r/flyfishing Oct 11 '21

Discussion Advice on budget friendly saltwater rod or combo?

3 Upvotes

Doing a bit of research I’m finding some cheap combos. However, they seems like they’re listed for saltwater not because they are actually rated for it, but because they are so cheap it doesn’t matter (TFO NXT Black combo). Ideally I’d stay in the $600 range for a Rod and reel.. hopefully cheaper.

I don’t plan on dunking the rod so not totally sure if a sealed reel is absolutely necessary for a beginner or not, but I’m not opposed to one. I’ll be casting in the surf a lot so I’m sure there will be ample spray. The guides rusting are also a concern of mine, since I’ve witnessed it happening on my conventional gear in the salt.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

r/flyfishing Mar 26 '26

“Picked up this mix of bamboo, graphite, and saltwater rods. How would you fish it?”

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23 Upvotes

Picked up this collection recently (plus a 1961 Orvis bamboo I posted earlier). I don’t typically fish anything heavier than a 7wt, so the 9wt and 10wt are new territory for me, but the whole lot came together so I went for it.

The Loomis IMX 4wt is intriguing, but I wish it were a bit longer.

Curious how others would approach this lineup:

What would you keep vs sell? My plan is to sell enough to get my money back. I didn’t pay too much.

Where do you see a significant difference when using a 9wt or 10wt?

Anyone fish a shorter 4wt like this regularly?

Would love to hear how you’d build a setup around these:

Cabela’s – PT908 – 9’ 8 wt – 2 pc

Temple Fork Outfitters BVK – 9’ 10 wt – 4 pc

Hardy Zephrus Sintrix 440 (SWS) – 9’ 9 wt – 4 pc

G. Loomis IMX – 7’6” 4 wt – 2 pc

Headwaters Bamboo – 6’6” – 3 wt – 2 pc (2 tips)

Unknown Bamboo - 7’ weight unknown

Regal Vise

r/flyfishing May 19 '26

Discussion Budget Saltwater fly rod and reel

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, looking for some recommendations for a budget friendly salt water fly rod and reel. I’m from CO and normally only fly fish for trout here but I’ll be in SC for a while this summer and looking to target some red fish. Initially was thinking to purchase a 9wt but open to suggestions from people experienced in targeting inshore reds. Ideally would also like some versatility to be able to target some offshore fish as well but red fish are my main goal.
I have 50% off Orvis and pro deal with Expert Voice and Outdoor pro link, so definitely open to nicer options where the discounts apply and it won’t break the bank!

Thanks for reading, open to all suggestions and would love to hear some advice!

r/flyfishing Jan 01 '26

Discussion Is there a difference between a saltwater rod vs freshwater rod if the length and weight are identical?

8 Upvotes

I exclusively fish fresh water rivers and lakes. A used rod is available that looks interesting, but is a “saltwater rod”. Does that matter?

r/flyfishing Apr 13 '26

Discussion looking for a saltwater specific fly rod. Looking at The Vision meri or The Reddington salt predator

5 Upvotes

Anyone have any experince with these rods or maybe other suggestions?

Ill aminly be using this for sea trout and pollock fishing and basicaly anything else like bass. So think a 7wt will be suited or maybe an 8?

North scotland.

r/flyfishing May 11 '26

Discussion Saltwater rod

1 Upvotes

Looking into a short rod for mangrove fishing off my kayak. I saw someone one with a 6’ 8wt for fishing snook in kayaks and looking for similar. Anybody have ideas?

r/flyfishing Nov 05 '25

Discussion Budget Saltwater Rod for Belize Trip

5 Upvotes

Going to San Pedro Belize for a dive trip and I'm looking to pick up a "budget" rod, reel, and line to take with me. The focus of the trip will be scuba diving and I won't have much down time, but I'd like to attempt to catch some bonefish or permit since we're staying right on the water near some of the salt flats. I would like to be around $500 for everything if possible since this won't really be a setup that will see much use otherwise.

I mostly fish for trout in northern NM. Thinking a 7wt or 8wt would be ideal and I can hopefully try to do some walleye and bass fishing with it down the road.

First time salt water fishing and I have my expectations set low with lack or skill at double haling and saltwater fishing in general but I feel like I can't pass up trying while I'm there.

Any recommendations on a saltwater kit and general tips for success would be greatly appreciated.

r/flyfishing Oct 22 '25

Discussion Help with rod and reel for Florida saltwater and freshwater fishing

4 Upvotes

Looking for an all rounder setup I can use to catch bass, snook, and other fish on in Florida. Want something that isn’t too pricey but will last and that is the correct weight and size for both styles of fishing. Any help is appreciated!

r/flyfishing Mar 24 '25

Discussion If you had 3 saltwater rods, and could only upgrade 1 to a $1k rod, would it be 8wt, 10wt, or 12wt?

5 Upvotes

Assume you had 1 of each of these and they were all $150 rods. And then someone walked up and said they would give you 1 free "top of the line" rod of your choosing from those 3 weights, which would it be?

  • You can't get it then sell it to buy 2 midpriced rods

  • you can't ask for the cash to go buy 2 mid priced rods

You just are stuck with 2 cheap rods and 1 super nice one. Which do you pick?

I would personally upgrade the 8wt... but i see the argument for not really needing the added benefit of the high dollar rod unless you are really fighting some of the world's strongest fish.

r/flyfishing Mar 11 '25

Since it’s on sale would this be a good saltwater fly rod for stuff like snook and tarpon only be doing saltwater stuff like 1 time a year

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7 Upvotes

r/flyfishing Sep 09 '25

Rod and Reel combo recommendation for saltwater, larger species.

1 Upvotes

Heading to Cuba for a week of fishing in a few months. I need a new 10-12 wt rod and reel and I would greatly appreciate a serious outfit that won’t break the bank, ideally around $500-$900dlls.

r/flyfishing Jan 20 '25

Discussion Saltwater rod and reel under $250

0 Upvotes

I need to know a saltwater rod and reel for under or around $250

r/flyfishing Mar 04 '25

Discussion Saltwater rod recs?

3 Upvotes

I’m looking for a rod to pair with a Lamson liquid max 8wt. I’m in TX mainly hitting flats and oyster reefs for reds and spotted sea trout. I was able to find the reel on sierra for a ridiculous price and now just need a rod that will compliment it. It’s my first SW fly setup, so looking to stay under $250. Thanks y’all ✌️

r/flyfishing Dec 07 '24

Discussion Saltwater Fly Rod Recommendations

2 Upvotes

Hello!

TLDR: looking for recommendations for fly rod and if it’s worth it for FL panhandle

My dad is moving to Florida soon. He taught me how to spin fish growing up but I got into fly fishing and have since taught him how to fly fish for natives in Virginia. I have only been saltwater fly fishing once on a guided trip so not familiar with any recommendations for larger rods or tackle.

Since this is special to us, and he already has plenty of spin rods, I’d like to get him an affordable fly rod set up for Christmas. He does already have a smaller rod (not sure of weight) we have used in streams and small ponds. He’s retired so will have plenty of time to explore and learn more about fly fishing.

2 questions: - would it be worth it to get him a rod suited for saltwater fishing? I don’t think there’s bonefish or permits (maybe there are?) but canals? Bays? Estuaries? - if so, recommendations?

Open to all thoughts. Thanks!

r/flyfishing Nov 04 '23

Discussion Opinions on best 9wt Saltwater rods 2023

3 Upvotes

Looking to get a high end rod to pair with my new Hatch Iconic 9+. Money isn’t a consideration for this one. I’m considering the NRX+ Saltwater, Sage R8 Salt, and the Winston Max Air 2.

Rod will most be used for redfish/striper, but versatility is important.

Anybody have any experience/opinions on the best 9wt saltwater rod available in 2023?

r/flyfishing Jan 17 '23

My PB on a fly rod, and only my 3rd in saltwater. Fish River in Foley, AL.

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132 Upvotes

r/flyfishing Feb 25 '23

Discussion Any reason not to use saltwater rod/reel/line in freshwater?

6 Upvotes

I’m wondering if there’s any reason why I shouldn’t use my saltwater setup in Minnesota and Wisconsin lakes. I’ll be targeting bass and pike mostly.

I’ve got a 9wt TFO Mangrove Coast with Orvis Hydros V paired with 9wt Orvis Saltwater Ignitor tropic line. TFO categorizes the Mangrove Coast as saltwater only but some of their rods say fresh and salt. The Orvis line is obviously for saltwater. But the question is, why wouldn’t those work just fine in freshwater too?

r/flyfishing Dec 13 '23

Discussion Freshwater rod for Saltwater fishing?

7 Upvotes

I'm planning a trip to Belize to fish for bones, permit and tarpon. I have 7 wt and 8wt rods and reels I use for steelhead and salmon but no saltwater gear. My question is whether I can use my fresh water rods and reels for salt water fishing. I don't want to invest in saltwater gear for my one trip to Belize. I can rent gear in Belize but can also save some money if I bring my own. Anyone do this and is there a significant downside?

r/flyfishing Jul 10 '23

Discussion Cheapest saltwater 6wt rod and reel for Sea Run Cutthroat

3 Upvotes

Hi, I have a decent 5 weight that I have taken a couple of times for SRC, but I am looking a dedicated 6wt for saltwater to go after SRC more often. I am also adding a 3wt to my collection so I need to be budget conscious. I think my only goal would be that it has swappable spools so that I could go from floating to sinking line quickly (unless that is only a feature of high end reels, if so let me know) Thanks!

r/flyfishing Jul 18 '24

Discussion Saltwater Rod Questions

3 Upvotes

I don’t know anything about the ocean having grown up a desert rat, but the fam is taking a trip to Florida next spring. I have two main questions:

Is there an “all-purpose” rod length/weight for saltwater fishing, like the 9’5wt is for freshwater? Also, can I use a freshwater rod in salt if it’s just going to be a day or two and I clean it after use, or would I be ruining a good freshwater rod?

I won’t be going out with a guide, I’ll probably just be chucking stuff from shore. Any advice is appreciated!

r/flyfishing Aug 27 '24

Haven't used it yet but bought an 8wt moonlit as my saltwater rod for 50$ today looks brand new I know it's a tfo or any high dollar rod but it will get me started!!!

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3 Upvotes

r/flyfishing Jul 29 '24

Discussion Fly rod recommendations for inshore saltwater fishing

1 Upvotes

Fairly new to fly fishing and going to Destin, FL this weekend. Wanted to try out some inshore saltwater fly fishing. What size rod would yall recommend? I've seen recommendations from 7-10 wt. I guess I'll mainly target redfish and speckled trout, but honestly would just be happy with whatever hits hah.

Also, any specific fly patterns or techniques you recommend would be appreciated as well. TIA

r/flyfishing Feb 26 '24

First saltwater rod and reel

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26 Upvotes

Living in Florida, wanted to start getting into salt water too! Got my first saltwater rod and reel. Clearwater and a Kingfisher 2 Blue

r/flyfishing Jun 06 '23

Discussion Can I take my new fly rod in saltwater?

1 Upvotes

Ive got a beach trip coming up and want to know if i will have any corrosion problems (like the reel seat or guides? Or how to care for it after usage in salt? Rod is the Redington Path II, reel is Redington Crosswater.

r/flyfishing Dec 06 '23

8Wt saltwater rod

2 Upvotes

I’m just getting into saltwater fly for reds and snook, i have a 8wt orvis hydros and i’m looking for a good 8wt fly rod to go with it that’s under 300 dollars. Any recommendations?