fly gear recomendations

[sporty1]

Hi Guys

I fish the SE QLD lakes and estuaries for fresh and saltwater species. I would appreciate opinions on the size and type and brand of rod and reel requirements. Also the 1-2 flylines that would be suitable. I am considering a 8wt rod unsure of a reel and an intermediate and sinking line.

[Nick_Currey]

Hi Sporty,

I will start this off and daresay will be lots of other inputs as every fly fisho has their own opinion!.

An 8wt is a good all round weight for what you want to do. Some mid priced rods are the Innovator series, Penn and Composite Developments are nice and there are lots of others that are up over the $500 mark (Sage, Loomis etc). Should be able to pick up a good performing rod for around the $200 mark. Reels - again lots of models and prices from $100 up for a basic 8wt the Shimano is OK, Scientific angler are good and lots of other models available (up to $800 for the top of line Aussie (Felty) and USA models).
Lines - this will depend on where you are fishing, for surface water need a floating weight forward - with sink tips are OK, as can probe down to about a meter. An intermediate line will work down to about 2-3m, then you need to go to sinking lines to plumb the depths. In the FW lakes - if you are seeing fish on the sounder at 40 or 50 or 60' then thats where the fly will be . You need to look at the Teeny 200grain or 250grain lines as they can still be thrown on a good 8wt and sink like a brick.
Grab a good fly book, Peter Morse or similar from library, and read up on what is around. Also talk to local tackle shop - if the counter staff fly fish they shoudl be able to help.

Good luck, its great fun

NC

[wessel]

M8, basically everything Nick has said.

Just one word of advice, whenever a m8 offers his 14 weight rod loaded with 700 gr sinking line to you to just have quick cast and try it out, then please say no

It hurts when that weight line smacks you across the back....... but that was not what you wanted to know was it. In any case, happy shopping, and do try things out first if at all possible before parting with your dosh. What works for others may not always work for you.

Wessel

[sporty1]

hI again

I have been looking at fly lines the two I am considering are the Scientific Anglers Mastery Striper Taper FL Type IV and intermediate. Are these two suitable for SE QLD dams and esturies or are there better choices?

[wessel]

I am not familiar with those exact lines, but I would suggest you first find out what others think of using saltwater lines in a dam and vice versa.

If I were to use an intermediate freshwater line in the sea we have here, then the line will act like a floating line because of the higher density of the seawater. Things tend to float more in saltwater, simple physics really.

I am sure that there are other guys who may have an opinion on this.

Wessel

[Matt]

I've got a Striper 4 and intermediate, I've used the striper 4 in dams a couple of times as it's a fast sink and will get you down to the schooling fish quicker, the intermediate is probably going to be easier to cast - it certainly is for me. Depends what your fishing I guess. If it's the edges and weedbeds, I'd go the intermediate, if it's down deep - definately the striper 4.

Matt.

[Nick_Currey]

Scientific angler, cortland all make good lines and resonably priced ($100 choke!). suggest if you are just using in freshwater can look for freshwater lines, but if going to switch to salt, go ones suited to saltwater, or ensure after use you strip them off the reel into a bucket of freshwater to clean the salt crystals off them along with gunge that accumulates - dry off through a soft cloth and some line cleaner. Weight forward are easier to cast as load up rod quicker and can get away with 2-3 false casts. base don what you are trying to do, suggest 2 lines - an intermediate for near surface and a deep sink (e.g. IV or similar).

good luck

NC