Fly Fishing - The Blitz

Flyfrod · Posted: Sat 01/28/12 11:38 pm Post subject: Newbie to saltwater flyfishing!!

My father is fairly new to flyfishing and is going to cancun in april. He wants to try flyfishing. As I only fish freshwater I was wondering what for rod, reel, and line you might suggest for him to use. I dont want him to spend a lot of money for something he might use once or twice a year.
Thanks

bcorrea · Location: Toronto, ON

In Cancun, I guess your father will probably be fishing with a guide around Isla Blanca, as there are not many wading options close to Cancun. Isla Blanca is a Baby Tarpon and Snook paradise, and I would advice him to go with an 8ft or 9ft (I prefer 8ft), #8 to #9 weight fly rod. The action of the rod should be at least medium-fast to fast, and the line that he will use should have a short, heavy head, to help him casting big flies against the wind, such as the Rio Outbound or any bass tapers. He will also need to bring some flies, as the guides there don't have a large selection to offer. Focus on Seaducers and Clouser Minnows, tyed in Chartreuse and White color should work pretty good. The reel should have a good drag. If he is not going to fish saltwater very often he doesn't need an expensive saltwater reel, as far as he takes enough care to do not drop it in the water and always wash it with freshwater after use. I've been using Orvis Acess V with no problems in saltwater environment. Fill it with plenty of backing as the only problem of this reel is not being a large arbor. Rod is a very personal choice, but a good tip would be to get a Orvis Hydros, which is cheaper than the Helios, with pretty much the same blank. I wrote a retrospective for 2011 in my blog that includes a small trip to Cancun that i did with my wife. http://www.theflyexplorer.blogspot.com/2012/01/2011-retrospective-winter.html