Saltwater Flyfishing Basics
Posted in Fly Fishing Gear on the July 25, 2010
Before you start thinking this is a major undertaking, forget the fact that there is been a tremendous amount of information published about saltwater fly fishing. For those who have never picked up a fly rod, all of this information about fly fishing and accessories can be quite overwhelming. The good news is that like any type of fishing, fly fishing can be as complicated or is easy is you cannot make it. In addition to that, you do not need a tremendous amount of either knowledge or equipment to get started. Contrary to what you may think, you will not need to spend your life savings on equipment that will help you land fish. There are however, some basic equipment needs that are required, and this list should help you get started.
The first thing you will need is a good fly rod. Most saltwater fly anglers recommend an 8 or 9 weight for average salt water fishing. This includes the average saltwater fish in the Northeast such as bluefish or striped bass. Most anglers recommend a rod length of typically about 9 feet long, since they give you the leverage that you need to cast the line. Anything much longer than that becomes hard handle. Most tackle shops will carry a good quality rod for somewhere around $100.
The next most important piece of equipment that you will need is a good reel to match your rod. The good news is the confusion is easy to wade through. Since reels and fishing rods are rated the same, and an eight weight reel will match up with an eight weight rod. If you plan on using your fishing rod primarily in salt water settings, a large, arbor reel is typically a best choice. The benefits of these include wider deepest pools that allow you the room that you need for a couple of hundred yards a fly line backing, as well as your fly line. This additional line is necessary in the event that you hook a large fish that make a long run. This type of fly reel system can be purchased for well under $100.
Inexpensive fly lines are best to start out with. You will also need backing. Your line weight should match your rod and reel, and you should elect a floating weight forward line. You will not need sinking lines right away. The bulk of your real will be filled with fly line backing. As a rule of thumb, this is a Dacron fishing line that is typically rated for 20 to 30 pound test. For best results, ask a tackle shop with a line winding machine to put the appropriate amount of backing on your reel. You can then attach the fly line to the backing.
The next piece of tackle that will be required is a leader. Made either from monofilament line or fluorocarbon line, leaders are typically the same length as your fishing rod, and are attached to your fly line before you tie the fly. Your local retailer should be able to recommend ideal leader sizes for the type of fish that you will be attempting to catch. It is important to remember that leaders are generally tapered, which allows them to unfurl at the end of the cast.
Talk to others who fish locally for deciding which type of flies to use. As a general rule of thumb, a small selection of surface flies and streamers are usually sufficient. For those just starting out, the employees in a local tackle shop can provide this information. After you have been fishing a few times, you will start to figure out what works best for you.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Team Daiwa Reels.