One of our favorite parts of the magazine is the Inside the Box segment. It gives anglers a look inside someone else’s fly box for a specific destination. So for this blog, and potentially more in the future, we are doing something similar, an inside the bag. For this blog we are looking at our summer intern Cole’s bag he uses for his favorite fish to target, GT.
Be prepared for anything and everything
Unlike other species that are caught on a 12 weight, GT are often caught wading, so everything must be brought with you on the flat. GT fishing is almost always catching other fish on an 8 weight rod, so bringing two rods out on the flat is a must. Fish like Milkfish, triggerfish, bluefin trevally and golden trevally are all caught on smaller rods, so an 8 to 10 weight rod is what you typically step out of the boat holding. Casting to all of these fish almost makes you forget that GT exist, and then you turn around and there is an apex predator swimming behind you and it’s game on. Say “see ya later” to your 8 weight and drop it in the water, grab your big rod and make your shots.
GT fishing is exhausting compared to tarpon fishing. Walking through flats definitely takes it out of you. Water and snacks are a must because of this. Alcoholic drinks are best kept off the boat and left on land. Landing one of these fish requires a lot of energy. Hauling around a big pack and walking for miles just to get the chance to cast at one is worth it though, these fish pull hard.
The bag
I started out with a hip bag, but I found I preferred the size and more even weight distribution that a backpack provides. A backpack also provides easier storage for my 12 weight. My pack of choice is the UMPQUA Tongass 1800 waterproof backpack. The pack has a rod carry system on each side, making it easily accessible. If you do not have this pack, a great way to hold your spare rod is to put the butt of your rod in your pocket and buckle your waist strap around it. Regardless of how you store it, make sure your rod is on the opposite side of your body than your casting arm.
Tackle
Because I have the extra room of a backpack I typically bring two fly boxes with me on the flat. While it is overkill, I enjoy being over prepared. One fly box has GT flies, the other has everything else.
For leaders and tippet I bring everything I need to build a leader from scratch. From 80 pound test down to 40. My backing is 60 pound test, so my leader must have a section weaker than that. I will also bring tapered leaders ranging from 10 pound test to 20 for the other fish on the flats. It is common to go days without touching your GT rod so don’t expect to need a full fly box worth of flies.
GT are known for blowing up rods, reels and fly lines. Because of this I pack an extra fly line.
Tools
I use my pliers for everything. Pulling out flies, tightening knots, cutting line and opening beer bottles. Because of this, my pliers are always on my belt rather than in my bag. I also carry a separate pair of nippers as well as a knot tension tool, just in case.
Other tools people bring out include knot assistant tools such as blood knot and nail knot tools. If you struggle with these knots or simply like assistance with them, find room for them. Don’t let not being able to tie a knot keep you from a day of fishing.
Although I often forget it’s there and forget to use it, I bring a GoPro with me. The cameras are waterproof and durable. Perfect for capturing the perfect underwater release shot.
Hydration and sun protection
I bring a Nalgene with me on every flat. Plastic water bottles will find their way back to a dump, or worse, a beach. I also pack a tube of hydration tablets and put two in each liter of water. Long days in the sun require hydration, don’t forget to drink.
I pack an extra pair of polarized sun glasses in case my primary pair goes overboard as well as a cloth to clean them. A cloth that is specifically for cleaning glasses does a far better job than a t-shirt or a buff.
I also pack and extra hat, a sun gator and sunscreen.
Not pictured
If there is any chance of rain, I pack a rain jacket. Thin jackets like the Patagonia Houdini jacket work great. I also bring a hook sharpener, it’s an old school piece of gear, but many anglers still swear by them.
GT are some of the most rewarding fish to target. Landing one is just as rewarding as having your rod explode into pieces after hooking one.
