Salt Water Fly Fishing Equipment

Many of our anglers are highly experienced saltwater fly anglers who have fished all over the world so feel free to bring along whatever has worked for you in the past. Here’s a few more ideas:

Fly Rods: 8-10 weight rods are standard starting weapons, but lighter (5-7) and heavier (11-13) may have a place depending on your experience, ability, fish species & size, and what you are hoping to achieve.

Reels: Specific saltwater models with large arbors, adequate backing storage, and corrosion resistance are best.

Fly Lines: We have most success with fast intermediate lines and sinking shooting-head type lines. Floating lines are OK on calm days and in shallow water but intermediate lines get down below the wind-ruffled surface and have better presentation and bite detection characteristics. Spare lines and spare backing are always a good idea.

Leaders: Not too essential, mostly tapered to 2-3 meters, sometimes a lot shorter (especially in wind). Fluorocarbon is best and we recommend @8-10kg breaking strain for most species, including kingfish ‘rats’ on the tidal flats. Feel free to fish to IGFA regulations with a 30cm shock tippet to the fly. Wire traces are good for sharks and barracouta.

Flies: Bring whatever saltwater flies you already have – big and small, with strong sharp hooks. A good starting point is clouser minnows, deceivers, surf candies etc in white, silver, and chartreuse.

Other Useful Gear: Personal water bottle, toilet paper, sunscreen, lip balm, pocket knife, long nose pliers / forcepts, line nippers, line cleaner, hook hone, nail knot tool, spare polarised sunglasses, camera, waterproof bumbag for minimalist fishing gear.

Sun Gear: Good quality polarised glasses head the list for fish spotting and eye safety. Flats hat to protect neck, also bandannas, buff, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent. Sun gloves to protect hands from sun and line cuts. High UV rated clothing, with long sleeves and long-legged pants recommended.

Warm Gear: Change of gear in truck or boat, as well as fleece jacket and raincoat.

Footwear: Flats-style wading booties best but you can wear tennis shoes or standard trout fishing boots (no tungsten cleats in boat). Bring several pairs of standard socks, also neoprene wading socks, gravel guards etc. No bare feet due to sharp shells, fish spines, hooks, and stingrays.