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[HKSR]

I'm heading down to Belize next month for some grand slam action.  Does anybody know of a good place to shop for clothing for fishing in the tropics?  I'm looking for clothes more specific to wading the flats.  Not really looking for waders.  I'm more looking for quick dry pants with UV protection, and durable enough for the salt.

I live on Vancouver Island, but I'm coming into the mainland next weekend, so would like to get my shopping done then.

Thanks in advance!

[Damien]

Awesome!  Been to Belize a couple of times, heading back at the end of March.

Your best bets are at Atmosphere, Mark's or Wholesale Sports.  That being said, I hate to say it but you might find more of what you are looking for at Cabelas.ca or basspro.

Make sure you pick up a couple of UV 'buffs'.
http://www.basspro.com/UV-Buff-Headwear/product/97319/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL

For tops, I used white or light coloured long sleeves shirts the most, like this;
http://www.basspro.com/Columbia-Blood-n-Guts-III-Knit-Shirt-for-Men/product/1407140717033/

For bottoms I had a couple of pairs of convertible pant/shorts.  Early in the morning zipping around the flats can be a bit chilly.  So I like the versatility of converting to shorts from pants.  They also work at night when hanging at the lodge.  I like to pack as light as possible, so double duty items are great.
http://www.basspro.com/Columbia-Blood-n-Guts-III-Convertible-Pants-for-Men/product/1407140717034/

I had a couple of long sleeve collared SPF shirts with easy 'fold up' sleeves.  Again, you can go from the water to the lodge.  Hang them up to dry and cycle them through.
http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-Sportsman-Nylon-Angler-Shirt-for-Men-Long-Sleeve/product/10231400/

You'll probably want some flats boots to avoid coral and rays.  But some guys prefer to go bare foot or wear sandals.  I have a pair of these you can borrow if you want;
http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-Sportsman-Flats-Boots-for-Men/product/55184/

And don't laugh, but one of these can be nice;
http://www.basspro.com/Salt-Life-Signature-Cachalot-Performance-SLX-Hat/product/13042907214519/

Bring a couple of ball caps, and a back up pair (or two) of sunglasses.

Whereabouts are you going?  And good luck with the slam.  I never managed to pull it off in the same day.

[chief]

Try Mountain Equipment Co-op on West Broadway, who have a good selection of clothing for travelers, most of which is applicable to fishermen

[HKSR]

Awesome!  Been to Belize a couple of times, heading back at the end of March.

Your best bets are at Atmosphere, Mark's or Wholesale Sports.  That being said, I hate to say it but you might find more of what you are looking for at Cabelas.ca or basspro.

Make sure you pick up a couple of UV 'buffs'.
http://www.basspro.com/UV-Buff-Headwear/product/97319/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL

For tops, I used white or light coloured long sleeves shirts the most, like this;
http://www.basspro.com/Columbia-Blood-n-Guts-III-Knit-Shirt-for-Men/product/1407140717033/

For bottoms I had a couple of pairs of convertible pant/shorts.  Early in the morning zipping around the flats can be a bit chilly.  So I like the versatility of converting to shorts from pants.  They also work at night when hanging at the lodge.  I like to pack as light as possible, so double duty items are great.
http://www.basspro.com/Columbia-Blood-n-Guts-III-Convertible-Pants-for-Men/product/1407140717034/

I had a couple of long sleeve collared SPF shirts with easy 'fold up' sleeves.  Again, you can go from the water to the lodge.  Hang them up to dry and cycle them through.
http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-Sportsman-Nylon-Angler-Shirt-for-Men-Long-Sleeve/product/10231400/

You'll probably want some flats boots to avoid coral and rays.  But some guys prefer to go bare foot or wear sandals.  I have a pair of these you can borrow if you want;
http://www.basspro.com/World-Wide-Sportsman-Flats-Boots-for-Men/product/55184/

And don't laugh, but one of these can be nice;
http://www.basspro.com/Salt-Life-Signature-Cachalot-Performance-SLX-Hat/product/13042907214519/

Bring a couple of ball caps, and a back up pair (or two) of sunglasses.

Whereabouts are you going?  And good luck with the slam.  I never managed to pull it off in the same day.

Awesome!  Thanks for the info!  Some great tips too   So far, I've got a couple of the SPF long sleeve shirts from SIMMS, and a pair of those SPF gloves as well.  Need to pickup another BUFF too.  Definitely need to get a pair of boots, and I really like the idea of the convertible pants/shorts.

I'm heading to Cabelas in Nanaimo this weekend, so I'll check out what they have.  Looks like I'll have to drive around town next weekend when I'm in the Lower Mainland tho lol.

Oh, and just ordered this beauty for the trip too!  http://www.simmsfishing.com/bounty-hunter-100-roller.html

I'm going to Ambergris Caye for 7 nights.  I've booked 2 days with Tres Pescados for guided fishing, and one day I'm doing the deep water fishing with Seakarus Tours.  The other days will probably be a combination of relaxation and general exploring along the beach for some bonefish hovering around   I can't wait!! 

[clarki]

There's also a recent thread about this on flybc (can I say that...?)

[milo]

It really doesn't matter what you wear on your body as long as you slap a lot of high SPF sunscreen on yourself. Most of the "tropical" fly fishing clothes and their UV designation are mostly about hype (and sales, of course!). Don't fall for it. (although judging by the luggage piece you bought, money doesn't seem to be an issue, so have at it!  )

But for the record, any cotton/polyester blended pants and shirts will work just fine.

The BIG exception is your footwear.

Rather than explaining it myself, here's a link to a good article in the Hatch magazine:
http://www.hatchmag.com/articles/flats-wading-shoes-how-choose/7712870

Have fun and post a report when you come back.

[milo]

If you need a professional Spanish to English translator who also knows how to fish, take me with you. 

[Damien]

Duh, I totally forgot to mention MEC.  That would be your best first stop.  If not ordering online.  Price is a consideration at that joint though.  "feel good" co-op vibes come with a price.  But like Milo said, that doesn't seem to be an issue, 400$ bag?  YIKES! lol

If you've never caught a permit before, brace for impact.  Man, it gets my juices flowing thinking about doing it again.  To call them freight trains is an understatement.

[Damien]

It really doesn't matter what you wear on your body as long as you slap a lot of high SPF sunscreen on yourself

Disagree, I use the sunscreen under the "spf" clothes.  Going bare skin in the sun on the water, even with SPF 70 caked on, will still kick the sh1t out of you after a day.  I have fished in the tropics a lot.  When flats fishing from a boat, I have a hat, glasses, buff, long sleeve shirt and long pants on.  Even waded with pants on a few times.  And SPF chap stick.

[HKSR]

Tons of awesome info here!  Thanks so much!  Yeah, I can't wait to tackle the saltwater brutes.  I've heard they put our pacific salmon to shame in terms of sheer power.  I'm only bringing my 8wt gear for the bones.  I'm leaving it up to the guides to supply the permit and tarpon gear lol.

Oh, and sorry, no more room on the trip unless one of you takes my wife's spot haha.

[milo]

It really doesn't matter what you wear on your body as long as you slap a lot of high SPF sunscreen on yourself

Disagree, I use the sunscreen under the "spf" clothes.  Going bare skin in the sun on the water, even with SPF 70 caked on, will still kick the sh1t out of you after a day.  I have fished in the tropics a lot.  When flats fishing from a boat, I have a hat, glasses, buff, long sleeve shirt and long pants on.  Even waded with pants on a few times.  And SPF chap stick.

Damien, I LIVED most of my young years AND half of my adult life in the tropics. I did not imply you should go bare skinned. What I said was that it doesn't matter what you wear as long as you have sunscreen on. UV protective clothes are a fad - any long sleeve outfit will do the job.

[bj23]

I've got two pairs of flats boots available, plus some tropical fishing books on tarpon and bonefish, plus some flies for tarpon and bonefish.

PM me for details - Located in Langley.

Thanks,

bj23

[HKSR]

The clothing saved my butt down there!  Amazing products!  Not a single bit of sunburn to speak of!  Thanks for all the help guys!

Here's a few pics from the trip:

[Fish or cut bait.]

Quality pics.
Cheers!

[Noahs Arc]

X2 great stuff.

Did you end up going for the grand slam?