Get our free bundle of 25+ proven fish tips from pro guides, delivered instantly.
The exact gear David Mangum runs on the Florida Panhandle flats — the rod, reel, line, and layers behind two decades of chasing the silver king. Every link goes direct.
Orvis
A nearshore big-game blank with the lifting power to turn fish under the boat and the accuracy to put the fly in a six-foot window.
Shop at Yellow Dog
Mako
A 5½" sealed reel with a carbon-fiber drag that engages without startup inertia — the spool moves the instant a tarpon bolts.
Shop at Trident
Scientific Anglers
Short-head taper that loads the rod in one false cast. Reinforced big-game core, tropical coating that stays slick in heat.
Shop at Yellow Dog
Howler Brothers
4-way stretch nylon-spandex that dries fast and moves with the cast. Articulated knees, gusseted crotch, bungee hems for boots.
Shop at Howler Brothers
Howler Brothers
Lightweight UPF 50+ sun hoodie in recycled poly stretch. Thumbholes, full hood, cut so it doesn't bind on the haul.
Shop at Howler Brothers
Costa
Medium-wrap polarized frame with removable side shields and Costa 580 lenses — built to find fish, not glare.
Shop at Yellow Dog
YETI
A nearly indestructible 5-gallon work bucket for the skiff. Doubles as a stripping bucket on the casting deck — keeps the line off the floor and out of the cleats.
Shop at YETI
A free collection
With Mike Dawes
With David Mangum
With Boots Allen
With Zach Peyton
With Curt Hamby
With Colby Crossland
With Maggie Heumann
With Justin Waayenberg
With Kirk Deeter
With Abbie Schuster
With Jeff Currier
With George VanDercook
With Christiaan Pretorious
With Travis Sands, aka the Flats Phantom
With Darren Calhoun
With Scott Smith
With Boots Allen
With John MacMurray