Hey guys,
I've now got the bug to pick up fly fishing. As if I need another habit. . . Anyway, I'd like to start off with one rig. I'll be fishing both fresh and salt and wanted to know how the cheaper combos hold up to the saltwater environment. I'll be fishing primarily out of my yak, so it'll be getting wet.

From what I've read, I'm kinda leaning towards a long 7 wt., any thoughts on that?

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated,
JC

well, if you have any experience with saltwater and its effects on equipment. That being said it might be adviseable to research and find saltwater tolerable gear. It will likely cost a bit more but it'll last lots longer than the alternative.

A seven weight ought to work OK in the salt. Just be sure to get a really good reel with a good drag.

But you know what? If it were me I'd get two, one for fresh and one for salt. A nice little 4 or 5 weight starter setup would do you just fine for freshwater and the bigger, 7 or 8 with a saltwater-rated reel.

Thats my humble opinion.

Good advice RR!

That's exactly what I did. Seems the salt is sure death on a freshwater reel (rust). Besides a lighter outfit will do just fine in fresh but the big reds and trout on the coast will require something a little more sturdy.

My opinion also.........

I agree with your assessment and was thinking the same thing. I'll be sure to pass your expert advice on to my wife.
JC

I would go with a nine wt.,or an eight wt.When you go to the coast the wind will always be blowing.And get a five or four for fresh water.Heck do like me and get all the wts.Then get two of each,then three,lol Watch out its addicting.I would start with a good rod,and good line.

copperhead, you got a bad problem with fly rods and we are gonna have to come over and do an intervention and take some of them away.

rr,

Count me in on the intervention thing. I don't believe one person can handle that situation from what I have read so far!

in my opinion you can catch everything in the bay on a six weight and it works great for fresh water. if you want one rod for a decent price that does everything go with a temple fork rod.

I agree with allonafly with regards to the Temple Fork Outfitters gear. I have one of the TiCRx in an eight weight. Awesome rod at a great price.

TFO is good mojo, no doubt. A rocket six weight would do the job in hte salt no doubt and be a good bass rod.

My opinion is what drives my choices. Yesterday I went perch jerking in a city pond here in McKinney. I was pulling little bluegills out on a fiberglass rod that was humming like a guitar string when those little rascals hooked up. My sheer pleasure was the final product and I don't believe I would have had that if I'd been fishing a heavier duty rod. Now if I were to hook into a big hoss on that rod I'd have some trouble.

My final thought is that this is all gonna be about your own pleasurable experience fishing. I believe that finding the equipment that gives you the angler at the end of the rod the most fishing pleasure is the most vital point in tackle selection.

I have a TFO 9 foot 9 wt ticr for $150. and a ticrx 9 foot 6wt for $150. I have over 50 fly rod.

I would say to hold off on a SW rig, take a guide trip (many if not all have sponsor's gear you can use). You gain a little experience and get to try out some stuff before you buy, and the learning curve on salt is very steep.

If the trip's not in the cards, look at a fast 8 wt, a Wulff Bermuda Triangle floating line and a very basic reel (Medalist, Abel, Tibor) one built WITHOUT that one-way bearing arrangement.

A 6 weight is a wonderful thing when the wind isn't howling on the coast. And a convertible is nice to drive in Wichita Falls when the weather's just right. Regards, LC

LOL

A six weight is a wonderful thing, especially a fast action one. Learn how to cast and it does very well in the wind.

Guys,
Many thanks for the advice. I'm halfway through a basic class and I've got a used Cortland 6wt that'll give me something for the freshwater. Once I get the hang of that one in the small water, I'll be in the market for a 8 or 9 for the coast.

JC