Hi there. Stuart would like some advice on Salt water fly fishing. Here is his request, can you help?? We have had 2 great replies to this post… Any more would be great! Click here to see the salt water fly fishing advice
I am brand new to fly fishing, also not so young.
I have a telescopic Shakespeare 7/9 fly rod which I have had for a few years now, but never got around to using it.
I like to go saltwater fly fishing.
1. Would the above rod be suitable?
2. What type of line would be best for me including the bits that go with it, anticipating that my experience will grow fast?
I will be spending several months around Blackpool, Lancs.
1. Is there a saltwater club in or around Blackpool?
2. Where would be a good area to start my new experience in life.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards.
Stuart
image: fish King
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February 9, 2025 at 17:42
Hi,
On point 1. I’ve never been a great fan of telescopic rod but must concede that they have improved considerably over the years. I would recommend a rod of 8# or 9# and 9ft in length. With a reasonably fast action to cast against the wind. This is where the telescopic may struggle.
Point 2. Normal trout lines in the appropriate weight will be fine. A fast sink such as a DI7 and an intermediate or slow sink about DI3. Not a line meant for in warmer climes tho, as these lines are meant for warm waters like the carribean and as such go quite hard in the cold seas around the british isles. A couple of good quality fluorocarbons for the leader and tippet. I tend to use a stepped leader of about 5ft of 20/25lb bs and about 4ft of 12/15lb. Apart from the fact that it is virtually invisible in water, it is also quite stiff so better able to turn over the large flies generally use for bass fishing.
Flies are generally bait fish imitations such as decievers, clouser minnows and any sand eel imitations plus a few poppers for shallow water or when fish like mackerel are feeding on fry close to the surface.
Point 3. Location. In areas I’m not familiar with I would be looking for rocky areas at the ends of beaches. Survey at low water for gullies and banks which will fill and cover as the tide floods. Also where fresh water enters the sea such as narrow rivers running through the beach or rain water outfalls and the like.
Lastly I would sugest a few casting lessons to give you a flying start(pardon the pun). Salt water fly fishing is not the best place to be learning to cast and it can be very disheartening having your fly blown back in your face time after time in what is only a light sea breeze. So best of luck with your new venture and tight lines.
March 25, 2025 at 16:13
Hi Ken.
Thank you for your reply and tips. I will persevere with what I have got for the moment as being new, there is also a cost to it. Should I learn to cast reasonably proficiently with the telescopic rod, I am sure I will do fine with a two piece in the future.
Thanks again, kind regards.
Stuart
February 8, 2025 at 15:16
Stuart.
I too am not so young and just developing an interest in fly fishing, having been an avid coarse fisherman all my life. I’m especially interested in saltwater flyfishing. From what I have read so far your rod is certainly suitable, but that’s all the limited advice I can offer, so if an experienced saltwater flyfisher can provide us with tips we’d be grateful.
March 25, 2025 at 16:15
Hi Steve.
Thank you for your reply and encouragement. Happy fishing.
Kind regards.
Stuart