Fishing:
Getting Started in BTB Fly Fishing - Part I: Gearing Up
Facts for Fly Fishers...
If you are an experienced fly fisherman, here are some additional things to think about, and FAQs
Can I use my freshwater equipment?
Yes - light rods (5 - 6 wts) are great for smaller
fish when the wind's not blowing, but you must be able to cast a fast-sinking line with it. A heavier trout rod, bass rod,
or salmon rod is fine for the lighter - medium weight outfits. You need to
be careful about washing your gear with soap and water after fishing. Also, keep in mind that reels with aluminum parts that are not anodized must be well painted to avoid corrosion, and some freshwater reels with click pawls can not be tightened up enough to avoid the occasional spool overrun when a fish takes off.
Why not use just a regular weight-forward (WF) line, instead of a shooting taper?
You can definitely use a WF line instead of a shooting taper. However, shooting tapers
are easier to cast long distances, and since there is rarely a need to
pick up the line to cast again before the head reaches the rod tip, there is
no real advantage to using a WF fly line. But if you are a reasonable caster, and already have fast-sinking WF lines, don't bother replacing them with shooting tapers unless you really want to.
Will a Spey Rod work?
Yes, but a long rod is a definite disadvantage when
fighting a fish from a boat. Even the 9' standard fly rod is too long from a small boat, especially
if you are fishing by yourself.
Will a floating line work?
Under certain conditions, yes. But in general, a very fast sinking line will be more versatile,
and once you master the technique of picking up a sinking fly line, you'll
find that it casts farther, with less effort, than a floating line.
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