[Lurkin]

I'm headed to Belize. Fishing will not be the primary activity, but will go out with guide a day or two. Also plan to walk the beaches and see how I can do.

Neither of my two reels are ideal for saltwater, but I would love to get an opion on which of the two to take. Also if someone is in B'ham area and needing to unload a reel that would be better for the trip let me know (360-224-7021).

I'll be taking an 8# setup and I own two reels.
I have two reels: 1) Teton Tioga, and 2) Lampson Radius

Thoughts which of these reels to take?

Also if anyone has any advice for Caye Caulker (guides, spots, flies, ect) please share! Flying out sunday and looking forward to some sun!!

Thanks

Chris

 

[Jmills81]

Contact Doug Brady at Flytreks.com

he's the man,

 

[Van BT's]

if you wanna buy one specifically for saltwater, i recommend the cabela's xss reel, but only if you're on a budget like me lol. Mine has been awesome for boating 25lb redfish back down in florida. as for your two, i don't know much, but i'm sure other people will chime in.

 

[Anil]

Either of those reels will be fine. I’m assuming they are appropriately sized for your eight weight rod?
The Radius shares the same drag (if not the cool and light machining) of more expensive Lamson reels. The Tioga is a perfectly serviceable Bonefish reel as well. I would invest in a warm saltwater line before I spent my limited budget on a new reel. Bonefish lines are not a gimmick, and you will wish you brought one after you use a coldwater line in hot weather.
Good Luck,
Anil

 

[Lurkin]

Thanks for the responses! Anil, I appreciate the reassurance that the reals aren't completely undergunned and will just take one of those. I do have bonefish (maybe actually a more generic "Tropical" line, don't remember), at least servicable line.

Jmills, I called Doug and he's trying to see waht he can get set up for me. Doug seems like a great guy and he gave me a lot of time and good advice given the cold call. Thanks for the direction.

Please feel free to share any advice you might have about Belize, and Caye Caulker area specifically if you'd like.

Thanks again!
Chris

 

[mr. bad example]

It's been a few years since i was in caye caulker, but i've spent literally months there over the years..............you can catch lots of bonefish (or you could) simply throwing flies off of piers into the bare sand amidst the eelgrass (white flies) be sure to ask permission before you walk on someones dock....... or just wade (don't forget to shuffle or youll be impaled). a 5 wt. is enough rod for most of these fish. there can be tarpon chasing bait right off the beach.Ask for Ricardo or Porfilio or go out to Ignacios and talk to Reuben he can point you in the right direction tell him stingray boy sent you...........rinse your reels religiously, drink alot of one barrel, and go out to halfmoon caye for the day.

 

[Richard E]

Thanks for the responses! Anil, I appreciate the reassurance that the reals aren't completely undergunned and will just take one of those. I do have bonefish (maybe actually a more generic "Tropical" line, don't remember), at least servicable line.

As Anil noted, depending on which model Tioga and Lamson you have, but assuming they are sized appropriately for your 8 weight, either one will work fine.

HOWEVER, you note above, ". . . and will just take one of those." You need to take both. Sh_t happens, and it could happen on your trip. You could drop the reel, a part breaks or falls out, or whatever, and you'd be out of luck. Take both reels.

You also need to take an extra line. Your line that you can't remember it's model, that should your backup line. If you are spluring on a trip to Belize, splurge on a new line. Why spend thousands of dollars on a trip and skimp $70 on the item that will deliver the all-important fly to the fish? What if the line breaks, what if a fish takes it, etc. And, it will happen to you out in the middle of a flat in the middle of your fishing day, and you just can't run down to Puget Sound Fly and pick up another. It can make all the difference in the world. Personally I prefer the SA Bonefish lines.

You should have a backup rod, reel, and line, and obviously extra leaders, tippets, and obviously flies. You need to be prepared.