Looking to getting into flyfishing for reds. I have used a fly rod years and years ago for trout in the mountains, but have never tried it in the salt. Looking for suggestions on a decent beginer setup ie rod and reel type, line, leaders, and anything else that I may need to get started. Thanks!
Zig, I’m a long time fly angler. I moved from MD last year, and primarily chased Striped Bass in brackish waters. So, the same gear I used for Largemouth bass served me well.
In true saltwater, the same gear can be used, but needs to be taken care of more often since salt plays havoc with the metals used. The reel will be the most critical component as far as salt use, and you’ll want one with a decent drag system.
You’ll get many opinions on outfits, as everyone has different likes & dislikes. I favor TFO rods, but also have Redington & an older Diamondback that I use for both bass fishing & saltwater. There are many very good brands that could serve you well for chasing Reds. A lot will depend on how much you’re willing to spend. I’ve kept my price range for rods under $200, and there are very good rods at that price on the market.
I’ve been using Okuma Integrity reels for many years, and for brackish water use they’ve held up very well. There are better reels for saltwater. You might want to take a look at Allen or Galvan for a decent salt reel. Abel, Hatch or Nautilus are all excellent brands for salt, but are priced higher.
For lines, I don’t get too caught up in all the marketing. I own several lines, all purchased discounted in one way or another. I doubt I’ve paid more than $35 each for any of the lines I have and they’ve been fine for the fishing I’ve done with them. Some of them are “specialty” lines, such as Tarpon Taper, Bass Taper, Striped Bass Taper, and for the fishing I’ve done with them, can’t see much difference. The Tarpon line does cast a little better at distances over 50’, but frankly I rarely cast beyond that for fishing. You’ll want a Weight Forward line, and these types of specialty lines are intended for casting larger, possibly heavier flies & in less than favorable conditions. My lines are also various brands, but most are Scientific Anglers. I have Orvis & Cortland lines too and can’t say one is better than the other. But again, opinions will vary.
I generally make
Zig we carry all sorts of fly fishing equipment and can easily help you with that. We are also putting on a Shallow Water Expo that will have tons of fly fishing gear, experts from TFO Loomis and more will be on hand to assist you with getting set up to teaching you how to cast. Below is some likes about the expo and seminars we will be having. If you have any questions or need help feel free to call us or stop by!
http://www.haddrellspoint.com/swfe.html
https://www.facebook.com/events/1662299147359862/
http://www.haddrellspoint.com/product/swfe-one-on-one-with-clouser.html
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Thanks Jim! Very informative! Alot to digest but I look forward to trying it out. Hadrells I already have got my tickets and am looking foward to attending!
2005 Sea Chaser 1950CC
115 Suzuki
I’ve been very happy with my TFO BVK rod and my Allen Fly Fishing Kraken reel…
07 Scout Winyah Bay 221 Yamaha F150
TFO is a great entry level setup. I’d get a 8WT so you have some push behind it when its windy, which it is often here.
Also, there is a fly fishing forum that you should check out on here.
quote:
TFO is a great entry level setup.
Shevy, for the sake of clarification, I’m betting you didn’t mean this as TFO only being an entry level brand, but I agree with you they are great for that skill level.
Zig, there are “better” rods at higher prices, and some other good ones at similar prices, but TFO is not just an entry level brand should you go that route. I’ve been using them almost since they first started and as I said previous, I’m very experienced.
I use the Lefty Kreh Signature series, which is not even their top of the line & for the fishing I’ve done with them, they’ve been great. TFO is an excellent brand that could last many years & as you develop higher skill levels.
The combination that xxmadfirexx has mentioned seems to be very popular and highly recommended. I’ve seen them mentioned several times on other sites.