JOIN THE FLUFF CHUCKERS

How to start saltwater fly-fishing.

IT’S BECOMING more common to see an angler casting a fly-rod along the UK shores, particularly in the warmer months. Targeting mullet on the fly can be as effective as bread under the float, and sometimes stealthier and subtler in its approach.

To catch your first bass on the fly is a memory never forgotten, as is the fun of catching a garfish that tail walks as it peels line off the reel of a light outfit.

The UK shores offer a varied fly-fishing landscape, from the rocks of Northern

Ireland and Scotland, where pollack can be targeted, to the southern estuaries and sandy beaches offering easy wading access for bass.

Many anglers I know now take fly-tackle along with their spinning outfit. Once the basic kit is obtained, it should last for years.

Homework is key to a successful fly-fishing trip, including studying the tides and weather, and using a low-water visit to see the features you will be fishing.

Here’s how to get into saltwater flyfishing, or as many call it – SWFF-ing.

Most sea anglers have a set of waders or chesties, so, with some of the rod and reel deals available, you can get set up for saltwater fly-fishing for as little as £100.

An all-rounder outfit for bass on the fly is a 9ft, eight weight fly-rod combined with a large-arbor fly reel. The reel should be loaded with at least 100 yards of 20lb backing and then attached to the fly-line.

In many situations, and especially if you are fishing shallow marks, use a floating fly-line to match the rod rating, such as Weight Forward (WF) eight weight line to match the eight-weight rod.

Many fly-lines have a loop end that facilitates loop-to-loop attachment to a leader. Tapered leaders are most popular, for example, a 9ft leader that tapers down to 16lb is ideal for bass in most situations.

For mullet, a more delicate set-up is employed. Typically, a 9ft, six-weight rod and a matching six-weight floating line to delicately place the fly in the feeding path of the unwary mullet. Of course, there are exceptions, which I will detail in future.

The waterproof clothing of the modern lure fisherman serves perfectly well for many dry fishing situations with a flyrod. There are many times when a good lightweight pair of breathable waders will be essential. As with any form of lure fishing, safety is paramount. Therefore, boots with studs are advised when rock hopping over weed and wet areas.

Load – the reel needs at least 100 yards of 20lb backing and then the fly-line

SALTWATER TACKLE CHECKLIST Your choices should include:

■ Breathable waders with a belt

■ Wading boots (a size larger than your regular shoe/boot size)

■ Adequate breathable layers

■ Waterproof, breathable jacket

■ Hat, such as a baseball cap

■ Sunglasses with polarised lenses

■ Line clippers

■ Forceps to remove flies

■ Shoulder or sling bag for accessories

■ Fly boxes

■ Landing net, ideally a minimum 25in diameter with extendable handle

■ Stripping basket

■ Water bottle

■ Headlamp

■ Waterproof pocket/protection for a mobile phone

Graded – sinking (left), intermediate, and floating lines (right)

Simple – the Rapala knot

The most important part of SWFF-ing is casting competence. I suggest that the ability to cast 20 yards is a good aspiration for a beginner to achieve after a decent lesson and follow-up practice.

There are several helpful means to achieve this, which include contacting Orvis UK for a free fly-casting lesson, or befriending a local fly-fisherman to help you. They don’t have to be a saltwater angler – the key thing is to improve your confidence and casting ability.

If you are already a trout fisherman or have equipment from reservoir trout fishing, then you have a head start and need minor adjustments to make you fit for saltwater.