I’m planning on getting in to fly fishing this summer so I’m on the hunt for a good saltwater combo. I came across a 9ft 8wt St. Croix Rio Santo (STF75) combo at a great price and I’m wondering if I should pull the trigger. I dont need anything fancy because I am a complete beginner and I am also pretty broke. Does anyone have any experience with this setup? Also, what would be the major differences between fresh and saltwater rods/reels? I.E. would any 9ft 8wt be fine for redfish?
Thanks!
'94 Cobia Caribbean 174 sf
'94 Yamaha 75
First and foremost, what are you targeting? Redfish? Most guys around Charleston will use an 8 or 9 wt. I use a 9wt, but I almost exclusively target then on the flats in the marsh grass and I like to be able to stop them from running too deep in the grass to prevent break offs. You’ll have some reds run a little on that rod, but that’s the fun in flyfishing anyways. That rod can certainly handle it. If you can only afford a good rod or a good reel, certainly get the rod. You really don’t have to use the reel all that much if you don’t want to, but a good rod is something you can’t do without whether you’re targeting them on the marsh flats or in the shallows at low tide.
Okuma sells a 9 wt entry level reel on eBay for under $50. Sure drag is important in any fishing, but with flyfishing you can get away with a not so great reel at times. It certainly depends on your skill level and application. I’m personally never going to spend the big bucks on an inshore reel for reds. In the past few years, I haven’t needed it, but you know what they say about opinions. Some guys catch reds on $1500 setups. My $250 setup catches them just fine for me.
Go talk to the guys in CA West Ashley and pick their brains about setup and fly choice. They have been a wealth of knowledge over the years and are always eager to help.
Good luck and keep us posted of your progress!
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