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.
It should go without saying that the first thing you will need is a decent fly rod. Most saltwater anglers will tell you that anything lighter than the seven weight rod is not a good idea. In fact, typically an eight or nine weight is a great place to start. This is equally as true the average saltwater fish in the Northeast such as bluefish and striped bass. Rod lengths have become fairly standardized at about 9 feet. This length allows you to leverage you need to cast the line without a lot of effort and still remain easy to handle. A good quality rod should cost you somewhere around $100 and local tackle shop.
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.
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 Fishing Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Daiwa Saltwater Reels.