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 thing you will need is a reel that matches your rod. The good news is that reels are rated exactly the same way as fishing rods are rated. If you have purchased an eight weight rod, you will need an eight rated reel. This is pretty simple to understand. The best choice for saltwater applications is the larger arbor reel. These allow you to have a couple of hundred yards a fly line backing, which is easily accommodated on a wider and deeper spool. This additional length is necessary in the event that you hook a large fish, and he decides to make a long run. These fly reels with good drag systems typically cost less than $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.

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 Fishing Reels, Penn Reels, and Team Daiwa Reels.