Hey Guys!
I know I am new here, but I am hoping for some recommendations. I was in West Ashley West Marine the other day and noticed they had a new Salt Water Fly Fishing section. I’ve been wanting to learn for a while now. Any of you guys have an recommendations on getting started?
Go visit Haddrell’s Point Tackle and The Charleston Angler, two great shops for tackle and information.
dont by brand new gear if you dont have to
Anything that pulls drag, right?
I’d recommend a 6-7 weight rod
Evant T.
quote:
Originally posted by BeavertailGo visit Haddrell’s Point Tackle and The Charleston Angler, two great shops for tackle and information.
This! I would recommend going into a local shop and looking at a 9’ 8wt rod. That would cover you for 90% or fly fishing around here.
Get an 8 wt. at Lowcountry Fly Shop in Mt. P, ask for Sam or the owner Scotty. Charleston Angler will try to sell you something pricey. Get the 8, more versatile rod
Getting started can certainly depend on your budget, but you don’t have to spend a fortune either.
The rod weight you choose should fit the range of application you intend, but rarely will one rod fit all applications. I agree with what others have posted, for the SC coast, inshore, anything from a 6 wt to a 10 wt could be a good choice, with an 8 wt being a good general purpose weight. Every person who answers a question like this will have a preference, and that boils down to personal experience.
IMO, a beginner might want to err on the heavier side, like an 8 wt, until they gain some experience and are comfortable going to lighter gear.
A good WF floating line, leaders, material for tippet replacement and a handful of flies are all that are necessary to get started on the equipment end. The most difficult part will be learning to cast, and with proper instruction, the learning curve can be shortened.
If possible, getting both casting instruction and choosing a rod by casting several is often the best method of deciding on what will best suit a person. Every rod in a different persons hands won’t all cast the same, as every person has a different style, so what you choose you should be comfortable with casting. Then, it gets back to the budget.
I’m not familiar enough with any single shop to make recommendations. All already mentioned have good reputations from what I’ve read, but these other folks will know more about that than I do.
It never hurts to shop, but finding a shop with people who provide the extra service and knowledge goes beyond price in most cases.
I wish you much success on this new endeavor! 