Getting Started Flyfishing The Salt

[riflyfisher]

I suggest that step one be to book a trip with a good guide. There is a lot of "see one, do one, teach one" to saltwater flyfishing if one is already familiar with flyfishing generally. One trip will teach you a lot if the guide is any good.

Also buy a good book on the subject. For the waters in this part of the world, Lou Tabory's books are probably the best place to start. After these two steps, you will be in a better position to evaluate what equipment to buy. Stick to relatively high end stuff designed for saltwater. Plan to spend in the vicinity of $500 for an entry level outfit. Highest end will set you back about $1100. I suspect that your first rod will/should end up being a 9 weight, with your second being a10 weight and your third being an 8 (for early season schoolie stripers and bonefish in southern climes).

[SageBoy]

Chris,

Even though I own a few Sage rods I would still recommend TFO. I have an 8w and a 12w TiCrX and love them both. Very fast rod. For the money it's a great rod with a good warranty.

Since you will be fishing from shore take a look at a 9w. Try it before you buy it.

[knotstable]

Chris,
What part of Rhody do you live? Some of us don't mind teaching someone!

[Todd B]

Do yourself a favor and go to one of Ken A's tuesday fishing sessions. A great guy with tons of knowledge and really likes to help people out. You won't regret it.

[greenie]

just got a 10' 6wgt proffessional model (medium fast). uplined to 7 wght with some closeout lines discontinued for a few years, in both a wf floating (airflow) and an orvis intermediate. I plan to get the 9wt 10 footer next winter when there are deals on them.

Havent used it yet, but plan to use the 6 wgt for trout, bass, and shad /schoolies in the salt. It has a fighting butt and corrosion resistant guides and reel seat. Originally I wanted a trout rod, since my only fly fishing is the salt. But then I thought why not get something to do both? So I pulled the rtigger and got the last one at the shop.

What do you think of throwing shad darts with fly rod?

[Pete_G]

Just don't take the Loomis GLX off the rack, overload it a line or 2 and take it for a test drive, and then go back to the TFO. You'll be permanently spoiled...

TFO's are without question the ultimate value and can compete with most high end rods, with a few exceptions.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by greenie

just got a 10' 6wgt proffessional model (medium fast). uplined to 7 wght with some closeout lines discontinued for a few years, in both a wf floating (airflow) and an orvis intermediate. I plan to get the 9wt 10 footer next winter when there are deals on them.

Havent used it yet, but plan to use the 6 wgt for trout, bass, and shad /schoolies in the salt. It has a fighting butt and corrosion resistant guides and reel seat. Originally I wanted a trout rod, since my only fly fishing is the salt. But then I thought why not get something to do both? So I pulled the rtigger and got the last one at the shop.

What do you think of throwing shad darts with fly rod?

I do it all the time for American Shad. Unfortunately there's no fly that can compete with a quality shad dart when it comes to American shad...