All-Purpose Saltwater Flies

All-Purpose Saltwater Flies

While many anglers pursue the glamor fish of the flats, saltwater fly fishing has many other facets that can be just as exciting. Jacks, barracuda, tuna, snappers and many other species are very exciting to catch on fly rods.

Flies for Saltwater Fishing

Most all-purpose saltwater fly patterns are some type of baitfish imitation from smaller size #2 and #4 steamers for redfish to large #5/0 size for big Pacific GTs and we have them in stock. Tell us where you're going and what you're fishing for and we'll get you taken care of. 

Rods and Reels for Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater rods demand the most performance in fly rods. High-performance rods are needed in order to deal with quick casts that may be long and with the ever-present wind. The rods need to be powerful enough to handle large and strong fish too. We sell the best fly rod brands on the planet so you can have confidence in our products.

It is often said in freshwater fly fishing circles that the reel is just a place to store line. That's not the case with saltwater fishing. Reels need to handle the problems of being exposed to saltwater itself and its corrosive effects. Bar stock aluminum and anodized finishes are in order. Strong drags are also a must. Even small bonefish are capable of ripping off 50-yard or more runs and stronger fish like permit and tarpon are even more demanding. A reel's backing capacity is also an important factor. Flats fishing typically requires 100 to 200 or more yards depending on your quarry.

Saltwater Fishing Techniques

Casting is the most important part of fishing the flats. You need to cast accurately, quietly at longer distances and usually while dealing with the wind. Seeing the fish before casting to it is about as important as your casting. This is a stalking game. First-timers, you need to pay some dues, and experienced saltwater folks you know what I'm talking about. Unless you live near inshore fisheries and have spent time on the water we suggest either hiring a guide or booking at a saltwater destination lodge. We have hosted trips we run and work very closely with Frontiers Travel, the premier fishing travel agency, to many of these destinations. We will be happy to assist you in doing this. Call Pat at the shop and he can personally help you get going.

Whether you fly fish for redfish, snook, tarpon or even jacks we have the saltwater fly patterns that will help you catch more fish when fly fishing saltwater.

Check out our full inventory of saltwater fly fishing flies.

Shop all fly fishing flies available for sale from The Fly Fishers fly shop.