Saltwater Fly fishing

The sport of saltwater fly fishing is now becoming more and more popular especially when you can jet off to far distant places at not much more than it costs for one week's salmon fishing. Saltwater fly fishing as been around for a long time with anglers fishing for striped bass since the 1800s. Here in the UK only a devoted band of anglers have been saltwater fly fishing.

Just look at the sea and most people are put off by the sheer expanse of it all and rush to get out their spinning or bait casting rods. It’s a good idea to start by reading as much as you can or taking a walk on your local beaches to see if you can spot anyone fly fishing. Look for estuaries, small jetties, rocky points and places that slope into deeper water.Look for any signs of bass, pollock or mackerel being caught.

The more homework you do on places to fish especially at low tide will be a big advantage when you are out with the fly rod. I have been lucky enough to have taken several saltwater trips abroad and found the whole experience something that makes you want to keep going back for more. My first experience was to Cuba and I will never forget the power of that first bone fish on my home tied crazy charley.

There are lots of companies now offering saltwater holidays and it is a lot easier if you can afford to have a guide to help you get started and spot the fish for you. You can read all the books in the world but spotting bone fish is an art in itself and can be difficult for the novice. An accomplished guide has this gift and can make life so much easier.

If you are planning to do some saltwater fishing either here or abroad just remember that the salt is very corrosive and the tackle no matter what the quality or cost needs to be thoroughly washed with fresh water after every trip. I started with a general purpose 9’ fly rod weight forward seven floating line and a medium priced disc drag reel loaded with adequate backing.

My equipment now includes 9 foot five piece travel fly rods rated from 7# to12#, saltwater disk drag fly reels able to hold the correct size of fly line and at least 200 to 300 yards of backing. Assorted specialist tapered saltwater fly lines and leaders a good pair of sunglasses quick drying clothing, a flats hat and boxes of flies that I will probably never use but great fun to have.

There is a growing trend to fish with much lighter lines and tackle, but first consider your casting ability' the wind and strong fighting fish. Ask yourself is it fair to play a fish for so long on light tackle with predators ready to pounce on the exhausted catch. I have fished for bone fish on a five weight outfit but most of the time a seven or eight weight will serve you better.

The type of set up depends on the species fished for and your personal preference but a general guide would be the following:

Bone fish
Fly rod multi piece 9 foot rod rated for WF8#. I prefer a fast tapered saltwater rod, Sage 9 foot RPLX is a good example.
Fly reel large arbor disk drag reel preferably saltwater anodized with ample space for backing.
Fly line bonefish taper WF8#F.
Backing 150 to 250 yards
Flies a good selection of sizes and sink rates, crazy charlie, clouser, gotcha and small crab patterns should get you into fish.
Leader’s bonefish tapered leaders 9 foot in length

Snook Permit Dorado small Tarpon
Similar set up but the rod and reel should be for 10# line, again don’t skimp on the backing.
Leaders require a shock section so unless you are willing to learn to do everything yourself I would advise buying ready made leaders for these species of fish.

Tarpon
This time we are fishing larger flies and the need to get them out first cast.
Rod 9 foot rod rated for 12# line, this is needed in case we hook into that trophy size fish.

Reel - this is a most important consideration and a top quality reel is a good investment. It must be able to hold the fly line and a good 300 to 400 yards of 30lb backing.
Fly line - Tarpon taper WF12 a floating line should cover most situations, but if the budget will allow the extra spool and backing an intermediate would be useful at times.

Specialist flies for tarpon such as the cockroach are essential but as long as the fly is tied on a good hook, mainly black with a hint of colour, you are in with a chance. Try to do some homework before your trip and always listen to local advice.

Shock leader is required for Tarpon so I would advise buying the specialist leaders available and learning the necessary knots as you progress.

I hope this gives you some idea about saltwater fishing both home and abroad and the tackle required. If in any doubt go to a specialist tackle shop and seek advice or ask if they would hire you the necessary equipment for your trip.