Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash
Sometimes there is just nothing better than reeling in that big catch to your kayak in the vast sea. The rush that you get when you get that bite after the perfect cast is just one of the many reasons why saltwater fly fishing is such a beloved sport. It is known as one of the more expensive and harder-to-learn fishing methods, which is quite true. But we all know why people keep coming back for more. Here are a few tips to bring your saltwater fly fishing to the next level!
Clean your equipment.
While this might seem like an obvious thing to do, it is sometimes easy to forget to clean your equipment. If you are used to freshwater fishing, you might be surprised by how corrosive salt water can be. A bit of carelessness here and there can slowly add up. Before you know it, you might be looking at damaged rods, reels, and lines, which are costly to replace. With proper maintenance, you’ll be able to pass on your equipment to your kids, keeping the passion of fly fishing for generations to come.
Master the strip set.
If you’re getting into fly fishing, one thing you should master is the strip set. You might be used to the usual trout set for fly fishing. Trout sets work, but it can be pretty slow, as pulling the rod up and getting tension on the line can take some time. The strip set is performed by tugging the fishing line towards you instead of lifting the rod. This mimics the movements of baitfish. This technique is much better for those predatory fishes with more aggressive feeding patterns like many saltwater fishes. You can also strip more than once, luring the fish to chase after its swimming prey. Once you master strip sets, it opens many more exciting opportunities for saltwater fly fishing!
Keep that line managed.
It can be frustrating losing a catch because of a messy or tangled line. Sometimes this becomes an even more common occurrence than you’d like. There are many things on a boat your line can get tangled in. Always check that nothing is getting caught on your line. One way to avoid stepping on your line is to wear thin socks or go barefoot. That way, you will be able to feel it if you’re stepping on something you shouldn’t be!
Polarized glasses are a must.
The trick to catching saltwater fish is being able to see them. While it takes skill and experience to spot fish, having a good set of polarized sunglasses helps. The bright glare of the sea can be a huge hindrance, but now you can protect your eyes while spotting fish! There are many kinds of glasses, and different ones can be better depending on the time of day and personal preference. Choose the best one that suits your fly fishing needs.
Practice your cast.
It’s important to practice your cast even when you are not fly fishing. Setting up target practice in your backyard is a fun way of keeping your skills sharp during your off time. It is also a great way to hone your accuracy and speed. With saltwater fly fishing, having good accuracy and draw speed is vital for getting that catch, so make sure your skills don’t grow dull!
Saltwater fishing is a unique and rewarding experience that keeps those hooked coming back for more. Putting these tips into action together with finding the best fishing spots using this fishing near me map will definitely give you a one-of-a-kind kayak fishing trip!