First Rod For The Salt

[cchobot]

We see it all the time in the shop. Someone wants to get started flyfishing the salt. A lot of times these anglers are transplants from sweetwater. Other times they're true beginners on the fly. Of course it's personal preference, but what fly rods would experienced anglers recommend a beginner try casting during they're decision making process? Weight, brand, and even overlining comments are welcome here.

[cchobot]

In a recent "line tasting" at the SWE we cast the 8, 9, and 10 wt 9-foot versions of the gloomis cross current line. Now I have a freshwater background and found the 8 weight to be really comfortable. I think it would be a good "transition" rod from the fresh to the salt just based on the way it loaded. While it may not have cast as far as the other two I felt a greater sense of being "in controll" w/ the ability to put the line where I wanted to.

[E-Z MURF]

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

[cumberlandflyguy]

I agree that you should go with a 9wt. I started 2 years ago and have played around with a number of set ups.

Some other thoughts to consider if you are new ot salt.

Do you need a 2 piece or 4. I decided on a 4 piece so that it would be easier to bring on a plane as I like to take my rig to new locations when I travel.

What type of line (floating, sinking, intermediate).

Don't skimp on the reel. Get a good one that can handle the environment and fish you will be tackling. Many big box retailers will sell you a reel which is not sufficient (I know I bought one)

Spend some time at a flyshop speaking with the staff and picking out what is best for you both practically and financially. It is fine to research on line and in books but nothing beats speaking with the experts.

[cchobot]

After being chased off the water by the wind the other day ... Your points are well taken

[cumberlandflyguy]

yeah, nothing like getting hit in the back of the head with a heavy fly that your trying to chuck into a 25 knot wind to make you wish you brought the spin rod along.

[jpgrandchamp]

9wt is the right rod--at least until you lose control and convince yourself that you need rods for an array of circumstrances and fish, then you will find reasons for 7,8 and 10 wts.

I prefer a reel with interchangeable spools. It is easier to change lines (if you have to) than changing the whole reel. Just remember to change spools where you not going to get sand in the mechanism

I agree on Mitchell's book, his book on Estuaries is good as well.

George Roberts has some good instructional materials to help develop fly casting skills for to salt water

[Flytyingguy1]

Check out the Calton Fly Reels.com