide can recommend the best tackle and presentation for the species and conditions.