Before you start thinking this is a major undertaking, forget the fact that there is been a tremendous amount of information published about saltwater fly fishing. For those who have never picked up a fly rod, all of this information about fly fishing and accessories can be quite overwhelming. The good news is that like any type of fishing, fly fishing can be as complicated or is easy is you cannot make it. In addition to that, you do not need a tremendous amount of either knowledge or equipment to get started. Contrary to what you may think, you will not need to spend your life savings on equipment that will help you land fish. There are however, some basic equipment needs that are required, and this list should help you get started.
The first thing you will need is a good fly rod. Most saltwater fly anglers recommend an 8 or 9 weight for average salt water fishing. This includes the average saltwater fish in the Northeast such as bluefish or striped bass. Most anglers recommend a rod length of typically about 9 feet long, since they give you the leverage that you need to cast the line. Anything much longer than that becomes hard handle. Most tackle shops will carry a good quality rod for somewhere around $100.
The reel is the next important piece of equipment that you will need. It must match your rod. If you bought an eight weight rod, you will need an eight weight reel. Saltwater applications typically mean that you will want a large arbor reel. These reels are wider and deeper in the spooling area, allowing room for the fly line as well as additional fly line backing. This will help if you hook into a large fish that decides to take off on you. A good fly reel with an excellent system can be purchased for well under $100.
The next piece that you will need is fly line and backing. Inexpensive fly lines are a good choice for those just starting out. Make sure the line weight matches your rod and reel, and that you use a floating weight forward line. You will not need sinking lines right away. Before you add your fly line to the reel, fill it with fly line backing. Dacron line rated at 20 to 30 pound test is usually your best option. It is typically best to ask the tackle shop to wind the line for you, since they have winding machines.
Another critical piece of tackle will be your leader. Leaders are generally monofilament line or fluorocarbon line. Use a section that is about equivalent to the length of your Rod. You can attach this to the end of your fly line before you tie on your flies. Your local retailer will be able to recommend the best leader size for the type of fish that you are angling for. You will notice that leaders typically tapered, to allow for unfurling at the end of the cast.
Talk to others who fish locally for deciding which type of flies to use. As a general rule of thumb, a small selection of surface flies and streamers are usually sufficient. For those just starting out, the employees in a local tackle shop can provide this information. After you have been fishing a few times, you will start to figure out what works best for you.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Daiwa Reels.