Before you start panicking, this is not as big an undertaking as you might think. They are certainly been an overwhelming amount of information published about saltwater fly fishing and accessories. This can be confusing to someone who has never picked up a fly rod. However, just as with any other type of fishing fly fishing can be simple, or it can be complicated. It really does depend on what you wish to make of it. Getting started does not have to involve huge amounts of knowledge or equipment. In fact, you will quickly discover that there is no need to spend your life savings on equipment that will help you put a fish in your boat. Here are some of the basic equipment needs that will help you get started.

Naturally, the first thing you will need is a decent fly rod. Anything lighter than the seven weight rod is not a good investment. In fact, it is typically recommended that eight or nine weight is the perfect place to start for your average saltwater fish. This includes Northeast fish like bluefish and striped bass. You will find that for the most part, rod lengths are about 9 feet. These offer the leverage that anglers need to cast the line with little effort and they are easy to handle. A good quality rod should not cost you more than $100 at most tackle shops.

The next thing you will need is a reel that matches your rod. The good news is that reels are rated exactly the same way as fishing rods are rated. If you have purchased an eight weight rod, you will need an eight rated reel. This is pretty simple to understand. The best choice for saltwater applications is the larger arbor reel. These allow you to have a couple of hundred yards a fly line backing, which is easily accommodated on a wider and deeper spool. This additional length is necessary in the event that you hook a large fish, and he decides to make a long run. These fly reels with good drag systems typically cost less than $100.

The next part of your tackle should be fly line and backing. There is no need to use expensive lines in the beginning. Your line weight should match your fishing rod and reel, and it is preferable that you go with a floating weight forward line. You will not need sinking lines until much later. The majority of your spool should be filled with the fly line backing before the fly line is attached. The best fishing line for this is Dacron, typically weighted for 20 to 30 pound test. It would be prudent to ask a tackle shop that has line winding equipment to put the appropriate amount of backing onto your reel and then attach the fly line to the backing.

The next piece of tackle that will be required is a leader. Made either from monofilament line or fluorocarbon line, leaders are typically the same length as your fishing rod, and are attached to your fly line before you tie the fly. Your local retailer should be able to recommend ideal leader sizes for the type of fish that you will be attempting to catch. It is important to remember that leaders are generally tapered, which allows them to unfurl at the end of the cast.

The final piece of tackle that you will need is a small selection of flies. The best place to get information on this is locally. Local anglers and staff members at your bait shop can help you make an accurate determination of which flies are best suited. A small selection of streamers and surface flies that offer a variety of sizes and patterns will typically work fine. Once you have been out a few times, you will soon be able to figure out which ones work best for you.

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Daiwa Fishing Reels.