Equipment
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The Xflats Equipment List
Welcome to The Xflats Equipment List Page
Approved and Endorsed by The Xflats
As an angler headed to The Xflats, you can purchase your gear with confidence knowing that the equipment on this page has been vetted and hand-selected by The Xflats owner, Jesse Colten, and his team of guides. Yellow Dog also gives back with every product sold and helps fund numerous conservation and community projects within Xcalak, Mexico.
Shop curated assortments and bundles specifically put together by The Xflats owner, Jesse Colten, for fly fishing in and around Chetumal Bay.
A large selection of crab and shrimp patterns in a variety of sizes, colors and weights. Tan, olive and various shades of brown seem to be the most effective colors for most area waters. Be sure to have a variety of different sink rates.
Be sure to have a good selection of bonefish flies in a wide variety of sizes, colors and sink rates. The standard sizes for bonefish flies in the Yucatan are #4, #6 and #8, with a general rule being the shallower the water, the smaller and lighter the fly.
A variety of patterns tied of hook sizes 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0 flies. The best hooks for tarpon include the Owner Aki, the Gamakatsu SL12, SC15 and SC17 models, and the Tiemco 600SP.
Bring a selection of bright flies in red, orange, yellow, chartreuse and white on 1/0 an 3/0 hooks. Many standard tarpon patterns will work for snook.
G. Loomis and Orvis Fly Rods recommended by Xflats owner, Jesse Colten:
Bonefish: 7 or 8 wt.
Permit: 9 wt.
Tarpon: 9, 10, or 11 wt.
Snook: 8 or 9 wt.
Anodized, corrosion-resistant saltwater models. All reels feature a high quality, smooth disc drag.
General Recommendations
Bonefish: Full line + 200 yards of 20 lb. backing
Permit: Full line + 250 yards of 20 or 30 lb. backing
Tarpon: Full line + 300 yards of 30 lb. backing
Snook: Full line + 200 yards of 20 lb. backing
Bonefish: Tropical Floating Line (WF7 or WF8)
Permit: Tropical Floating Line (WF9)
Tarpon: Tropical Floating Tarpon Line (WF10 or WF11). On a second spool, we recommend an Intermediate Sinking line or a sink tip for fishing deeper water.
Snook: Tropical Floating Line (WF8)
Fluorocarbon is highly effective in the saltwater
Bonefish: 9’ and 12’ tapered leaders, 10 lb.
Permit: 9’ and 12’ tapered leaders, 16 to 20 lb.
Tarpon: 40 - 50 lb. for juvenile tarpon and 60 - 80 lb. for larger fish. Many guides prefer fishing a straight piece of shock over transitioned class leaders, but having a “weak point” to break a fish off can actually be a good thing when needed.
Snook: Most guides prefer a straight piece of 50 lb. fluorocarbon. Pre-tied leaders with a 16 lb. or 20 lb. class tippet can also be used.
Fluorocarbon is highly effective in the saltwater
Bonefish: Spools of 10 and 12 lb. saltwater tippet.
Permit: Spools of 16 and 20 lb. saltwater tippet
Tarpon: Shock tippet (40-80 lb.)
Snook: Shock tippet (50 lb.)
Coral, sea urchin spines and other sharp objects can be a factor on the flats, so footwear that features hard, rigid soles is a must. Zip-up saltwater flats booties or lighter boots such as the Simms Flats Sneaker are ideal for most areas in the Yucatan.
Pack a couple of pairs of neoprene socks to prevent chaffing and cuts caused by sand inside your footwear.
Sunscreen should be both waterproof and sweat proof. Lip protection with a high SPF is also essential. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying sunscreen, as saltwater fish will quickly refuse any fly that smells like Coppertone.
Bajio Sunglasses recommended by Xflats owner, Jesse Colten.
Spotting fish in the saltwater and in the bright light is crucial and can make all the difference in the success of a trip. Buy the very best polarized lenses you can.
At Xflats, many prefer a waterproof backpack that you can bring with you on the boat or while wading
