There are many exciting varieties of fish awaiting those that want to indulge in saltwater fishing, including cod, tarpon, eels, sea catfish, barracuda, mackerel, swordfish, bass, tuna, sharks and a lot more. This saltwater fly fishing gear guide will introduce you to this exciting sport and give you an overview of the equipment you will need.
Saltwater Fly Fishing Equipment
To be a successful fly fisherman, requires having the proper saltwater fly fishing gear. The first thing you will need to do is to go out and buy a decent saltwater fly fishing rod. A saltwater fly fishing rod is preferably between eight to ten feet in length, and also must be quite strong for saltwater fly fishing. Normally a rod between a 7-weight to a 12-weight is used, and it’s important to get a rod with stainless steel guides, so it will not rust. Also ensure that the rod has a padded fighting butt, which can be either fixed or removable. One of the best saltwater fly fishing rods available is the Orvis Helios Fly Rod, which is one of the lightest saltwater fly fishing rods that money can buy.
As far as the fly reel is concerned you need to choose a reel that can withstand corrosion from the saltwater, so you will need to consider buying a reel that is made out of stainless steel, or even of titanium. Its also essential that your reel has a very good drag system for saltwater fly fishing. You may have to spend at least one hundred dollars on a reel, but this is money well spent, as you definitely need a quality reel for saltwater fly fishing.
The fly line most commonly used by most saltwater fly fishermen is a floating fly line which performs well catching fish near the water’s surface, and in shallow water. Some fishermen target fish in deeper water, and use an intermediate, sinking, or sinking-tip line. Essentially, you should go for a line weight that matches your rod weight – sometimes use a slightly heavier line in windy or very choppy conditions to allow you to cast a further distance. Other essential saltwater fly fishing gear include leaders (normally 6-9 feet, 30 pound strength), tippets (2-3 feet, about 15 pound strength), as well as fly fishing flies. By speaking to the local fly fishing experts, or by visiting local fishing tackle shops, you can get an idea on the best flies to use for the location you are fishing in.
Having the right saltwater fishing gear is the first part of the equation, after which you can concentrate on the proper method of casting the line. If you have no experience casting it may be necessary to get some lessons from a professional. Hooking a fish is another key part of saltwater fly fishing, and you need to understand that it’s incorrect to try and lift the rod too high up in the air, and it is far better to try and upset the swimming pattern of the fish by attempting to roll the rod.
Saltwater fly fishing generally requires the use of equipment that is heavier and stronger than freshwater fly fishing. Also, its important to use wet flies that look just like local species of bait fish being used by the local bait casting fishermen. With saltwater fly fishing it is essential to ensure that you have the correct fly fishing equipment, and with many online websites providing a detailed saltwater fly fishing gear guide, you can get all the required information you need to make the most out of your next saltwater fly fishing trip.
As the equipment for saltwater fly fishing is generally more expensive than freshwater fly fishing, a good solution is to buy an all-in-one kit, whereby you get the rod, reel, and matching line included in one package. This can prove to be more economical, and also you have peace of mind knowing that the rod, reel, and line have been correctly matched for each other. The Sage Trophy Fly Rod Outfit for saltwater is a good value-for-money solution for the novice or seasoned saltwater fly fisherman. For your money you get a quality Sage fly rod, Sage fly reel, and a matching Orvis floating fly line.
Tags: saltwater fly fishing, saltwater fly fishing gear, saltwater gear
