A good 10-weight rod is suggested. This is more important than spending money on the real if you can't do both. You can get away with a less expensive reel, but you get the control you need with the rod.
A lighter rod will flex more when you cast, in particular against the wind. This is the main reason you want a heavier rod for saltwater fishing.
The Saltwater Fishing Reel
Buy a reel made especially for use in saltwater. It will hold up better in the harsh conditions. Be sure to clean it after each use.
Adequate Fly Lines
More expensive fly lines last longer and perform better than cheaper lines. You do not want to skimp on lines, or you will be sorry. Keep your lines clean and dressed with a good line dressing, to ensure top performance.
Technique
Keep direct contact between your rod tip and fly. A marine game fish quite likely will strike at lightning speed. Every little bit of slack from the rod to the fly means a greater chance your hook-up will be unsuccessful.
Don't lift your rod from the water. Set the hook by stripping the line, and keep the rod pointed down before lifting it.
The situation may arise, where an 80-foot cast is not enough for open water fishing, and a long cast with a shooting head is what is needed to pull this off.
Flies
The best bet is to use flies that look like shrimp, crabs, minnows, worms, and other small saltwater creatures.
A lighter rod will flex more when you cast, in particular against the wind. This is the main reason you want a heavier rod for saltwater fishing.
The Saltwater Fishing Reel
Buy a reel made especially for use in saltwater. It will hold up better in the harsh conditions. Be sure to clean it after each use.
Adequate Fly Lines
More expensive fly lines last longer and perform better than cheaper lines. You do not want to skimp on lines, or you will be sorry. Keep your lines clean and dressed with a good line dressing, to ensure top performance.
Technique
Keep direct contact between your rod tip and fly. A marine game fish quite likely will strike at lightning speed. Every little bit of slack from the rod to the fly means a greater chance your hook-up will be unsuccessful.
Don't lift your rod from the water. Set the hook by stripping the line, and keep the rod pointed down before lifting it.
The situation may arise, where an 80-foot cast is not enough for open water fishing, and a long cast with a shooting head is what is needed to pull this off.
Flies
The best bet is to use flies that look like shrimp, crabs, minnows, worms, and other small saltwater creatures.
