Saltwater Fly Fishing - The Basics part 1

[Old Smoothound]

Hi Folks,

For all those budding fluff chuckers who may be interested in taking up the gentle art of Saltwater Fly fishing, here is what I would reccomend for a basic starter kit:

Basic Saltwater Fly-Fishing Kit

Must haves:

Fast taper fly rod rated #7/8 or #8/9 length 9'-9'6"
Large Arbour reel rated #7/8 or #8/9
Spare spools for reel

Fly lines:

Either shooting heads (preferable) or full lines (easier for the novice to cast)

Floating #8 or 8/9 if shooting heads (best for distance casting and windy conditions)
Medium Sink
Fast Sink

Short fly fishing vest
Good walking boots (for rock hopping)
Or
Chest Waders (breathable type for summer surf wading)
Fly boxes
Saltwater flies
Small cheap plastic washing basket (found in Focus or such like)
Belt for above
Zinger and line snips
Artery forceps (Bass can swallow the fly)
Extendable folding landing net
Spool of 10 / 12lb fluro carbon leader material
Tapered butt for fly lines needle knotted into the fly line, tied with 3 turn water knots starting at 30lb then 20lb then 15lb in short lengths.

Casting lessons from a qualified casting instructor so you can double haul the fly line and get some disctance.

Safety must haves:

Polarised sunglasses
Baseball type fishing hat
Essential just in case a rogue fly hits you.

This is about it really, travel light and search out the fish.

Will post more on the set ups and other stuff later.

Cheers
Shaun

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Great saltwater fly fishing info mate

[audiracer]

great info thank-you smoothy

i've got a rod and started to look at reels, gave up when cost started to get above £250 (HOW MUCH ), will try and print this section off, then go to tackle shop for a look at bits needed.

[acefisher]

Hi Mate ,
If you can afford to run an Audi Racer then you can afford a £250 fly reel (!!!)
OK..... Joking .

However , Fly Reels have become the sports cars of the fly fishing world .
Unfortunately .

My advice is to ignore the aluminium and buy a wide arbour , carbon based reel .

There are quite a few for less than 50 quid , all salt water proof . Perfectly adequate for British waters . Only look for something more expensive if you are warm ( hot ! ) water fishing for bonefish , tarpon , etc , when you will need to buy something with a strong disc drag system . Look at the sites on the Internet .
Cheers .

[audiracer]

Hi Ace
Old Smoothy got me sorted with some great gear
All I need now is lots of practice and possible a few lessons
Brett

[acefisher]

Hi Audiracer,
Great . All that remains is to get out there! Now is a great time while the mackerel are still around .
Tight Lines and Screaming Reels !

[priji]

salt water fly fishing information is great. Thank you.