all around inshore setup

[skitterwalk]

Hey fellow fly fishing FCKArs. I have ran into a slight problem. Going out, casting topwater plugs and reeling in reds have become to ordinary for me...hahaha definetly kidding!!! But on that note im looking for a more challanging and FUN way to catch inshore fish and fly fishing seems like the exact thing im looking for. Me being the fisherman I am I don't like dilly dallying around with cheap equiptment and potentially reducing my oportunity to catch fish...after all isn't that the main objective of taking the time to go? So for you intermideate fly fishing anglers, money aside(for the most part) what is the best inshore SETUP (rod, reel, backing, fly line, etc.) for reds, trout, flounder, spanish, etc.? "Best" meaning not paying for the name of the rod for example, and all around rod for launching the array of flys needed in inshore waters. I hear 9 weight is the best allaround to throw popers to big bass, Heavy crabs and spoons to reds, and thick wool pinfish immitations to small tarpon(45-50 lbs)? Not to mention what weight line should I match my rod to? I hear if you go one heavier you can shoot further...I could go on forever. Bottom line...what setup would yall sugjest? Input from the pros would be greatly appreciated.(I don't have Microsoft Word yet so please lay off the spelling errors)

[BearsFan]

There are quite a few decent rods out there for under $300. You may want to look at echo, colton, redington, and tfo. You may also want to look for older models of sage, scott, or loomis rods on ebay. I really don't know what to say about a perfect rod size. I fish a 6 and an 8 primarily around here. There is no way a rod you will use for reds on a windless day will also be suited for a 50lb tarpon. I would say go for a 7 or an 8 if you are going to be using one rod for reds. Save tarpon to worry about a little further on down the road. I would say use the line that the rod is rated for, a little casting practice in the back yard does way more for your cast than going over a line size ever will.

Reels are really not that big of a deal for redfish. It is not very often, around here, that you will get a red that takes you into your backing, the fish in my post below was around well over 30" and didn't even get close. Your reel will primarily be for holding line so you do not need to spend too much on one. Just make sure it is well made enough to hold up to saltwater.

Just my 2 cents.

[skitterwalk]

Thanks bearsfan, a red over 30" on fly! thats unreal man. Can you sugjest a fly assortmnt for geting started? I am overwhelmed with all the flys on the rack at Kevin's lol.

[Yakjockey]

Skitterwalk - Bearsfan is right on with his suggestions. All of the rod mfgs he mentioned are top notch. I recently purchased a new saltwater outfit myself having been away from it for a while. I ended up getting a Scott A3 4pc 9ft 9wt with a Lamson Konic reel. Both rod and reel are considered "entry-level" by their mfg.'s and it still set me back $550 (including line & backing). You can certainly get a GREAT outfit at a cheaper price as Bearsfan mentioned. I bought the rod from Gary Merriman at "The Fish Hawk" in Atlanta. I grew up there and was familiar with Gary's reputation in the industry. He suggested the 9wt over the 8 simply because of the often windy conditions we encounter so often on the gulf coast. I can definately tell a big difference in the "action" of the Scott rod vs. an entry level 8wt Orvis I have. Just a suggestion! I am just getting into the Kayak thing, would love to go fishing sometime!

[BearsFan]

I have a few hundred too many flies covering most flat surfaces in my apartment, sure I can find a dozen or so for you. I will second the lamson konic. If you decide to go with an 8wt I have an $80 line less than a year old I will let go for $15.

[capncrunch]

Have you considered a heavy spinning outfit so you can LAND a tarpon this year.

[skitterwalk]

Have you considered a heavy spinning outfit so you can LAND a tarpon this year.

Oh I have more than consitered it crunch. I have the pinfish hooks and split shots to jig up the pins, the 7/0 circle hooks to hang em on, 80 lb fluro, 40lb power pro... you just wait. I have watched my video a solid 1,000 times waiting for summer to arrive. Im out for revenge.

[Littoral]

Have you considered a heavy spinning outfit so you can LAND a tarpon this year.

Captain lays it down...!
Point taken as we were discussing this today. It's time.
On fly gear, I fish an 8 and a 6 and I really like the 6.
Both are TFO, tcirx 8 and the 6 is an Axiom. The 6 is plenty for
big reds. Consider your spinning preferences. You've gravitated
towards the lightest equipment you can. I expect your fly gear will
do the same.
On spelling, I'll try and spare you from now on. Your Dad does slip me
a few extra bucks to stay on you.
Officially kidding.
I was actually impressed with the cogent development of your post.
It was well reasoned and included excellent descriptive language.
We are all being judged, all the time. It's a competetion mostly with ourselves.
That's why I fish. I can't win. The humility is official size and weight -like a quota.
If it goes really well I get a glimpse. If the fish say so.

note: cogent is a GREAT word & worth serious cred in class - if your teacher knows what it means.

[Littoral]

I'm out for revenge.

I will certainly try to be there to video the lofty response to your challenge.
My phone gets service out there. Be sure to wear that pfd, and a hement.

[abcarias]

Get in touch with Gerald Bell at Big bend flyfishing club. He probably can get you a deal. Also, I hope you get an 8wt. I have landed tarpon up to 50lbs on mine though most tarpon around here are bigger. Less then an 8 on saltwater doesnt make sense to me when you have to deal with the wind and the fact that sometimes you will be sitting right? Also, you have a small long rod as I recall???? Saw two tarpon today on the river. Going back tomorrow at first light.

[WannaDoDat]

note: cogent is a GREAT word & worth serious cred in class - if your teacher knows what it means.

[/quote]

co-gent [koh-juhnt]
-a dated southern slang for the occupants of the young men's college dormitory. The young ladies were called co-eds.

[i_brew_it]

Ben, you need to give an ultralight ugli-stick a try...about 4 foot long. I rigged mine out with powerpro and fluoro. Talk about some fun landing an upper slot red on that thing at HM... That was some good times. With a good size spoon on it, I could still get some distance in my cast. Almost nothing quite like having a fish bend a rod down past the bottom rod eye into the water...almost pulling the rig out of my hands.

[Littoral]

co-gent [koh-juhnt]
-a dated southern slang for the occupants of the young men's college dormitory. The young ladies were called co-eds.

That is hilarious.

[WannaDoDat]

Thanks, littoral.

I'm planning on being a headliner at Charles' Chat Shack and Funny Fish Emporium.

Want to join the fun? Come on down to Wakulla Beach on any given sundown. We take on all gimmicks.

I propose that Charles present seminars entitled:

"Dangling Trout"--"How to Display a Limit of Trout in One Photo Using Only Two Hands and a Belt."

and

"Minutiae"--"Remembering Every Detail and Nuance of Every Fishing Trip Ever."

See ya there!!
"Haiku Jean"

[skitterwalk]

Thanks everyone! I will let yall know what I end up getting. Appreciate the comments.