Saltwater Fly Fishing Tips
Saltwater fly fishing is the ultimate challenge. The fish are bigger and do is the adventure, however not being prepared for what comes up can cause you a lot of headache and lost fish.
The following are tips to help make your days on the ocean better days.
The number one recommendation when heading out to fish saltwater is to come prepared! Make sure that you have a spare fly rod, in the event that your rod breaks.
When beach fishing, have two reels loaded with a floating line and a 'wet-tip' for quick changes and when boat fishing a three rod set up with a floating and sinking fly line is helpful.
Stripping Guards are almost required equipment in saltwater to protect your stripping finger while retrieving your fly line.
Also helpful are binoculars for spotting fish along the beach.
Of course sunglasses and sunscreen is critical. Nothing ruins a good day of fishing like a bad headache and sunburn. Marine charts and tide guides are helpful when planning your days fishing.
Sunrise, sunset times and the wave predictions for the days can also make for a safer trip.
Now you might be wondering what to fish with on the big water. Your rod should be 6-9 weight - yes, the same weight as your freshwater rod. Heavier may be easier if you are casting into the wind, as often happens on saltwater.
Your reel seat should be strong and made of a strong metal. Additionally, your reel should be capable of holding 650 feet of backing. Your reel should have a good drag system and be salt water resistant. Salt water is very corrosive and even with a salt water resistant reel, you would be wise to rinse it clean after every day of fishing.
Casting lines can be the same as the ones you use in freshwater. You can use specialized salt water lines, they do make it easier but a weight forward line will do when you're first starting out.
Pay attention to your leader breaking strain. If your fly becomes snagged or your fish is tough, you want the leader to break rather than your fly line or backing.
Other useful tools for days on saltwater:
* Stripping Baskets
* Reel Grease
* Chest waders for beach fishing
* Back bracing belts for long hours of wading on the beach
* Large fly box for easier access on the boat. Saltwater Casting Tips For Bonefish And More
Bonefish Tips:
Make your cast in front of a bonefish but don't look at the fish when casting. Look at where you want the fly to land. After your fly hits the water, make two retrieves and then let your fly sit.
Bonefish are easily spooked, if you're having difficulty in the open water, cast near grass or other such material.
When a bonefish's tail sticks up, it has just eaten your fly. If you feel a slight pecking, the fish has already sucked the fly into its mouth and spit it out. Don't set the hook. The bonefish will make the first move. Just strip and the hook will set when the fish runs. Lastly, anytime a bonefish charges your fly and then stops. It's eating your offering.
Tarpon Tips:
The mouth of the tarpon is lined with a series of bones which can make hook setting feel impossible. Before you set the hook eliminate all slack in your line. When the line becomes tight and you are just able to feel the weight of the tarpon, pull back hard and fast. This is accomplished by lowering the rod tip at the fish. Upon his re-entering the water, immediately pull your rod tip up. More than any other reason, most tarpon are lost by yanking on the line while the tarpon is jumping. Never yank on the line while the tarpon is in the air!Remove the hook and keep the spent fish in the water. With a gloved hand, hold its lower jaw open and face the fish into the current letting the water run through its gills. It may take some time but soon the fish will kick and swim off on its own to fight another day.
Permit Tips:
Match color of crab flies to the color of the substrate your fishing. The deeper you fish for permit, the heavier your fly needs to be.If there is a high presence of bonefish in the area, fish with a smaller fly or live bait to get additional hook-ups with bonefish.