I am interested in getting into saltwater fly fishing and wanted to get some suggestions on a good set up to begin with. I have fly fished in fresh water a fair bit and have a 3 wt and 5 wt setup, but as far as saltwater all I normally do is conventional fishing. I am not looking to spend a fortune on a rod and reel, but would like to get some thing I will be able to use for a while and that will hold up against some big ol’ red fish. Thanks for your suggestions!
8wt rod, One of the Sage 2080 series reels, RIO Redfish or Bonefish Quick shooter WF line, some leaders and a fistful of Clousers and yer set… Oh yeah all of this and the advice and casting help you will need is at the Lowcountry Fly Shop… Coleman Blvd, Mt P next to Wild Wings… 
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
www.theredfishchronicles.com
TFO eight or nine weight, find them online for 130ish.
Redfish Baron Extraordinaire
Awesome thank you!
You can find a TFO 8 or 9 wt in stores locally for $130.
experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s
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the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation
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that thing you get just moments after you needed it.
buy local!
I had the same question… 8 or 9 wt and which TFO?
i have a tfo 8wt signature series II. bought it as a starter rod about 2 years ago and have caught probably a dozen species including plenty of redfish, bones, jacks, sheepshead, spanish. good rod and have not felt the need for another one to suit my saltwater needs. picked it up at lowcountry fly shop.
I have been thinking the TFO bvk or txr. Have some gift cards and want to treat myself. I am not sure if I would really know the difference between a $100 and $500 rod
The BVK gets high marks from almost every 8wt comparison I’ve ever read and those that own one always seem to think it’s way under priced. The only downside is that some think it has poor durability. That being said, TFO has a great warranty.
The BVK is durable but if you put too much pressure on the tip, i.e. when you are trying to land a fish, people put too much pressure/angle on the tip and they have broken. Same deal with the Mangroves. The signature series have a little stronger tip but are not as sensitive but when you are hucking crab patterns for redfish you don’t need a super sensitive tip
Either way go put the rod you THINK you want in your hand and cast it. You’d be surprised that not all $500 rods are all that special. Redington has some solid offerings and Mystic are good rods as well. One of my all time favorites is the Redington Predator 8ft 10" 8wt… I can cast it sitting down in a kayak and that rod will still generate the line speed to keep tight loops. As long as it’s not one of the 3-pc green shakespeare $20 combos from wally mart you’ll be ok.
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
www.theredfishchronicles.com
After calling TFO and playing at Bass Pro, I ordered the Mangrove. I hope it is everything I think it will be
The Mangrove i a really nice rod. Kinda stiff but still a joy to cast. Just remember while it is strong don’t over pressure that tip. Enjoy it!
“Paddle faster boys… I hear banjo music!”
www.lowcountryflyshop.com
www.theredfishchronicles.com
Which TFO?
Got to one of the local shops and they’ll take you out on the lawn and let you throw 'em.
Buy the one you throw the best.
17’ Henry O Hornet
26’ Palmer Scott
^ And do it with a fly tied on, not just the line
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
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President, Summerville Saltwater Anglers
The Pro and The Signature are $130, and $160
Mangrove and BVK are $260.