July 25, 2010
Saltwater Flyfishing Basics
Before you start panicking, this is not as big an undertaking as you might think. They are certainly been an overwhelming amount of information published about saltwater fly fishing and accessories. This can be confusing to someone who has never picked up a fly rod. However, just as with any other type of fishing fly fishing can be simple, or it can be complicated. It really does depend on what you wish to make of it. Getting started does not have to involve huge amounts of knowledge or equipment. In fact, you will quickly discover that there is no need to spend your life savings on equipment that will help you put a fish in your boat. Here are some of the basic equipment needs that will 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 reel is the next important piece of equipment that you will need. It must match your rod. If you bought an eight weight rod, you will need an eight weight reel. Saltwater applications typically mean that you will want a large arbor reel. These reels are wider and deeper in the spooling area, allowing room for the fly line as well as additional fly line backing. This will help if you hook into a large fish that decides to take off on you. A good fly reel with an excellent system can be purchased for well under $100.
The next piece that you will need is fly line and backing. Inexpensive fly lines are a good choice for those just starting out. Make sure the line weight matches your rod and reel, and that you use a floating weight forward line. You will not need sinking lines right away. Before you add your fly line to the reel, fill it with fly line backing. Dacron line rated at 20 to 30 pound test is usually your best option. It is typically best to ask the tackle shop to wind the line for you, since they have winding machines.
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.
The final piece of the puzzle is a small selection of flies. In this instance, your best to tap into local sources of knowledge to make a decision as to which flies are best to use. You really only need a small selection of surface flies and streamers in a variety of sizes and patterns to get started. As a general rule, the clerks at local tackle shops will be able to point you in the right direction. Once you have been able to fish a few times on your own, you will quickly determine which ones work 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 Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Fishing Reels.