Saltwater Fly Fishing

Saltwater Fly Fishing uses heavier Fly Fishing gear than with freshwater Fly Fishing. Saltwater fish are much larger and have more room to fight than many freshwater species.

An angler will have to use wet flies that resemble smaller baitfish; however, saltwater poppers can be used as well. Surface flies that are similar to freshwater bass fly fishing can be used as well, although they are larger and blue in color.

Saltwater Fly Fishing species that can be caught include striped bass, marlin, salmon, bonefish, tuna, tarpon, and sailfish.

The secret to Saltwater Water Fly Fishing is that the angler should fish for the larger fish by using small baitfish; this teases the fish to come closer to the boat.

The saltwater fly reel is manufactured with corrosion resistant parts, and must have a more powerful drag than freshwater fly reels.

Corrosion proof equipment is essential for all saltwater fishing not just fly fishing. Many people saltwater fish from the shore line wading for strikes, or hits from bonefish or striped bass as well as drum and other types of fish.

However, trout anglers may need to practice new skills in order to catch fish on a fly rod. Since saltwater fish are so much larger than freshwater fish, the angler will need at least an 8-weight fly rod; and they should be able to accurately cast between 30 and 90 feet, so this may take some practice on the angler's part.

As stated above, the equipment that is used in salt water has to be corrosion resistant, and hooks for Saltwater Flies is no exception. Although most hooks for saltwater is made from stainless steel, the best saltwater hooks are the type made from high carbon steel. Smaller hooks such as #8 to #10 are great for fish close to the shore; however, for offshore species the hooks should be size #3/0 to #5/0.

A good saltwater fly rod would be around 9 feet long and weights from 3 to 5 ounces; however, the type of rod and the line that is used will depend mostly on the local conditions of the area the angler is fishing.

A good idea is for the angler to press the line against the rod handle with their index finger and use their free arm to pull the line from the reel or from the water.

Once a fish strikes, the angler can then pinch the line tighter with their index finger while they lift the rod tip to set the hook.

Following these few tips should get the angler prepared for the next Saltwater Fly Fishing trip, and help them catch some very nice fish. Talking with the local salt-water residents may also help with the advice they have to offer.