Pre-trip Information. Boca Paila. Please read thoroughly and return required information promptly. TRAVEL & GENERAL

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1 P.O. Box 959, Wexford PA Toll-free Phone Fax Web site Program Manager: Joe Koziara Assistant: Toni Frochio Accounting: Amanda McCall Please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it as soon as possible. Carefully read this pre-trip well in advance of departure it is essential for the successful preparation of your trip. TRAVEL & GENERAL Please note: While at the lodge, no refunds or credits can be issued for package modifications. All purchases at lodge payable by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), cash or travelers checks. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted so there is little need to exchange currency. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: U.S. citizens and foreign nationals are required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States when traveling by air or sea from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Effective December 31, 2008, the above requirement will be extended to all land border crossings as well. Please logon to or for more information. A tourist card application will be issued by airlines that fly into Mexico. The card will be checked at your first point of entry; one copy will be retained and the other given to you. Be careful that you do not lose your copy as it must be surrendered at Immigration on departure. No visas are currently required for U.S. citizens to enter Mexico. There is a US$16-$21 Mexican departure tax, payable at the airport on departure; certain airlines are including this as part of the ticket. Please check with your carrier. PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MINORS: Children 17 years old or under entering Mexico with one parent must have a notarized letter of consent from the other parent stating the child/ children have his/her permission to enter the country. Single parents need notarized documentation of divorce decree or death certificate of spouse. Minors not accompanied by either parent require a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents. Boca Paila Pre-trip Information European Office: Dovecot Workshops, Barnsley Park, Barnsley, Cirencester, GL7 5EG, England Tel +44 (0) Fax +44 (0) info@frontierstrvl.co.uk Tackle/Fishing Information: Joe Codd Beaver Shriver TRAVEL PROTECTION: Frontiers strongly recommends the purchase of travel protection because most of our specialized destinations require significant deposits and prepayment before departure. (Cancellation/refund policies are clearly stated in our brochures and/or on your invoice.) This protection provides reimbursement for situations where someone has deposited and/ or made final payment only to find they are unable to travel for any of the covered reasons, i.e., death, accidental bodily injury or illness* involving the traveler, immediate family members and travel companions. For North American Residents: *IN ORDER TO COVER PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, you must purchase the Frontiers International Travel Protection Plan within 21 days of making your initial deposit or purchasing airline tickets; some exclusions apply. Description of Coverage can be viewed on Frontiers Web site: click on Travel Protection. For UK/European Residents: You can obtain travel insurance through Campbell Irvine: NOTE TO GROUP LEADERS: It is important that as a group leader you share this pre-trip information with all members of your party so that everyone is adequately prepared, understands the cancellation/refund policy pertaining to their trip, and has the opportunity to purchase the travel protection (especially anyone with a pre-existing health condition). Frontiers cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this information is not provided by you to all members of your group. EMERGENCY CONTACT: There is a two-way telephone at Boca Paila that can be reached in times of an emergency through the main office in Cancun: ; or the lodge: or These numbers are for local dialing; you must precede with the appropriate international access code when calling from outside of Mexico (from the U.S., first dial 011; from the U.K., 00). CUSTOMS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE: Available from any Customs office certifying proof of ownership of cameras, jewelry or any other valuables. Please read thoroughly and return required information promptly.

2 HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: We are not qualified to offer medical advice and suggest that you consult your physician prior to departure about any inoculations he/she recommends. Considerations might be tetanus, immune serum globulin for hepatitis, etc. Currently, there are no required inoculations for travel to Mexico. Stomach problems are seldom reported by guests at Boca Paila, but some people are especially prone to traveler s diarrhea. It is a good idea to have your physician prescribe an antibiotic that is effective against this kind of bacteria. Some antibiotics increase sun sensitivity, so tell your physician that you will be spending days in direct sunlight. Also, be sure to pack any medications you normally need in your carry-on bag. TRANSPORTING FISHING TACKLE The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established regulations for transporting fishing tackle on airplanes. Please check their Web site ( for current information. You must also contact your airline directly because each air carrier has different requirements. CANCUN AIRPORT ARRIVAL: Proceed through immigration and customs and exit through the international gate hallway. Continue to the private vehicle hallway on your left, which will take you outside. Here you will be met by a lodge representative holding a Boca Paila sign, who will assist you to the transfer vehicle. Please look for the driver with the lodge sign and ID. TRANSFERS: For those arriving on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., transfer costs are included. A surcharge of $180 each way divided by the number of passengers will be incurred for parties of three or less arriving/departing on other days/times. Due to the high cost of operating the transfer vehicles, we request that, on arrival, you be prepared to wait for other guests to assemble so that the vehicle departs with no fewer than four passengers (six is ideal). In some cases you might be asked to wait 90 minutes, generally less but occasionally a little more. On departure day, please also understand that the lodge may ask you to depart for the airport several hours earlier than your flight schedule would dictate so as to make efficient use of the vehicle. Expect about a 2½-hour ride on mostly paved roads. If your arrival into Cancun has been badly delayed, please call Boca Paila Fishing Lodge: or They can arrange a special transfer for you. Alternately, proceed to the taxi stand at the airport and request service to Boca Paila (approx. $260 one way). Note: Boca Paila cannot reconfirm flights from the lodge. We do not assume financial responsibility for additional costs incurred because of a mistake made by an airline. ARRIVAL AT THE LODGE: You will be greeted by the manager and staff. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the staff is friendly and willing to do whatever it takes to make your stay 2 pleasurable. Don t hesitate to approach them with a question, problem, or special request. Constructive criticism is welcome! MEAL SCHEDULE: The kitchen opens for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Lunch can be packed in the boat cooler and eaten on the water, or you can return to the lodge. Cocktail hour is 6 p.m. and dinner is served from 7-8 p.m., with fresh seafood a specialty. Indicate special meal requests/dietary restrictions on the questionnaire and consult with the manager upon arrival. You will find the Boca Paila bar, which remains open all evening, to be fully stocked with most of your favorite liquors and a good selection of Mexican beers and wines. Tequilla drinks are a house specialty. Prices: Mexican wine $16-$48/ bottle or $4.50/glass; Mexican beer $3; imported cocktails $4.50; tropical-style cocktails (margaritas, pina coladas) $4; Grande margaritas $9; soft drinks $1.50; bottled water $1. (Iced tea, lemonade and coffee are free.) You can ask to see your tab at any time, and you will be presented with your final total at the end of your stay. If there s a specific brand that you would like, please notify us at least 2 weeks prior to departure. WATER: Do not drink the tap water. The staff stocks your room each day with bottles of purified water. No need to take these to the boat; there ll be plenty in the cooler. (All food, of course, is prepared with safe water.) ELECTRICAL CURRENT: There is 24-hour electric service (110 volts/50 cycles) identical to U.S. power. DAY TRIPS TO TULUM: Tulum is a significant Mayan ruin (built around 900 A.D.) located 1 hour north of Boca Paila and is well worth a half-day visit. Arrangements can be made directly through the lodge (extra charge). DEPARTURE DAY: There is no fishing on the day of departure. Since the staff must prepare rooms for incoming guests, check out time is 12 noon. Parties must leave for Cancun at least four hours before flight time. It will not be possible to stop at Tulum en route to the airport. TIPPING: It is customary to tip the guides and staff in Mexico. Gratuities can be a confusing issue. Therefore, we would like to offer a few guidelines. We recommend $70-$100 per guest for the week for the lodge staff and an average guide tip of $40 a day per boat. Guests aren t charged for fishing time beyond eight hours, but bear in mind that poling the boats is very physically demanding; if your guide puts in extra hours on the water, he should be tipped accordingly. THE FISHING: The daily fishing schedule is flexible, so discuss your plan with the manager every day and review with your guide each morning. Most anglers take advantage of the best time to spot bonefish and permit on the flats, usually from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Earlier and later, the sun angle causes a glare, making the fish difficult to see. In order to maximize time on the water, most anglers request to have a boat lunch packed. The more leisurely option is to come in around noon, enjoy a full

3 lunch in the dining room, then head back out at your own pace, perhaps from 1:30 4 o'clock. Each day your guide will stock a cooler on the boat with soft drinks, beer and water. Six soft drinks or beers consumed on the boat are included in the package price. Feel free to offer the guide a soft drink, but lodge policy prohibits his drinking alcoholic beverages. GUIDES: As a rule, anglers fish with the same guide for the week. The local Mayan guides are experienced but may not speak English well. Your final travel documents will include an English/Spanish fishing vocabulary card. Be sure to discuss any issues, special requests, or expectations with the lodge manager. WEATHER: Aside from wonderful accommodations, Boca Paila Fishing Lodge s best attribute is that it offers the angler a great variety of saltwater species. Saltwater fishing, however, is not easy and can be somewhat unpredictable; the weather can play an important part in your fishing success. Unfortunately, the lodge cannot control the weather, but the guides will make every effort to provide a quality angling experience despite inopportune weather conditions. RECOMMENDED TACKLE Ideally, the fly fishing angler should take three rods: an 8 weight for bonefish, a 9 weight for windy conditions and larger flies (perfect for permit), and a 10 weight for tarpon and other larger species. For the spin fisherman, a long medium-action rod for bonefish and permit, and a stiff, heavy-action rod for tarpon and larger reef species will do nicely. Backup rods should be taken. (The lodge has several fly fishing and spinning outfits for rent.) See Basic Equipment Checklist enclosed. FISHING CONDITIONS GENERAL Flats/Bottom The majority of the flats fished at Boca Paila have soft bottoms and therefore are not wadable. There are, however, several areas (especially flats adjacent to the central tidal channel) that are wadable. Although there are many species for the sport fisherman at Boca Paila, the area is best known for its bonefish, permit, tarpon, barracuda, and snook. Bonefish range from around 2 to 5 pounds, the 5-pounder being the exception; permit from 3-25 pounds, tarpon from 5-60 pounds, barracuda from 2-35 pounds, and snook from 5-20 pounds. Snapper and jack crevalle (5-30 pounds) are also present. BONEFISH... FLY FISHING The fly fisherman has an advantage over the spin fisherman due to the delicacy of the fly presentation and a more diverse selection of patterns. Fly Selection, some general guidelines: It is important to match the fly s overall color with that of the bottom. The food items that bones prefer are also experts in camouflage and will 3 match to their surroundings perfectly. Then again, there are days when bright pink is the only color that will work. When in doubt, ask your guide for recommendations. Recommended Bonefish Flies: You should consider taking 3 to 5 dozen of the assorted flies listed below for a week s fishing. You needn't include all of these. Most should have standard bead-chain eyes and should be in size #6. Add some size #8 for finicky or spooky fish. Include a handful each of eyeless and lead-eye flies. Crazy Charlies (tan, light brown, pink) Gotchas Puffs (light brown, pink) Shrimp imitations (light brown, light pink) both with rubber legs and lightly weighted Epoxy heads (MOEs) (yellow, pink) with flash Small Clouser Minnows (chartreuse and white, tan and white, shiner, foxee bonefish) Chili Pepper Christmas Island Specials (pearl, orange) Crab patterns, including Barry and Cathy Beck s silly leg version and yarn crabs in light brown and light green, work well for both bonefish and permit. Rods: The ideal size rod for Boca Paila bones is a stiff, fastaction 7 or 8 wt. The 8 wt will effectively handle most conditions and have the power to punch out a line in a fairly stiff breeze. Fly rods that are 9 feet and over are recommended because they help keep lines up off the water while casting to and playing fish. Reels: Should be anodized saltwater models that will hold a full fly line, plus approx. 200 yards of 20-lb backing. Reels with a high quality, smooth disc drag are essential to prevent breakoffs from the blistering runs of hooked fish. Fly Line: Saltwater weight-forward floating fly lines are all that is necessary. Note: Carry at least one extra spool/line in case a fish frays your line on a mangrove root or coral. Leader/Tippet: A tapered leader of 9-ft length is recommended. A half-dozen knotless tapered or hand-tied bonefish leaders in 8, 10 and 12 lb should suffice for a week of bonefishing. Be sure to take spools of tippet in 8, 10 and 12 lb for rebuilding or lengthening your leader. SPINNING Lures/Jigs: The most popular jigs are 1/8 oz bucktail Gaines Phillips Wiggle Jigs in sand/brown and pink. Spin Charlies in pink, white/brown, and sand/brown are also a very productive bonefish lure. Saltwater lead head 1/8 oz jigs attached to 2" (or smaller) soft plastic Mister Twister type grubs are also a good choice. Grub colors: white, yellow, chartreuse, pink, smoke glitter, hot pink and yellow pearl. Live Bait: At times, when artificial lures are not producing, live small crabs or small chunks of baitfish attached to a wiggle jig can really change your luck!

4 Rods: Should be 6 to 7 ft light- to medium-action graphite models. High modulus rods will greatly increase rod sensitivity. A rod suited for 8-10 lb line designed to cast lures from 1/8 oz to 1/2 oz is best. Reels: Reels should be able to hold at least 200 yards of 8-10 lb test. A smooth drag is essential to avoid breaking off fish. Line: For spinning we recommend Stren High Impact; for level-wind reels, Berkley Big Game Trilene Inshore line. PERMIT... Permit are by far the most difficult, picky, frustrating fish you ll encounter on the flats. They have superb eyesight and a well developed sense of smell. Unlike bonefish, permit are excessively finicky about what they eat. They will often charge your offering with reckless abandon, only to stop at the last moment and snobbishly refuse it. Don t become discouraged. FLY FISHING For the fly fishing angler, the permit is considered the ultimate flats species. Patterns: Permit have a particular weakness for small crabs so the majority of the productive patterns are crab imitators. The most productive at Boca Paila are the Rag Head Crab, Merkin Crab, and Cathy Beck Permit Crab (available directly from Barry and Cathy Beck; Phone [570] ) in muted colors: tan, cream, and olive; size #6 or #4. Other popular patterns: MOE (Mother Of Epoxy), #4, in white, pink, and brown; Clouser Minnow, #2, chartreuse and white bucktail with red lead eyes; Puff patterns, #2 to #4, in light and dark brown; Jewett Blue Crab #4. Many Boca Paila permit have fallen to Crazy Charlies as well. Rods: Should be a bit stouter to handle larger flies and fish. The ideal permit rod is a 9 or 10 wt. Reels: Those listed for bonefish should fare well against permit; make sure to have at least 200 yards of 20-lb backing. Lines: Saltwater weight-forward floating lines are all that is necessary. Tippet/Leader: Again, follow the bonefish guidelines but use a slightly stronger tippet section (12-15 lb). Fluorocarbon tippet is recommended. SPINNING The spin fisherman has a good chance of taking a permit because of the option of using a live crab (hermit crabs work well) for bait. Crabs are a permit s one and only vice. Artificial Lures: Lures listed in the bonefish section in slightly larger sizes can all be productive. A spinning variety of the McCrab or a Gaines Philips Wiggle Jig 1/8 oz (pink or white/ brown) are good choices. Live Bait Rig: Small swivel, 1/8-1/4 oz slip sinker and a #2 or #1 Mustad 9174 O Shaughnessy bait hook or 1/8 oz wiggle jig with a crab tailer. Rods: The same as listed in the bonefish section. Reels: Must hold at least 200 yards of lb line. (See Bonefish section for line type.) Permit are larger and significantly stronger than bonefish and will strain spinning tackle to the limit. Large permit will often make such long runs that you ll be forced to follow them in the boat, so substantial line capacity is important. If you hook a large permit, expect the battle to last for over 40 minutes. TARPON (May and June Peak)... Tarpon are the largest, strongest, and most acrobatic of the Boca Paila fish. Even juvenile fish will put your angling skills to the test and strain your tackle. This tarpon fishery is not as significant as those found in Belize and Florida. Primarily known for small to mid-sized specimens (5-50 lbs), Boca Paila s tarpon should be considered as an added bonus, since the numbers found in these waters are fairly limited. A few, especially the juveniles, remain in the area year-round. Migratory fish begin to show up at the beginning of May and increase significantly from May through June. FLY FISHING Rod: The ideal rod for Boca Paila-sized tarpon is a 10 wt. You can get away with a stiff 9 wt, but if you hook a 60+ pound fish or your guide asks you to cast a 3/0 fly in a 20-knot breeze, you ll wish you had the backbone of a heavier rod. Reel: Tough, no-nonsense reels are a must when you are playing tarpon. A strong, reliable drag is vital. Capacity: 200 yds with 30-lb backing. Lines: Those recommended in the bonefish section in appropriate sizes will work well. Generally, sinking lines are not necessary. Leaders and Tippets: For most anglers, pre-made tarpon leaders (offered by Umpqua and Climax) will simplify things considerably. In any case, you need a 12" 15" shock tippet of 60-lb or heavier monofilament (or wire). We recommend buying these pre-made leaders with 16- or 20-lb class tippet sections. Flies: A selection of the following should cover all conditions (sizes 1/0, 2/0 and 3/0): Cockroach, Chico s Shallow Water Tarpon (burnt orange/grizzly, blue/griz., yellow/griz., green/ griz.), Stu Apte (Apte Tarpon), Sea Bunny (olive, purple, tan), Lefty s Deceiver (red/yellow, chartreuse/white). Popping bugs, such as Gaines Saltwater Popper. Clouser Minnows in various colors also perform. SPINNING The spin fisherman has a distinct advantage over the fly fisherman when blind casting because of the overall 4

5 effectiveness a spinning or casting rod has in covering large expanses of water. Lures (Surface): Rebel Jumpin Minnow 4 1/2" 5/8 oz (silver flitter and G-finish/gizzard shad) and Heddon Zara Spook 4 1/2" 3/8 oz (G-finish shad and G-finish pearl/red head). Heddon Lucky 13, 5/8 oz 3 3/4" (silver flitter and white/ red head). Subsurface (Minnow Type): Rapala CD Mag 5 1/2" (silver/ black back) or Bomber Heavy Duty Magnum 16J, 1 oz, 6" (silver/black). Mirrolures: These popular lures have been very effective for tarpon for many years. Mirrolure 52M, 3 5/8" 1/2 oz, shallow runner; 65M, 3 3/16" 1 oz deep runner; 38MR 3" 3/8 oz (red/ white and green back/white belly). Jigs: 1 oz. saltwater jig head with 6" sassy shad (chartreuse/ black back and natural shad). Bucktails from 1 to 1 1/2 oz in yellow and white can also be productive. Rods: When purchasing a rod, remember that the rod must have a fairly heavy action to aid in hook setting and to properly play a heavy fish. A few rods that meet these specifications are: Spinning Penn Power Graph 7' med-hvy action, lure wt 3/8-1 oz. Shakespeare Ugly Stick Big Water 6' 6" medium action, lure wt 1/2-3 oz. Casting Shakespeare Ugly Stick 6' 6", med-hvy, lure wt 1/2-2 oz. Reels: Must hold at least 150 yards of lb test and have strong/reliable drags. A few good examples are: Spinning: Penn Spinfisher 650SS Diawa Black Gold series Casting: Shimano Calcutta CT400 Quantum Big Iron series Line: Spinning a thin/supple monofilament such as Abu- Garcia s Ultra-Cast, lb. Casting a stiff, low stretch line like Berkley TriMax or Big Game, lb. Note: The small teeth in a tarpon s mouth are very abrasive, so it is essential that you use at least 12 inches of lb shock tippet or a wire leader between your line and lure. SNOOK... Snook are found in the waters around Boca Paila year round, although their numbers fluctuate somewhat. They should generally not be considered a primary target. FLY FISHING Rods/Reels: The same as listed in permit section. Lines: In addition to a floating line, you may want to have a sinking line on hand for blind casting at the mouth of the boca. Leaders/Tippets: Snook will typically blast out of a nightmarish mangrove tangle to take your fly and then try to race 5 back into it, in a frantic attempt to wrap you around every root they can find. With this in mind, a straight shot of 20-lb tippet material or Mason hard nylon tippet material connected to twelve inches of 60-lb shock tippet will allow you to keep them out of the bushes. A shock tippet is used because of the snook s razor-sharp gill plates. Flies: Snook prefer bright-colored flies dressed with a moderate amount of flash. Favorite colors include white, red, and yellow. Often they can be caught on surface poppers, so a combination of the following is recommended. Subsurface: Punch series (Lime, Tropical, and Sabalo) 2/0. Seaducer (yellow/red) 2/0. Lefty s Deceiver (red/yellow & green/white) 2/0. Comb s Sea Habit (green/white). Clouser Minnows in shiner and chartreuse/white. Surface: Gaines Popper (yellow/red and blue/white). Note: If the fish seem interested in your fly but are short striking, don t be afraid to give your fly a little haircut to help shorten its overall length. SPINNING/CASTING A wide variety of jigs and surface plugs (covering all depths and types of water) is important because it is hard to say exactly which lure the snook will find enticing at any given moment. You will likely have to try several before you find a hot one. Lure Selection Surface: Follow tarpon guidelines but add a propeller-type surface lure, like a 1/2 oz Luhr-Jenson Bass Agitator, to the selection. (red/white, yellow/black & red spots, silver foil). Subsurface: Again, tarpon selection will apply, but add two types of crankbaits to the selection: Bomber Model 7A 1/2 oz 3 1/2" (fire tiger) and Bill Lewis Rattle Trap - 3/4 oz (chartreuse shiner and/or chrome/black back). Jigs: 3/4 and 1 oz. saltwater lead head jig with a 3 1/2" and/or 4" sassy shad type plastic grubs (chartreuse/black back and shad). Bucktail jigs in the same color/size combination can also produce fish. Rod/Reel: Will be the same as those used for tarpon. Line: Again, follow the tarpon guidelines but use lb test. OTHER GAME FISH... Barracuda, Jacks and Sharks: Lurking at the top of the food chain, these tough flats predators offer some outstanding action on a fly or lure. They will strike anything that darts away from them in an injured manner. When hooked, they are some of the fastest and most powerful fish to be taken on light tackle. FLY FISHING Flies: Barracuda Needlefish patterns (green/white, chartreuse, blue/white), Braided Barracuda Fly (chartreuse), Rabbit Barracuda (2/0), Chinese Dragon (chartreuse and white) 3/0. Note: For barracuda and jacks, an extra-fast retrieve will usually provoke more strikes than a slow retrieve.

6 Jacks and Sharks Lefty s Deceiver (red/white and blue/ white), Streaker, Gaines Saltwater Popper (red/white and blue/ white), Shark Fly. 2/0-3/0 hook. Rod/Reel: Follow tarpon guidelines 10 wt rod is ideal. Line: Saltwater taper, floating line. Leader: A wire shock tippet is mandatory. Pre-tied Climax Barracuda/Shark or Bluefish are perfect. SPIN/CASTING Lures: Barracuda Tube lures (green and orange) are especially effective, Zara Spook (see tarpon section), 5 1/4" Rapala Silver 9/16 oz (Needlefish) Jacks and Sharks Zara Spook (tarpon size/colors), Magnum Rapala (tarpon size/colors). Rod/reel: Same listed in tarpon section. Line: lb test. FISHING TECHNIQUES Even if you feel fairly secure about your casting ability, we strongly recommend that you take a few casting lessons to perfect the double haul as well as your accuracy and technique. Then practice casting (in the wind if possible) at least 10 minutes a day the week before you arrive. A good pair of polarized sunglasses (brown or amber lenses recommended) and a long-billed hat with a dark underside are essential for spotting fish. Except for barracuda or big tarpon lying stationary on the bottom, generally speaking, the fish are always moving. Scan laterally, slowly, as the boat moves. Things to look for include the flash of an exposed tail, nervous water, a bulge or push, or the shadow of a cruising fish. BONEFISH... Bonefish have three basic modes of behavior; the angler s presentation will be determined accordingly: 1. Tailing While feeding with their snouts buried in the bottom silt, bonefish will often stick their wavering tails out of the water. As this occurs, the angler can usually throw a fly or lure almost directly on top of them without spooking them. 2. Mudding On the deeper parts of the flat, bonefish will often stir up the bottom as they grub for food. This cloud of mud tends to make the bones feel quite secure and often the angler can catch one after another without spooking the school. 3. Cruising Are generally the most difficult fish to present a fly or lure to because they aren t necessarily interested in feeding. Cruising bones are much more aware of their surroundings, and extreme care should be taken in presentation. When casting, place your offering well ahead of the fish and let it settle until the fish is right on top of it. FLY FISHING Retrieve: Always pull your fly away from a fish never toward it. If you are fishing over sandy bottom, allow the fly to settle and then strip it off the bottom in little spurts. If the fish don t seem interested, try varying your retrieve until they respond. The most popular retrieve is a series of short, slow strips. Another productive technique is a fast strip followed by a dead stop. If the fish sees the fly, he will pick it up from a dead stop. The fish will usually pop its tail up as it takes the fly and the hook should be set immediately after this occurs; you will actually see many fish pick up the fly before you feel them. Many people miss fish because they don t set the hook in time the fish has picked up the fly but hasn t been felt and drops it again. When setting the hook, apply a moderate pressure to the fly line with your stripping hand and raise the rod at an angle, so if you miss the fish, the fly will still be in its vicinity. Don t jerk many bonefish turn violently at the moment they feel the hook and that, combined with too hard a hook set, will usually snap the leader. As soon as the fish begins to run, it is very important to clear the line you have stripped in to avoid line tangles and to get the fish on the reel. Occasionally the fish will run toward you, in which case you will have to quickly strip in more line to maintain pressure. Then the fish will change directions and you can clear the line. Bonefish have tough mouths and having very sharp hooks is important. Resharpen hooks with a hook hone after every three or four fish. Vary your retrieval technique if you have refusals and, of course, change flies following two or three refusals in a row. Try to keep false casts to a minimum, and once you have a hookup, hold your rod as high as you can. Please pinch down the barbs on the hooks of your flies with long-nosed pliers. You won't lose one out of fifteen fishing barbless. This makes it so much easier to release fish unharmed, and many people feel the barbless hook actually works better in penetrating the tough tissue of the bonefish s mouth. SPINNING Spin fishing for bonefish can be very effective when done correctly. The most important thing to remember is that the presentation of a spinning lure is not as delicate as that of a fly. When presenting your lure, it s best to cast feet in front of the fish. When the fish reaches the vicinity of the lure, begin a slow retrieve. PERMIT... FLY FISHING Tailing fish are more likely to take a fly but cruising permit are most commonly encountered, so you must be prepared to place the fly well in front of the fish, allow it to settle to the bottom, and patiently wait. When the permit is several feet from the fly, scoot the fly along the bottom in a slow, deliberate, crab-like fashion and then stop the fly completely. If the permit appears uninterested, you must possess enough self-control to attempt to persuade the fussy beast into reconsidering your offering. At this point, don t begin madly stripping the fly like a crazed bonefisherman think like a terror-stricken crab and slowly retrieve the fly as if it s trying to inch its way out of the permit s vicinity. The trick is to try to keep the fish interested, catching its attention. A slow, varied retrieve seems to work best. 6

7 SPINNING As with fly fishing, artificial lures should be fished slowly and patiently. The presentation should creep along the bottom with frequent and sporadic stops and starts. Live Bait: Place your cast no less than 25 feet from a cruising fish, allowing the crab to regain its wits before the fish gets to it. If the fish is hungry and the crab survives its airborne launch, the permit will usually pounce on it immediately. Make sure the fish has the crab for at least five seconds before firmly setting the hook. A permit s mouth is very tough; set the hook repeatedly and never allow slack line or the hook may be dislodged. TARPON... Fishing Conditions: Most tarpon will be encountered in the tidal channels connecting the flats and deeper water. In most circumstances, fish are seen rolling and the angler will try to approach within casting distance. On the ocean side of Boca Paila, tarpon can sometimes be found cruising along the beach, especially during May and June. FLY FISHING Presentation: Once cruising or rolling fish have been spotted, it is important to quickly and accurately place the fly in front of the fish s path. Tarpon are not easily spooked and you can place the fly quite close to them. A distance of about three to five feet is perfect. Allow the fly to sink to the level of the fish and then begin to strip it back with a slow, steady retrieve (12-inch strips as a general rule). This is the moment of truth. If all goes well and the tarpon is in the dining mood, the fish will greedily take the fly wait until it turns before setting the hook. By doing this, the tippet will slide into the corner of the fish s mouth (the softest part) which theoretically sets you up for the best possible hooking angle. Tarpon have concrete-lined mouths, so a super-sharp hook is an absolute necessity. Correct hook setting will also help put the odds in your favor. Point the rod tip at the fish and firmly set the hook with your stripping hand only; then keep the rod tip close to the water (to eliminate slack) and pump the rod sideways with short, sharp tugs as you pull on the line and the rod simultaneously. This sounds easy on paper, but if you haven t caught one of these giant primordial beasts before, the sight of one inhaling your puny fly may turn you into a bumbling ball of nerves. A Note on Lost Fish: The average fly fisherman only lands about 30 percent of jumped fish. The most common causes related to fish loss are dull hooks, poorly tied knots, and frayed tippet super-sharp hooks and well-tied knots are of utmost importance! Carry a small hook file at all times. SPINNING Presentation: The wide variety of lure types all have different actions and are retrieved at varying depths. As a general rule, tarpon like lures that are retrieved at an easy pace. SNOOK... Snook are most often found in small schools, so remember to thoroughly concentrate on an area where a strike or hookup 7 occurs. Snook often tend to hold near some sort of structure (i.e., mangroves or logs). Because these fish usually won t move far from their lair to take your offering, an accurate presentation is very important. If you re doing things correctly, you can expect to be pulling the occasional fly out of the mangroves by hand. Snook are notorious for their ambush predatory tactics and require accurate fly placement (often in small pockets and under the mangroves) to entice a strike. FLY FISHING Snook can be taken with a variety of surface and subsurface flies. The key to success is perseverance. SPINNING Presentation: Snook are a somewhat transient fish, often moving in schools from place to place depending on water conditions and availability of food. Because of this, a common practice is to cast with a locator lure until the fish are found and then stop and cast to them after the first hookup occurs. It s best to keep switching lures until strikes start occurring. CLIMATE & CLOTHING Temperatures can range from the low 70s up to the mid-90s. Dress is informal at the lodge; please feel free to wear what you are most comfortable in. Clothing Slacks/shorts: 2 or 3 pairs in lightweight cotton Long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection) light color/fabric Cotton sweater, fleece jacket or light windbreaker for cool mornings and evenings Shoes: 1 pair rubber-soled, non-slip boat shoes; canvas sneakers. We and the lodge management highly recommend that all those who plan to wade wear neoprene wading shoes with a rigid sole. In some areas around Boca Paila there are saltwater lice that can be bothersome. Long pants tucked into wading shoes will alleviate problems with sea lice (they re really harmless). Fishing hat: should have long front visor with black underbill (enhances polarizing qualities of sunglasses) and it must shade face, neck, and ears. Sunscreen: It is very important that waterproof sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 be applied to all exposed skin including your lips. Remember that the sun reflecting off the water can burn your face even if you wear a wide-brimmed hat. Buff or bandana for face protection. Lightweight rain gear for the occasional shower Fishing Accessories Checklist Polarized sunglasses: two pair with brown or amber lenses (avoid green) indispensable for seeing fish. Clippers for cutting monofilament Needlenose pliers/forceps Fly line dressing Hook sharpener Neoprene reel covers Hip pack

8 Nail knot tool Tape measure Reel grease Pocketknife Optional Scales Adhesive tape Golf glove Knot book Fly tying equipment Small towel for wiping hands Zip-loc bags large and small FINAL NOTE... Boca Paila is a family-owned-and-operated fishing lodge located in the heart of a remote Mexican paradise. Family members and lodge employees always do their utmost to ensure the comfort of their guests and accommodate all of your needs and requests. However, occasionally you may experience a bit of a manana attitude, a late departure or a possible equipment failure. Please remember that while the staff at the lodge is very laid-back they are also professionals and will do their best to keep everything on schedule. Relojate y disfruta de lo que te rodea... Relax and enjoy your surroundings. Miscellaneous Pocket-size digital camera with at least 5 megapixels, recharger, and waterproof case insect repellent snorkel, mask, and fins medications you may require first-aid kit small flashlight travel alarm clock bathing suit sandals WHERE TO OBTAIN EQUIPMENT Tackle & Equipment Dealers We recommend our new tackle partner, 7Days Outdoors, for all of your tackle needs. Specializing in the unique requirements of the traveling fly fisherman, 7Days offers lodgespecific fly, leader and tippet kits which are assembled based on trip dates, fishing objectives, and frequent updates from the lodge. A full-line fly shop that will go the extra mile to outfit you for your trip, 7Days proudly carries Sage, Tibor, Ross, Rio, Patagonia, Fishpond and other brands. Please think of 7Days as a service as much as a store. Call 7Days at or visit them online at U.S.A. 7Days Outdoors, 610 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia, PA Toll-free Phone info@7daysoutdoors.com Fax Web site: GREAT BRITAIN (UK Country Code 44) Sportfish, Winforton, Hereford, HR3 6SP Tel Fax Buy online at orders@sportfish.co.uk Worldwide shipping available 8 Copyright Frontiers International Travel. All rights reserved. Rev ns

9 BOCA PAILA BASIC EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST (Optional tackle listed in Pre-trip) FLY FISHING BONEFISH 7-9 wt rod saltwater reel with min. 150 yds 20-lb dacron backing weight-forward floating line (saltwater taper) saltwater leader 9 ft tippet material: 8, 10 and 12 lb Flies (most in size #6; bring a handful of #8 and #4) "Standard" Crazy Charlies in light brown, cream, pink, yellow, and light green; Gotcha; small Clouser Minnow; Mini-Puff PERMIT 9-10 wt rod saltwater reel with min. 200 yds 20-lb dacron backing weight-forward floating line (saltwater taper) saltwater leader 9-12 ft tippet material: 10, 12 and 15 lb fluorocarbon is recommended Flies (sizes #4, #6 and #2) Merkin Crab, Rag Head Crab, McCrab TARPON ( May & June peak) wt rod saltwater reel with min 200 yds 30-lb backing floating or intermediate sinking line (tarpon taper) tarpon leaders with mono shock tippet Flies (sizes #1/0 and #2/0) Chico s shallow-water tarpon fly; yellow/grizzly, green/grizzly Lefty s Deceiver (various colors) Cockroach Clouser Minnow SNOOK 9 wt rod reel with permit specifications saltwater taper line (floating and intermediate sink) tarpon leaders with 60# shock tippet Flies Lime Punch Lefty's Deceiver (chartreuse and white) Gaines Saltwater Poppers (red/yellow and blue/pearl) OTHER SPECIES (Barracuda, Jacks, Sharks) 9-10 wt rod reel with tarpon specifications floating and sinking lines wire leaders lb (Climax Bluefish or 'Cuda/Shark) Flies Attractor: (Seaducer, Streaker, Gaines Poppers, Deceivers) Barracuda: (Needlefish, Barracuda Bunny) SPIN/CAST BONEFISH 6 1/2 to 7 ft rod, light/med action; lure wt 1/8 to 3/8 oz spinning reel, min 200 yds 6 or 8-lb mono Lures Spin Charlies (weighted version of Crazy Charlie) Gaines Phillips Wiggle Jig 1/8 oz (white, yellow, brown, pink) 1/8 oz saltwater jigs, leadhead and 2" Mister Twister-type plastic body (hot pink, smoke glitter, white, yellow and chartreuse) live bait rig: # Mustad O Shaughnessy hook and 1/8 oz slip sinker; small, strong swivel PERMIT 6 1/2 to 7 ft light/med action rod; lure wt 1/8 to 3/8 oz spinning reel, min 200 yds 8-10 lb mono Lures Gaines Phillips Wiggle Jig 1/8 oz (white, yellow, brown, pink) 1/4 and 1/8 oz saltwater jigs, leadhead and 3" Mister Twister-type plastic body (pumpkinseed, smoke, green, white, yellow) live bait rig: # Mustad O Shaughnessy hook and 1/4 oz slip sinker; small, strong swivel TARPON (May & June peak) 6 1/2 to 7 ft med/hvy rod; lure wt 1/2-1 1/2 oz. spinning or bait casting reel, min 150 yds 20-lb mono (12"- 18" of lb. mono shock tippet or wire leader) Lures 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and pearl, red head) Rapala CD Mag 5 1/2" (silver) Mirrolure 52M and 65M (green back/white body and red/white) 1 oz saltwater jigs, leadhead and 6" Sassy Shad; black back/ chartreuse and natural shad) OTHER SPECIES (Snook included) tarpon wt rod and reel,12-16 lb mono Lures: Barracuda tube lures (red and yellow) 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and G-finish pearl/red head) wire leaders, min 12" lb 3/4-1 1/2 oz bucktail and plastic jigs (white and yellow) 3/4-1 1/2 oz slip sinker and #2/0 bait hook Lures: Jacks/Sharks 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and G-finish pearl/red head) Rapala CD Mag (silver) wire leaders, lb, 12" Lures: Reef Species Snappers, Grouper, etc. 3/4-1 1/2 oz bucktail and plastic jigs (white and yellow) 3/4-1 1/2 oz slip sinker #1/0-3/ Mustad hooks (bait rig) Lures: Snook 4 1/2" Zara Spook (G-finish/shad and G-finish pearl/red head) 60# shock tippet 3/4-1 oz saltwater jig, leadhead and 4" chartreuse plastic body or bucktail 3/4 oz Bill Lewis Magnum Rat-L-Trap; chartreuse shiner and/or chrome/black back Also, take some #8 wire, 4/0 6/0 bait hooks, and 30# swivels.