cchobot,
I too was I convert at one time and started off with an old 8 weight that I had used for Largemouth. I soon was at the local fly shop buying a 9 weight set up because I found that the wind, size of fly's and the strength and size of the critters out matched the 8 weight on many occasions.
If I were a retailer I would recommend a 9wt, this would prevent the customer from making 2 purchases in a short time once they figure out the limitations of the 8wt in the salt. This will make for a happier customer than having to shell out coin twice in an effort to acheive the same results.
Not to mention the fact that beginers will eventually discover big blues, an occasional keeper and albies and bonito, the 9wt will handle these fish perfectly well. The beginer also needs to learn how to tangle with these fish and needs the appropriate tool to do so.
I would also suggest Fly Rodding the Coast by Ed Mitchell, I found it to be an invaluable resource for the beginer.
That's my 2 cents.
Murf  |