fly fishing from the surf?

[Anthony]

Hey all. I have just been getting into saltwater fly fishing since last year. Basically just tried inlets and that sorta thing. I wanted to combine my love for surfcasting with that of fly fishing. I first thought of this idea when i was watching the Spanish Fly on ESPN and he was fly fishing from the surf for different species down in the Bahamas. I am sure people have been surf casting with a fly rod for a long time, but this is the first i have thought of it. What do I need to get into fly fishing tfrom he surf? In other words, what weight rod? what reel? and most of all what flies. My budget is probably about $150 for rod and reel. Could you guys give me some names of flies that work good for stripers in the surf, and maybe even post a picture if its not too much to ask for.

thanks a ton guys
Anthony

[Fishpart]

I have no experience fly fishing anywhere, but if you go to the Flyfishing Forum, there are quite a few very qualified fly fishers that hang out there.

Saltydog sponsers here and could probably hook you up with about anything you need.

[BasicPatrick]

Getting started fly fishing the Salt can drive a fishirman crazy. there are so many different opinions on what you need etc. Don't let all the different opinions take away the excitement of learning a new aspect of fishing.

The following is the basic outfit most of those in my fishing world started with.

A 9 or 91/2 foot, 9 weight Rod. your first rod does not have to be top of the line. your Budget of 150 should get you started.

Match a Reel to the Rod 8/9 or 9/10 depending on the company.

Line gets more complicated. If stripers and Blues are your target. The first line you should learn is an "intermediate" or a "sink tip". These are the most versatile of all the different line configurations on the market.

Once again, if you do some shopping around you can find a beginners Rod, Reel 7 Line for $150. remember, fly fishing, in general, is overcomplicated by those who subscribe to the "orvis" mentality of elitism.

As for flies, try some "clousers", "deceivers", and "half & halfs" to get started. Just match the hatch and remember that profile is the most important. Many flies are tied to catch fishermen, not fish.

The one other thing you will need is a stripping basket. There are more and more each year put out, however if you look around, most of us use the old "rubbermaid dish pan & bungee cord combo".

good luck

[BasicPatrick]

One more thing on the line. Years ago when tackle was not madse for salt water applications we would use line one size larger than our tackle. 10w line for a 9w Rod & Reel Combo. This is no longer nescessary. Match your tackle up correctly. With a 9w outfit, use 9w line.