| Choosing the "Best Saltwater Fly Rod" is like | | | | therefore the fast action. |
| picking out the best eating utensil. A different tool | | | | You are probably thinking these aspects are what |
| will be needed for different situations. These | | | | you would like in a freshwater rod. And yes, most |
| situations vary widely so there is a wide range of | | | | saltwater rods make great freshwater rods for |
| saltwater fly rods that will be better at times than | | | | big fish. Unfortunately many freshwater rods are |
| others. Size of fish is the biggest variable, but | | | | not designed for what you will be faced with in |
| there are others that you will want to take into | | | | the saltwater. |
| account before you invest in a saltwater fly rod. | | | | Fish Size |
| At the bottom of this article is a link that will take | | | | The best saltwater fly rod is determined by the |
| you to a site where you can get recommended | | | | size of fish you are after. As mentioned earlier, |
| brands and models of the best saltwater fly rods. | | | | saltwater fish tend to fight with a vengeance. |
| What is difference between a Saltwater and | | | | Therefore it is wise to go with a heavier weight |
| Freshwater Fly Rod? | | | | rod. For the most part, an 8wt (weight) is |
| Before you choose what will be the best | | | | probably about as low as you will go. Here is a |
| saltwater fly rod for your adventures, it is good | | | | generic list of some fish and the rod weight you |
| to know the differences between a saltwater and | | | | will want to have: |
| a freshwater (standard) fly rod. First of all, both | | | | 8wt: Sierra Mackerel, Bonefish, Snook, Trout, |
| will work in either situation as long as it is designed | | | | Steelhead |
| for the size of fish you are after. One thing that | | | | 10wt: Bonefish, Permit, Roosterfish, Dorado, |
| is for sure is that you do not want to be under | | | | Snook, Redfish, Salmon |
| rodded ever, especially when saltwater fly fishing. | | | | 12wt: Roosterfish, Dorado, Barracuda, Tuna, |
| Typically, pound for pound, saltwater fish fight | | | | Sailfish |
| much harder than freshwater fish. I have caught | | | | 14wt: Tarpon, Sailfish, Marlin, Shark |
| 2 pound saltwater fish that fought as hard as a | | | | Quality |
| 10 pound Rainbow Trout. So when in doubt, go | | | | In order for a rod to be the best saltwater fly |
| with a heavier weight rod. | | | | rod, it must be good quality. Just as important |
| Fast Action | | | | though, it must fit into your budget. As quality |
| One critical factor when choosing a rod that will | | | | goes up, price is right in front of it. There are two |
| be best for saltwater is to makes sure it is a | | | | things that I suggest for all rods when it comes |
| "Fast Action" rod. Basically this means that the fly | | | | to quality and price: |
| rod will be quite stiff and will therefore deliver a | | | | 1. Go with the best fly rod you can afford. |
| lot of power. This will also mean a tired shoulder | | | | 2. Stick with the rods that offer an unconditional |
| at the end of the day, but there are many | | | | lifetime warranty. For the most part, you will have |
| reasons for fast action rods. Here are a few: | | | | to spend at least $200 to get a rod with a |
| Wind: saltwater fly rods are built to combat the | | | | lifetime warranty, but trust me, it is worth it. We |
| wind that is almost always prevalent when fishing | | | | all break rods sooner than later, so you might as |
| in saltwater. | | | | well make this an investment for a life time. Plus, |
| Distance: Fast action rods will deliver the most | | | | you will regret buying anything less the quality of |
| power to the line resulting in a further cast than | | | | rod that is warranted, especially when casting to |
| with softer rods. | | | | fish in saltwater. All the rod makers that I suggest |
| Flies: In most saltwater fly fishing situations, you | | | | are very good with their warranties, and some |
| will not be casting small bugs to rising fish. Usually | | | | even offer programs where you have a new rod |
| you will be casting heavy, wind catching bait fish | | | | in as little as a few days after a break. |
| imitations that are hard to cast. That is when a | | | | Fly Line for SaltwaterIt is not really crucial to |
| stiff, fast action rod will help you pick that fly up | | | | have a specific line made for saltwater, although |
| out of the water and then cast it out a long | | | | you will want to be ready for all situations. That is |
| ways. With a soft rod, you will struggle to get it | | | | why I recommend a fly line with interchangeable |
| out of the water without stripping in a bunch of | | | | tips. This way you can adapt and fish floating line |
| line, and then try to cast it! | | | | if need be, or switch to one of many sink tips |
| Line: A common scenario when saltwater fly | | | | designed to sink at different rates. Follow the link |
| fishing is using sink tips to get the fly to the fish. | | | | below and click on "Fly Lines" to get my specific |
| Sinking line is much harder to cast than floating, | | | | recommendation on certain brands. |