Salt Water Flyfishing Basics

Fly fishing is different from other fishing methods in two important ways: the "bait," or fly, is artificial and was never alive, and the line that is cast is usually relatively heavy to help sink the fly to the depth of the desired fish. According to Don Phillips, a notable fly-fishing author, saltwater fly fishing was well established by the mid-1800s and is a sport still growing in popularity today.

  1. Fish

    • There are many game fish for saltwater fly fishers to pursue. Snook, Redfish (sometimes called Red Drum), Spotted Seatrout, Weakfish, Ladyfish, Jack Crevalle, Spanish Mackerel and Mangrove Snapper are all common game for the saltwater fly fisher. Though some individuals may walk the beaches or sand bars to fish in the surf, many species are just as easily found in inland estuaries and creeks.

    Gear

    • At its most basic level, saltwater fly fishing requires an angling rod, fly-fishing line and leader, and a small assortment of flies. One of the most appealing factors of fly fishing to many enthusiasts is the need for very little equipment, compared to the use of more complicated lures and bait in traditional fishing. Additional fly-fishing equipment may include a net, a small knife, pliers for unhooking the fish and (if desired) a cooler for keeping the fish that are caught. Some saltwater fly fishers move through estuaries in a flat-bottomed boat.

    Technique

    • The size of a person's rod, the weight of the line, and the type of fly being used will all affect the technique the person uses to cast the line and manipulate the fly. While shorter rods allow for delicate presentation of the fly, longer and heavier rods are meant to cast longer distances and angle heavier fish. Heavier lines allow the fly to sink greater distances, to the depth of the desired catch. Small, deft twitches of the wrist and hands can move the fly through the water in movements that mimic those of the live prey the fly is meant to emulate. A small jerk delivered at the sensation of the bite ensures that the hook snares through the lip of the fish, rather than being swallowed; this ensures that the fish will experience as little physical harm as possible.

    Locations

    • Saltwater fly fishing has become a popular sport over many continents, including North America, Central and South America and Australia. Typically, saltwater fly fishing takes place in sub-tropical and tropical climates. Popular destinations include Florida, the Bahamas, Mexico, Cape York (Australia), Belize and Panama.