Hello folks, I am new to the forum and new to the gulf coast -- it sounds like you all have some great fishing down here! I have some experience fly-fishing for trout and want to get set up for chasing the reds/trout/flounder wading and/or from a kayak. I have ordered an Albright GP 9'6" 7/8 wt -- I see they have a 9' 8/9 wt available too (these rods are on clearance for a good deal at the Albright website). Would the heavier rod be a better choice for the conditions I'll face? The company has a 10-day no-questions-asked return policy so I can make the switch easily.

Thanks in advance, and good luck getting out there!

OK salty dogs, time to chime (in that is)

I prefer a 9 wt for Gulf Coast flats fishing to handle constant winds.
Good luck and welcome.

ps. for all the salty dogs - this flatlander does know the salty stuff.
I lived and worked out of Rockport before most of you guys were born and knew every bay and estuary from Matagorda to Port Isabel.

I agree w/George. The wind is a constant at the coast. I like a fast 8 or 9; also consider underlining for a skinnier line to cut through the wind.

How about running a 7 wt line on the 7/8 rod? I guess it just might not chuck theb larger bugs quite as easily. Thoughts?

I would say run an 8wt line on that rod. But thats just me.

8wt fast action for me and make sure you can double haul. The wind is a constant down there and only quits for the month of August when the temps go to 110.

This way all the fisherman will appriciate it's return in September.

We kept waiting for the wind to drop off last year... it never did. Maybe this year.

Wwest, I have played the underlining game and didn't like it, myself; different strokes, and all that. GoPlay, you might want to try it and see if it works for you.

George, I envy your historical playground - things have probably changed a whole lot down the Madre since then, and most of them not for the better.

GoPlay, I got one of those 8/9wt albright rods to use on the coast last year and got some good use out of it before it shattered mid-cast into a 30mph headwind. Myself personally I prefer to overline my rods, trading a more aerodynamic profile for weight and fast line speed from a fast rod. This is how I rationalize it anyway, and it seems to work for me. You'll have to find your preference. On days with moderate wind (up to 15 or so), I'll take a fast 8wt. On days more breezy I'll take a fast 10wt. I keep them both in my truck so I'll be able to judge conditions at the fishing spot and go from there.

Like spiny said, double hauling and generating line speed and inertia is essential. I can't stress that enough.

I didn't think the wind was to bad last year with the exception of if a few weeks in the early spring...

A good fast rod and overlining will help a lot. If you ever make it down to the upper laguna shoot me a pm and ill try to catch some fishes with you.

Early 1950's Rockport was a small fishing village with board walks in front of stores.

I recall all residents very friendly - my office was on the water at the old Rice Boat yard where you can still see the pilings where buiding sat that was built for WWII construction of marine craft.

You could drive to PA from AP over an old wooden causway bridge and drive a beach road on pristine Mustang/PI beach.
We had to drive to CC to visit my pregnant Lady's doc and was always afraid that the draw bridge would be up.

Great memories - FANTASTIC fishing.

Excuse the hi-jack - back to salty fly rods.
Right on about double haul and the wind ain’t all that bad if you learn to use it to your advantage.
Tight loops driven into the wind - open loops with the wind.
The wind can be your friend.
Good luck and good fishin’…!

im looking for a good 6wt for saltwater and bass i would love a hydros from orvis... but you know... im going to check out tfo

my buddy is going to put me on some rat reds and im going to see my 3wt do some work!

I just got a 6 wt Axiom and love it. Keep that one in mind.