Fly fishing for saltwater species on the flats, and at other saltwater venues, is exciting and even addictive. The locales are beautiful, and provide a great opportunity for warm weather fishing during our winter and spring months (although there is also some great saltwater fishing during our summer and fall months as well).

However, saltwater fly fishing is different!

As with getting started fly fishing generally, we strongly recommend you start with a class or private clinic offered through The Idaho Angler. There are also some good books and videos on the subject we can recommend to you.

One of the best ways to get started in saltwater fly fishing is to book your first saltwater trip as a participant in an Idaho Angler hosted trip. We offer free pre-trip clinics for those trips, and The Idaho Angler trip host will be on the trip with you to answer your questions and help you along.

What’s different about saltwater fly fishing? Lots!

You are usually hunting the fish, rather than blind casting, until you spot them and are in range to cast.

The fish are faster, stronger, and often much bigger. The “game” is faster too. Often, as your guide is poling you in a skiff over shallow flats in gin clear water, or as you are wading those flats, you will only have a few seconds once the fish is spotted to deliver your cast and present the fly to the target. There’s a real premium on quick, accurate casts. However, it is a myth that long casts are required for saltwater fly fishing (although the stronger your cast, the more chances you will have.)

Wind is almost always a factor on the flats, and some special casting techniques will help you overcome the wind factor. We can teach you these techniques before you travel. Our instructors are all Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructors, which means they have been examined and certified as fly fishing instructors, based on a rigorous national testing program.

Some of your freshwater flyfishing gear will work; however, saltwater is a corrosive environment, so corrosion resistant reels with a good drag system and plenty of backing are a requirement.

Most people start their saltwater experience fishing for bonefish – probably the most popular saltwater flats species. Other species that are commonly pursued on the flats include tarpon, permit, snook, redfish, barracuda, jacks, and trevally.

Saltwater fly fishing is not limited to flats, but can include bluewater fishing for sailfish, dorado, wahoo, and various tuna species. Catching a sailfish on a fly rod is an exhilarating experience! Special techniques are used to tease the sailfish to the surface near the boat, where a cast can be made to the fish.

Rods: Larger rods are common (7 to 9 weights for bonefish, 10 – 12 weight for tarpon, and so forth).
Reels: Saltwater reels area also larger and need to be corrosion resistant, with a strong adjustable drag, and plenty of room for backing.
Lines: Fly lines for saltwater use are made to perform in the heat and salt environment. Fresh water lines do not perform well.
Wading Shoes: You can wade in almost any footwear that will stand up to being immersed in saltwater, but we strongly recommend wading shoes designed for saltwater, for the best comfort, protection, and durability.
Flies: Shrimp, crab, and small baitfish imitations cover most of saltwater flyfishing needs. The Idaho Angler can help you select the flies you need for the venue you plan to fish. Unlike trout fishing, often only a few patterns are needed for a particular location and species.
Leader: Tapered leaders are used for some species; for other species, you need specialized leaders that end with a “shock tippet” to prevent break offs.
Clothing: Shirts, pants, and shorts designed for tropic weather are highly recommended. They are light, vented (for air flow), and quick drying, and several styles provide sun protection.
Eyewear: Polarized sunglasses are essential.

Books:
Fly Fishing in Saltwater – Lefty Kreh
Fly Fishing the Flats – Gary and Kathy Beck
Quick and Easy Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing – Jeff Currier
Fly Fishing for Bonefish – Dick Brown
Bonefishing: Fly Fishing the Flats – Randall Kaufman
Permit on a Fly – Jack Sampson
Tarpon on Fly – Donald Larmouth & Rob Fordyce
Blue Water Fly Fishing – Trey Combs

Videos:
Bonefishing the Flats with Craig Matthews
Bonefish School Bahamas – Steve Rajeff
Salt Water Fly Fishing from A to Z – Stu Apte
How to Fly Fish: Bonefish School – Billy Pate
Saltwater Flycasting Secrets – Billy Pate
Fly Rodding for Tarpon – Billy Pate

Let the Idaho Angler help you get started in the amazing sport of saltwater fly fishing, call us (208) 389-9957 or contact us today!