Saltwater Grand Slam
The saltwater grand slam, one of the most coveted achievements in the world of anglers, a feat that requires catching a tarpon, permit, and bonefish in one trip. And if luck was on your side and you also managed to reel in a snook, you would earn the prestigious super grand slam title. For years, I pursued my dream with determination and perseverance. But despite my efforts, I never caught a decent-sized fish that could fulfill my goal. Always settling for smaller ones as consolation.
My ultimate goal, still burning bright in my mind like a beacon, is to achieve the elusive grand or super grand slam. This would require catching fish of each species, all with respectable sizes and fighting spirits. The mere thought of my upcoming trip to Belize in late June sends a surge of excitement coursing through me. My mind is consumed with preparation, and I meticulously plan every detail, from the items to pack to the fish I will encounter.
However, achieving such a feat demands immense dedication and hard work. Countless hours spent studying the behaviors and feeding patterns of each species, carefully selecting the perfect equipment, perfecting my casting and honing my skills to increase my chances of success. But for me, the potential thrill of landing a grand slam makes every moment of preparation worth it. It is a quest that I am determined never to give up on.
As we embark on our journey towards the grand slam, let's delve into the art of constructing leaders that will lead us to success.
Bone Fish Leader
The bonefish in Belize may not be large, with a 5 pound catch being considered exceptional. Therefore, my bonefish leaders consist of standard Rio Bonefish leaders ranging from 8 to 12 pounds in pound test strength. I highly recommend using Flourocarbon for these flats, as they are scattered with rough, abrasive coral that can easily fray your leader. The bones have learned to use this coral to their advantage, making it a challenge for anglers like ourselves to reel them in. But with the right leader, our efforts will not be in vain as we strive towards achieving the grand slam.
Permit Leaders
Next on the agenda is the “Ghost of the Flats”: the Permit. No other gamefish can be so elusive, almost like a mirage that disappears without warning. You might spot a school or a single in an area, but if you make one wrong move or cast too roughly, they will vanish before your eyes, leaving you wondering what just happened. And don't be fooled by their elusive nature - these fish can also grow to a massive size, with 35-pound plus specimens being a very real possibility. The mere thought of tangling with such a powerful and cunning creature sends shivers down the spines of even the most experienced fishermen.
For any angler looking to catch a permit, a quality leader is essential. It must be long and durable, able to propel your fly with both distance and accuracy. When it comes to permit fishing, a specific type of leader is needed due to the unique challenges of casting a crab fly. These leaders require the fly to be held in a ready-to-cast position, making it difficult to throw with little line out of the rod tip. That's why I recommend using an entire leader made from high-quality monofilament material from the same manufacturer.
In this style of fishing, precision is everything. The ability to make accurate presentations is key to success. That's why a hand tied custom Permit leader is a game changer. Once you've tried them, you'll never want to go back to using softer knotless leaders from the past. The leader features a final tippet of (2) 20 lb test sections with the final section made with a lighter diameter fluorocarbon. With a compound construction and quick taper, these leaders have the ability to turn over quickly - perfect for casting in 15 to 20 knot wind conditions
This permit leader is designed specifically for catching these elusive fish, giving anglers the best chance at landing spooky permit.
The Permit Leader
Arms length 50 pound .029 Butt Material / Non Slip Lefty’s Loop Knot
Arms Length 40 pound .026 diameter / blood knot 4 & 4 turns
Arms Length 30 pound.022 diameter / blood knot 4 & 4 turns
Arms length 20 pound .018 diameter / blood knot 5 & 5 turns
Arms Length 20 pound .015 diameter Flourocarbon / blood knot .015 diameter 5 & 6 Turns
Tarpon Leaders
The king of all gamefish demands the utmost reverence from anglers worldwide. With a history that dates back to prehistoric times, the majestic tarpon has withstood the test of time. And for those fortunate enough to hook one of these massive creatures, it truly is a miraculous experience.
For many anglers, chasing tarpon on the flats and channels of Belize becomes an irresistible addiction. The sheer size and power of these fish, which can grow over 200 pounds, make them one of the most coveted game fish in the world. But catching a tarpon is no easy feat - their voracious appetite causes them to inhale flies without actually eating them, plus their bony mouth structure makes setting the hook a challenging task that requires patience and skill, only fueling the addiction further. Once hooked, be prepared for an exhilarating fight full of acrobatic jumps and intense struggles.
While tarpon are typically found in saltwater habitats, they are also capable of surviving in freshwater or "brackish" water. Their primitive lung allows them to breathe air, often seen when they surface for gulps of oxygen. These nomadic creatures cover vast stretches of ocean during their annual migrations, searching for food, specific water temperatures (around 78 degrees), and anything else that catches their fancy. Anglers looking to succeed in catching tarpon should research their diet, understand when the best time of year to fish is, and select the appropriate tackle and gear needed for this remarkable pursuit.
The IGFA Tarpon Leader
There are countless reasons why I highly recommend this leader, but the ability to break off and release these magnificent creatures in case of a shark encounter is particularly noteworthy.
Butt Section: 50 or 60 pound saltwater flourocarbon / 6 to 8 feet
Class Section: 16 pound mono / Improved blood knot / 5 & 3 turns / 15 inches or more (measured from inside of knots)
Bite or Shock Section: 40 to 50 pound fluorocarbon / Improved blood knot 5 &3 turns / 12 inches or less (measured from inside of knots)
The Grand Slam is the pinnacle of any saltwater angler's accomplishments. Countless hours of preparation and responsible angling lead up to this ultimate achievement, making it even more rewarding. With the thrill of the ocean flats calling, it's time to grab your gear and make some unforgettable memories on the water.
And don't worry, I'll be sure to keep you updated on my journey towards this incredible angling feat.
