At No Name Lodge, every day on the water is a mix of preparation, presentation, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting. Guests often ask two big questions: what fly should I throw, and what should I bring with me on the skiff?

Jake, your favorite fishing guide, has thoughts on both. We’ll let him take it from here.

The Fly Debate

Anglers have been debating fly choice for generations. It’s almost as classic as chicken or the egg.

What fly do I throw?

What color should it be?

How deep should it ride?

And the big one: do I feel confident in it?

Here’s the truth. Tarpon are quirky. They like to look up at flies, and they like them moving a certain way. When tarpon fishing in Puerto Rico, most generic poon patterns will get the job done. It’s not about having the perfect fly. It’s about the strip and the placement.

Tarpon like the fly moving away from them. If you and your guide are not working together, you are already behind.

Tarpon are lazy by nature. The fly needs to match their speed and mood.

When their body language changes and they key in, that is when you give the fly a little movement without pulling it away too fast.

Some days, the fish make you feel like tarpon Jesus reincarnated. They will eat anything, even a bad cast. Other days, every small mistake matters. Pausing too long, dropping your line, letting the fly sit. That is when most anglers blame the fly. But most of the time, it comes down to execution.

So instead of overthinking patterns, focus on your cast, your strip, and your presentation.

Leaders and Terminal Tackle

When it comes to leaders, I’m a bit of a nerd. Knots, tapers, small details all matter. But in this fishery, it stays pretty simple.

For tarpon (10 to 11 wt):

  • 6 ft of 60 lb
  • 3 ft of 50 lb
  • 3 ft of 40 lb

That’s it. You are ready to go.

For permit (9 to 10 wt):

  • Calm day: under-line your rod
  • Windy day: standard line weight
  • 6 ft of 50 to 60 lb
  • 3 ft of 30 to 40 lb
  • 12 to 20 lb tippet depending on terrain

No breakaway sections are needed here. Unlike other places, we do not deal with sharks regularly.

For those who want to fish IGFA leaders, go for it. Just know that on busy days, constantly retying can slow things down.

What to Bring on the Skiff

Here are a few things you might not think of but will be glad you packed for a day of Puerto Rico tarpon fishing:

  • Baby wipes
  • Lens wipes for sunglasses
  • Plain socks if you are not used to standing barefoot
  • Gloves or finger protection if your hands are not used to it
  • A good attitude
  • Listening skills

The last two matter more than anything in your fly box.

Final Word

Flies, leaders, and gear all play a role. But presentation and working with your guide are what actually put fish in the air. Keep it simple, stay prepared, and let the silver kings teach you a few lessons along the way.

Tight lines,
Jake
Your Favorite Fishing Guide

Fishing with No Name Lodge

We want every guest at No Name Lodge to feel confident stepping onto the skiff. Whether it is dialing in your leader, packing the right gear, or learning how to move a fly the right way, our guides are here to help.

If you are planning a trip, you can learn more about availability and trip details on our rates page.

Ready to fish for tarpon in Puerto Rico?

Plan your trip with No Name Lodge today.