Tropical Saltwater Gear - Advice

[13Fisher1]

Hi folks, I would appreciate any advice or tips here please. I am taking a short holiday in April to Cape Verde Islands and trying to "sneak" some saltwater fly fishing into the mix. Still checking/researching but indications are that there may be some bonefish fishing to be had - still trying to confirm this. I have done a bit of saltwater FF locally and got by with standard FF rods & lines and cleaning carefully afterwards. One of the challenges I think may well be trying to cast into a stiff onshore wind. Question I have is whether any of my 7/8/9 wt sea trout / trout rods will be sufficient or damaged in this environment. Been looking at bonefish lines and "reasonable 8 and 9 wt rods but really don't want to spend a lot for something specific unless I can use back here for saltwater FF?  Any advice re use of existing rods and specialist lines would be greatly appreciated as I know that there are some folks on here with experience of tropical / bonefish FF. Thanks, Colin

[shad]

Colin

Ive never been there but Im not sure about the Bonefish ,its in their range Im sure but Cape Verde doesnt have much in the way of flats which you would normally fly fish for them on.From what Ive seen and read its mainly rocky shore and surf beaches ,Im sure you will find some fish if you can find a sheltered spot where you can get a line out.

As for the gear youll be ok if you wash everything really well. Normal lines can be used but if its really hot they can go a like over cooked pasta,I would check the temps for the time your going.Id reckon an 8/9 set up would be good from the shore with an intermediate line rather than floater which will cut through the wind better and works better in surf. A hard stripping basket of some sort will be vital ,take one or find a washing up bowl over there.Some tapered leaders,pliers and a selection of clousers etc and you should can have some fun.

Cape Verde also has very good boat fishing for Tuna ,Wahoo and Marlin but that will cost you and you will need serious gear for that!

Ive a lot of tropical lines that I wont be using for a while if you want to borrow a couple for your holiday let me know.

ATB Colin

[13Fisher1]

Hi, many thanks indeed for your helpful response, yes not sure about the bonefish but as you say will find somewhere to zone in on something hopefully, I will seek out some local advice once I get there. Thanks for the advise regarding gear and the very kind offer to borrow some tropical lines. Whilst "trying" to keep cost down for what will be a relatively infrequent use I purchased a RIO bonefish line for the reason you mention - temperatures, leaders and tippet materials. I have several 8/9 rods that would do the trick probably but all two piece and a bit clumsy to travel with/pack. I've gone out on a limb and bought a "Fox 9wt Bonefish" 4 pc rod which was half price but feeling guilty at spending this money, justification is that I can use in home saltwater also! Never had a Fox rod before but reviews were fair and seems a nice finish and wt. Need to rig it up and go test drive it - maybe along at Knightswood Pond (Glas Casting Club). Just the reel now but hopefully will be able to use something I have - provided I wash all down after saltwater use each day. Thank you very much again for your help and advice here and your generous offer, very kind. Just need to sort out reel and flies! cheers, Colin