Spring Adventures Start Here | Shop New Arrivals
$6 Standard Shipping—No Minimum | Details
$6 Standard Shipping is valid on merchandise orders of any amount after promotions and discounts are applied. Shipping applies to standard shipping to a single address in the United States only. Not valid on oversized or special-delivery items.
Success Success has been added to your cart
You’ll want to build your saltwater gear around your rod and line weight. An 8- or 9-weight rod and line allow you to target a bunch of different fish. Go with an 8-weight for stripers, redfish, and drum, or a 9-weight for bonefish, permit, and juvenile tarpon. Match your reel size and fly line weight to it. Most beginner saltwater anglers will want a weight-forward floating line with a short taper. And for the reel, make sure it has a sealed drag to protect the components from saltwater’s corrosive properties. Pick up some flies for the species of fish you’re targeting, and leader and tippet. A bag or pack, fly box, nippers, and forceps round out the bare essentials list if you’re surf fishing or fishing from a buddy’s skiff. From there, you can build out the rest of your saltwater gear based on the type of fishing you do most and what you feel you need or want.
The ocean will put your saltwater fly fishing gear and clothing to the test, so make sure it’s up to the task. You’ll need to be more precise in longer, more difficult casting situations, the salt water wreaks havoc on everything it touches, and the sun is intense. You need a rod and reel that can handle the wind and the power of strong fish. Saltwater-specific line and leader matter too, especially when you’re after species that are spooky, toothy, strong, and fast. Don’t just reach for the flashiest saltwater flies. Do your research, go into a shop, and get the latest information on what you should be fishing and when. Beyond gear, wear sun-protective clothing that dries quickly and keeps you covered all day. You don’t want to spend 12 hours in the sun unprotected. Any guide will list polarized sunglasses as essential fishing gear. They protect your eyes from the sun and chuck-and-duck hooks, and help you spot fish by cutting glare. If you’re looking to learn more or fish somewhere new, check out our saltwater trips and fly-fishing schools. We’ll help you get ready for the flats, the surf, or open water.