New to saltwater flyfishing...

Matt_e · Jan-26-2008, 01:56 AM

Yeah, I know that I live in Nevada, but I'm in SD all the time. I fly fish in fresh water whenever possible, but I still prefer saltwater fishing.

Now, I want to take up surf fly fishing. Can anyone give me some tips on gear I would need? I have a pretty good idea on flies and technique. Rods, reels, line, etc., not so much!

tootall79 · Jan-26-2008, 07:49 AM

Try Blue Water Tackle in Solana Beach they have a great fly fishing shop.

Matt_e · Jan-26-2008, 02:52 PM

Does Strouds in Bay Park still exist?

tootall79 · Jan-26-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt_e

Does Strouds in Bay Park still exist?

I don't know!!!!!!!!!!

Mo Betta · Jan-26-2008, 07:02 PM

Yes they are still there.

edgewardo · Jan-27-2008, 02:01 AM

I'd recommend an 8 weight and a reel with some stopping power. 300 grain WF line with about a 10-15 foot shooting head. You can tippet down to about 6 or 8lb for corbina but wouldn't go much lower than that. Make sure the reel will stand up to salt water, so something that is better sealed (interior components) than most. start mastering your double haul casting, you'll for sure need it in the wind.!

Matt_e · Jan-27-2008, 02:59 AM

Thanks for the info! I'm about to build another rod, and a saltwater fly rod it will be! I was hoping it would be a 7 or 8 weight, so I could use it for largemouths and stripers here at Lake Mead as well!

edgewardo · Jan-27-2008, 03:29 PM

some guys like to venture up into the 9-10 weight which will give you a little more if you want to hook into some blue sharks, get a large leopard or travel for some big tarpon. Speaking of which, I'd recommend a four piece for ease of traveling (specifically flying) and for hiding under the back seat of your car. Anyway, you know the drill, heavier weight=more backbone=longer casts=less responsiveness. If you're mainly in so-cal surf you'll be landing mostly perch, the occasional Halibut, a corbina or two, maybe some bass, etc.... Ken Hanley put a book out titled "Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore". Excellent read for the freshwater fly fisher who wants to get into the salt. He wrote it from the standpoint that the reader already knows how to cast and fish but has little knowledge about saltwater fly fishing. It has a whole section on Tackle as well. It's sorta my bible right now. isbn# 1-59228-079-X It's about $20.

Matt_e · Jan-28-2008, 02:26 AM

I'm sure I'll build a rod in the 9 to 11 wt. range eventually! Hell, it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!

atpjunkie · Jan-28-2008, 01:33 PM

7-8 wt is fine for the beach. In winter I use an 8 wt. with a 300 grain
In summer I use a 6 wt with either a 200 grain or a sink tip.
I like S.A> Streamer Expresses and Rio Sink tips. I like clear tips for summer beans.

as for reels, I use a Fin Nor 2, Orvis L/A, Hardy and S/A System 2

get a decent stripping basket, I like the Orvis Tub Style (drill extra holes in the bottom) and the Mangrove Hip Shooters are nice for travel

tippet 4-8 lbs.

flies: Mole Crab, Ghost Shrimp imitations, Clousers, Surf rats. Go online to GaryBulla.com. He sells 'beach fly kits'

waders in winter (sometimes) otherwise we wade wet.

Strouds is still there but due to their age and health is hit and miss on whether they are open day to day

next time you are planning a trip down PM me. I can get ya on he water and give you a primer F.O.C.

Matt_e · Jan-28-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atpjunkie

7-8 wt is fine for the beach. In winter I use an 8 wt. with a 300 grain
In summer I use a 6 wt with either a 200 grain or a sink tip.
I like S.A> Streamer Expresses and Rio Sink tips. I like clear tips for summer beans.

as for reels, I use a Fin Nor 2, Orvis L/A, Hardy and S/A System 2

get a decent stripping basket, I like the Orvis Tub Style (drill extra holes in the bottom) and the Mangrove Hip Shooters are nice for travel

tippet 4-8 lbs.

flies: Mole Crab, Ghost Shrimp imitations, Clousers, Surf rats. Go online to GaryBulla.com. He sells 'beach fly kits'

waders in winter (sometimes) otherwise we wade wet.

Strouds is still there but due to their age and health is hit and miss on whether they are open day to day

next time you are planning a trip down PM me. I can get ya on he water and give you a primer F.O.C.

Hey man, thanks! About Strouds...those two were old when I was a kid! I'm surprised they didn't sell it!

I get down to SD every 6 weeks or so. Our families live down there. I'll get outfitted one of these days and I'll look you up.

atpjunkie · Jan-28-2008, 03:00 PM

just get a damn license. I have enough gear for 2. check tides on your visits. incoming tides (pushing peak high in the morning) try to plan around those

matt (my name as well)