Dusting off my old fly rod

Mon Feb 08, 2021 12:50 am

I've fished rivers a few times many years ago. But never salt water. So I have a few questions. Please excuse me if they sound stupid.

Alot of people mention estuaries. Does this type of fly fishing only occur there or do fly anglers fish from beaches or piers.

I've one estuary that I can target however predominantly there is beaches and piers.

Without going off topic. I've a beachcaster, spinning rod and I'd like to utilize the fly rod.

I have a floating line currently equipped. No particular species I want to target just any if possible. Catch and release of course.

Any particular fly to use or any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Re: Dusting off my old fly rod

Mon Feb 08, 2021 2:55 am

No you dont need to fish estuaries. Anywhere where you can cast a lure you can cast a fly. Probably would get an intermediate line just to allow you to fish deeper . Im no expert so hopefully someone might be able to put you in the right direction. I know Chuckaroo is into his fly fishing so might be able to help you out

Re: Dusting off my old fly rod

Tue Feb 09, 2021 12:29 am

Thanks for reassurance, I was going to wade out and fly, but didnt want to look silly. Lol.

I'll definitely get a intermediate line on the go aswell.

Will check out Chuckaroos posts too.

Re: Dusting off my old fly rod

Tue Feb 09, 2021 6:24 pm

Yip, estuaries in Ireland would be associated mainly with sea tout and bass (or mullet, but fly fishing for mullet will be that bit more specialised and might be best left for a later date..) but the predatory species like pollack, coley, bass, sea trout, wrasse and mackerel for example can most certainly be targeted from a range of coastline types inc rocks, piers and beaches.
It all comes down to finding suitable and comfortable areas to fly fish that will hold these fish types. Ideal ('suitable') areas are environments that offer appropriate depth of water (not too deep) and features like rocks, out-crops, drop-offs or weed beds etc where you might know where these fish can be found. You want to be able to get a back cast and if wading then you'd want to wade at a comfortable depth and over safe ground; ideally, you'd want shelter from wind too..
You'd be best with a fast intermediate or a sinking line, use pretty heavy tippet like 10-20lb. Simple clouser and streamer patterns of any and all designs will get you started.
It really is pretty straight forward after that. There is a wealth of information online, for example:
https://www.peaksflyfishing.com/saltwat ... ers-guide/
https://www.ukbass.com/fly-fishing-for- ... the-shore/
And for starters you could watch all the videos made by this guy:
https://www.youtube.com/user/surethingsfly/videos

Re: Dusting off my old fly rod

Wed Feb 10, 2021 6:14 pm

Chuckaroo thanks so much. That's great info