By Geoff W Colmes

For example, many of the places that I guide in the Everglades are small bays connected by narrow creeks... too tight for a back cast or even a roll cast, but the fish are there.The challenge and skill level required for making a great presentation to a fish with plug or spin tackle is no less demanding or fun. In most cases however, the fly rod can be the right fishing tool for the job; whether you're fly fishing for laid up tarpon, snook under the mangroves, or tailing bones, permit or redfish.

At the risk of not being considered a "purist," by some of those who think they are, I would encourage anyone to become a "complete" angler by mastering all the different methods of casting, whether it's fly fishing, spin, or plug tackle.

Fly Fishing

• 8 weight with floating line, for almost all conditions on the flats.
• 9 weight with floating, clear floating, best all around on the flats for all fly fishing conditions, capable of delivering slightly larger flies to snook, small tarpon, and permit.
• 10 weight with floating, clear floating and additional "clear sink tip" line, for fly tarpon fishing. This rod will also come in handy on really windy days, delivering the fly to snook, bones and permit.
• 11 weight with floating, clear floating and additional clear sink tip, best all around tool for big tarpon.12 weight is optional but great to have that windy day, for a little more punch, with a floater, sink tip, and especially with an intermediate line.

Spin and Plug Tackle

Plug Tackle

• 6' to 7' rods with 10 to 12 LB test is just right for most of our species. Saltwater style reels such as the Shimano Calcutta are ideal... they have great drags and are corrosion resistance vs. most plug reels designed for fresh water fishing.

Spin Tackle

• Most of the time, whether you're fishing for bonefish, permit, redfish or snook, a 7' 10 LB test outfit will be just right for the job. Fresh line and quality reels with superior drags are important. I prefer using monofilament for bonefish, permit and redfish and Power Pro braided line for snook.

To Have or Have Not