r/SaltwaterFlyfishing

Looking for saltwater fly rod. I already have a Hardy Ultralite X 9' #6. I've been considering rods in the #7–8 weight class. Preferably something from a brand other than Vision, though if they have a rod that's clearly better than the competition, I'm happy to hear the reasoning for it.

I have seen videos of the "Triangle Sports HD 140" and the "SC125". These show how to load backing and line on a fly reel, and also on spinning reels and open-face casting/trolling reels for deep-sea fishing.

I have not seen a video as to 'un-spooling' a fly reel for complete inspection of the 'naked/bare' SALTWATER FLY REEL. On the evening of the last day of our trip down to Xcalak, after the guides rinsed the rods/reels, I too my gear back to my room. There, in the shower, I stripped off all the WF fly line and maybe 50yds of backing from each reel, then plugged the shower drain, and soaped down the reels/rods, rinsed them and let them dry on a towel on the bed under the ceiling fan. I'm OCD so I'm about to unwind them completely to inspect the inside 'down to the axle', but would like to have info on the best way to 'un-spool and re-spool' my fly reels.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

I have a trip to Playa Cahuita this winter. Dates not set yet but hoping to align somewhat with better fishing times. I will be DIY'ing or day guiding any fishing I do. Has anyone here been to the Caribbean coast to fly fish before who could point me to a day trip guide around Limon who does fly fishing or any pointers about lagoon or river mouth fishing from a kayak? Not sure how safe that is in that area.

I'm seeing there's definetely good tarpon in the right seasons, also snook, jacks and in the select areas with flats a few bones and permit.

I have never salt water fly fished before at all, I feel like tarpon might be pretty ambitious for a newbie but I am willing to invest in the gear and would love to give it a shot even if I get my ass handed to me. I can cast and will be training my saltwater shots more, my accuracy at 60ft+ is close but could be better.

So!

There seems to be plenty of info about fishing 8 weight and above two hand rods for stripped bass etc in the States, but very little I can find on a recommended setup for UK bass. As a decent bass from the shore here would be considered a schoolie stripper (and probably a small one as I understand it), I'm trying to find out if anyone has experience with a functional rod weight for general UK use.

I appreciate there's a difference between calm estuary and gale swept surf, but I've gotta start somewhere and would like a generalist to start out with.

Anyone got any suggestions on the above? (plus any info about scandi or skagit options would be appreciated!)