I have fished the world over chasing bonefish, permit and tarpon on the fly.

Through the years I have stayed at some great lodges, located on some of the most beautiful and productive saltwater flats in the world. While at the lodges I have met some wonderful owners, fished with world class guides and made terrific friends. I owe much of what I know about fishing for bonefish and permit to lodge owners and guides.

I still love fishing with local guides and staying at lodges and do so every year.   But since my goal is to spend three to four months a year on the flats, most of the time is spent walking the flats on my own.  My greatest fishing pleasure comes from exploring new areas with fishing buddies, discovering new flats and techniques and catching bonefish and permit using my own wits.

Since local guides are indispensible when fishing new areas I will always recommend at least one guide for each destination.  I encourage you to book a couple of days with a local guide to learn the area and shorten your learning curve.

As in all fishing and travel adventures there are plenty of unknowns affecting the overall success of the trip.  The most important decision is to pick the DIY Fishing Destination that best fits your abilities and expectations. Once you have decided on the destination you will find lots of information on where to fish, where to stay, what you will find at each destination and what you need to bring.

The Information section will help you prepare for the trip providing Travel Checklists, Travel Tips, Equipment and flies along with up to date Fishing Reports.

We host four one week fishing trips per year to some of our favourite places for up to six fishermen per trip.  You won't find a more economical or satisfying DIY flats fishing experience.  Each fishing trip is hosted by an experienced saltwater fisherman who has fished the exact area many times before.  If you want to start catching fish right away you should consider one of our Hosted Trips.

I have traveled with my wife on many DIY adventures, some of which she has enjoyed while others just were not suitable for a non-fishing spouse.  For each DIY Fishing Location I have included a "Spousal Rating"  which is my view of the DIY Destination for a non-fishing spouse.  I look forward to your comments about my recommendations and encourage you to forward to me your experiences where you have taken a non-fishing spouse.

Good luck on all your DIY adventures and thanks for visiting Do It Yourself Flats Fishing.