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.

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May 18, 2010

Saltwater Flyfishing Basics

Even if this sounds like an overwhelming undertaking, understanding saltwater fly fishing basics is not really that difficult. This certainly has been a great deal published about saltwater fly fishing. In fact, you will find more information about accessories, and it may feel like you have been inundated with information if you have never picked up a fly rod. However, just like any other fishing, fly fishing can be complicated or as simple as you would like to make it. However, understand that you do not need a lot of knowledge or equipment to start successfully. In fact, you do not even need to invest significant amounts of your savings on equipment. Here are 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 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.

The next part of your tackle should be fly line and backing. There is no need to use expensive lines in the beginning. Your line weight should match your fishing rod and reel, and it is preferable that you go with a floating weight forward line. You will not need sinking lines until much later. The majority of your spool should be filled with the fly line backing before the fly line is attached. The best fishing line for this is Dacron, typically weighted for 20 to 30 pound test. It would be prudent to ask a tackle shop that has line winding equipment to put the appropriate amount of backing onto your reel and then attach the fly line to the backing.

Finally, you will need leaders and flies. The best leaders are made from monofilament of fluorocarbon line. This piece of line should be the same length as your rod, and should be attached to your fly line before you tie on your fly. Your local retailer will be more than happy to make recommendations the leader sizes and this will depend on the type of fish that you are going after. Tapered leaders allow for unfurling at the end of the cast.

The final piece of tackle that you will need is a small selection of flies. The best place to get information on this is locally. Local anglers and staff members at your bait shop can help you make an accurate determination of which flies are best suited. A small selection of streamers and surface flies that offer a variety of sizes and patterns will typically work fine. Once you have been out a few times, you will soon be able to figure out 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 Saltwater Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Daiwa Saltwater Reels.

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