So I might be headed to a place in the Caribbean for a deployment and might have the opportunity to fish the bay. I know my 8wt is a standard weight for redfish/bonefish, what is a good weight if tarpon,snook, or GT are present? I'll probably pack my 8 as well or have it shipped later.

No GTs in the caribbean, but jack crevalle fill the same role.

10 or 12, depending on the size of tarpon you expect to encounter.

That's right, I was looking at pictures of permit. My saltwater experience is limited to bay fishing South Padre, around the causeway.

I use a 10 wt. with a floating line and a 12 with a sinking line. Either will handle the tarpon; the wind, depth, and current will dictate the rod weight. Definitely take the 8, and a 5 or 6 also if you have them. Have fun!

Good advice above. Have some fun, and thanks for your service!

Sometimes it seems that the reason for my existence is to post thoughts that others can correct.

It has been my observation that the size of the fish you are after is not the determining factor on rod selection. Starting over, it would be the size of the fly (and wind conditions) that determine line weight and then the rod follows that. I do not believe that we ever reached a consensus as to suggested rod action. I am new to this salt water stuff (near SPI, but I lived in The Colony in 90-91). Until recently all my exposure to Lefty has been his Saltwater writings. There he devotes much time to distance casting. I will talk about my more recent Lefty readings later. I will review but I do not remember Lefty saying anything about rod action and distance casting. I notice the TFO rods with his name on them are listed as fast action.

It would seem that one of the primary criteria for rod selection would have to do with how much line you will be picking up... again as compared to the size of the fish you are fighting. I have not yet been on the water enough to make up my own mind but I am starting with WF line with sinking leaders. At the moment my fishing car is under development (getting a locker) and then I will report more. results or lack there of.
Tio Pick in Paradise on the Rio

Thank you all for the responses! Good info.

Tio, without putting my own boots on the ground, I'm not sure how much line I'll be working with casting. I know I'll need a bit more backing than my bass fishing. I'm looking at some 10-12wt rods on the more affordable side of the spectrum. What weights are working down there? I've only fished conventional tackle when I used to fish down there.

You have the 8 weight. That covers bonefish, snook, juvie tarpon. So then you might need something for bigger tarpon. How about a 10-11 weight? That seems to cover all the fish short of the giant stuff. Gosh, I love my 8-9 Wgt. g. Loomis short Stix. How about a 10-11 weight one of those?

It's hard to know what's needed without being there. Since you have an 8wgt. Going up a couple or three sizes seems to make sense.

Be sure that you can punch your 12# into heavy winds, and marrying the right lines with rod is key. For example, I had to replace my 12# line and chose the Rio GT line. I'm a Rio person, but I detested that line. 50# core, but it was so thickly coated and sticky coming through the guides, it was difficult to get to the running line. Another example, the Scientific Anglers Wavelength Saltwater 12# line marries extremely poorly with the G-Loomis Asquith rod, but separately, this is a great line and a great rod. Cast many rods before your trip.

Thanks for that info flyfshrgrl.

Landed a killer deal on an NRX 11wt. I'm looking at reels now. Most reels are 9-11 or 11-15. Any reason to save $$ with the smaller reel? I think I only gain a 1/4" in arbor diameter.

Interested in Allen's Omega XLA and new Orvis Mirage, both are pretty new, but have a lot nice details. Any experience with these larger arbor reels?

I can't comment on the Omega XLA, but I have two other Allen reels (a Kraken on my 8-weight and a Trout II on my 6-weight) and I really like both of them. They are well made and have nice drag systems. The quality of them makes me believe the Omega would serve you well.

Also, I got an email from Allen today saying the Omega fly reel series was on sale 50% off this week. The email said the discount would be taken automatically and there was no need for a coupon. That is a hell of a deal assuming you decide to go with the Omega.

Mckinney, that is an awesome deal. I'm trying to decide between two sizes. Get the smaller and try braid backing or get the larger and use standard Dacron.

not a rod selection but make sure you are very comfortable with double haul cast is my suggestion

Once I get it together I'll be at the lake practicing in the wind.