Some time ago, a few folks began venturing into the salt armed only with a fly line, fly rod, and reel. To be sure, they were brave souls. Tackle in those early days did not begin to compare with the tackle of today. Lee Wulff and Lefty Kreh are two names that standout in my mind when I think of earlier times. There are others, to be sure. In the early days, Lefty used to show people how to modify the old Pflueger 1498, a rimless inexpensive reel, into a capable saltwater fighting machine. Among other things, he showed them how to apply finger pressure by cutting away part of the frame, and how to counterbalance the spool. For a time, at least one small firm manufactured replacement or add-on parts for the entire 1400 series. The owner of a Pflueger could replace the reel's foot and counterbalance the spool by adding a machine bolt. In truth, the entire 1400 series became very capable fly reels, given a little tender loving care.

All of that was yesterday. Today, things have changed. While the 1498 is still available, not many people mention it these days. Besides, the little firm that provided the spare parts has gone the way of so many things from earlier era. Today's fly fishing technology is superb; it is so good that it has succeeded in drawing an ever growing population of fly fishing enthusiasts willing to dip their flies into the brine.

I am of the opinion that the challenge and reward of fly fishing peaks with a venture into the salt. However, sometimes rather than a reward, fly fishing the salt results in abject failure. That's too bad! The reason, I think, is that too many folks approach the venture as if it is can be likened to making a gentle presentation to a 12-inch lunker brookie in the Shenandoah. It is not! Fly fishing the salt is a totally different experience. For most, it is likely to be trying, frustrating and fatiguing. Fly fishing the salt requires an open mind and willingness to try new ideas and concepts.

Keep an open mind and think about the fish that await�not just the tarpon, bones, permit, trout and redfish, but the flounder, sheephead and croaker, to name but a few of the humble fish that become a battle on a fly rod. Keep an open mind; try new things and success waits, if . . ..

Joan Wulff, an outstanding fly caster, once offered words of wisdom that certainly apply to fishing the salt. As I recall, it went something like this -- A good caster who knows nothing about flies or the water fished stands a chance of succeeding; a fly fisher who cannot cast stands no chance at all! Heed these words if you plan to fish the salt. Practicing the cast � something that's very easy to do almost anywhere � is an imperative. Without practice, the odds favor casting failure. Obviously, rod and reel are important; but, when fly fishing the salt begin the thought process with the wind, fly weight, and line -- only then consider the line, rod and reel. These are three critical variables.

The Wind.

Nine out of ten times, your primary adversary is likely to be the wind, not the fish. Mr. Wind can really ruin your day if you don't understand how to cope with his varied ways. Most do not! The consequence of failure shouldn't come as a surprise: if you cannot get the fly to the fish, you are not apt to catch many fish. All waters in the salt are not nicely sheltered as they are in some popular spots. I suggest your casting techniques must change to a low sidearm cast when forced to go against the wind. Most fly fishers, however, stand there stupidly trying to do the same things they did at the Orvis School with a 4- or 5-weight rod.

As I recall, the reported wind's force is measured thirty-three feet above the surface of the water. The truth is the closer you get to the earth's surface, the less the effect of the wind. Seemingly, most fly fishers are not aware of this fact. The truth is if the flag is standing straight in gusts, you can still make the cast�simply change your technique to a low sidearm cast! In my coming book, The Fly Cast: Concepts & Comments, wind casting occupies a substantive amount of the subject matter.

The Weight of the Fly.

So what else is there to consider? Good question! If you've been used to casting something like a #16 Black Gnat, just wait until you try to throw a #1 Clouser Minnow. Larger flies, especially those that are weighted, are not a joy to cast. Big heavy flies can be damned near impossible to throw without practice, and then only by using special techniques. I note that few folks who write articles about fly fishing the salt ever stand forth to discuss these truths. I suppose that's because most fly fishing magazines prefer showing the beauty of the classic fly cast; that's the one with the neatly formed loop that seems to soar forever though the sky. Of course, that particular cast results from skill, a good line, and a weightless fly. Without amplifying remarks, most folks who don't know better can easily believe that casting a big fly is no different. Forget it -- casting a big fly can be tough proposition!

The Fly Line.

Finally, there is the matter of lines. If you think your favorite cool water floater is apt to work in the waters of the Gulf, think again! Not only will you need a saltwater "tropic" line; there is a need to have a sinker available. From my point of view, the intermediate sinker comes to the front as the best all-round line. Not only does it help in cutting the wind; it mitigates against the adverse effect of wave action and weed. Having so stated, please understand that you can't use an intermediate line unless you are proficient in the roll cast. That's the only way I know of to return the line to the surface. If you cannot surface the line, it is impossible to make the standard cast.

In theory, fishing the saltwater flats calls for a 6-weight line as the minimum, at least in my view. Sure, you can chase tailing reds with a 3-weight line, but if your objective is catch & release, don't do it! A 3-weight is not the line to bring a big red to bay quickly, unless it happens to be on a 7-weight rod, and I doubt that's something many of you will try. Having stating the "six" is ordinarily the minimum, don't bank on it if the wind's up. In my experience, the wind is usually present in the salt flats, if not a breeze then a gale.

I am much more content in my belief that the best all-around line weight for the flats is the big "eight." A fast action 9-foot rod equipped with a suitable 8-weight line can stand all but the most severe wind test, especially if the line is an intermediate sinker or a full sinker. By the very nature of lines, either is dense and thin compared to their floating counterparts. With less drag, the sinkers penetrate the wind far more easily � However, if you must go with a floater try going with one that is one weight lighter than the rod's rating. Using our fast action 9-footer 8-weight as an example, a 7-weight floating line typically will generate lighter than the corresponding 8-weight. In wind casting, this little advertised fact typically provides greater distances. To be sure, the specifics of the rod's design play an important role, especially the "guts" of the butt section. I have found a faster action is to be more suitable to the task.

Notwithstanding my affinity for the 8-weight, there is always a place for a 9- or 10-weight line when fishing the flats. As previously mentioned I favor an intermediate or full sinker for the same reasons previously discussed. Dense lines cut the wind far better than the fat floaters and diminish the effects of wave action and weed.

When you venture into the salt, I suggest you move up to 30-pound test backing. While 20-pound works pretty well, I think it is better to be safe than sorry. Given the frailties of humans, fish, line and backing, anything can happen.

The Rods.

Having given you my pick of lines for average conditions, a fast action 9-foot, 8-weight tends to be my favorite on the flats. It has the guts to handle heavier fish because of the stronger butt section and the tip necessary for a tight cast.

Let me hasten to add that whenever I head for the flats, I always carry two other rods other than the 8-weight. One rod I call Wind Tamer and the other Horse. Wind Tamer is a custom light 9-foot, 12-weight that weighs in at about 5_ -ounces. Horse is an 8_-foot, 10/11 Mega Taper by G. Loomis weighing in at about 4_-ounces. Horse was reviewed in a 1998 product update under the title, "A Rod Called Horse." Its better today than it was then �

While there are a large number of quality rods available from an array of manufacturers, Horse is my favorite when facing adversity. Why? It is very simple -- Horse casts like a trout rod even in Force 5 conditions. (On the Beaufort Scale, Force 5 is a fresh breeze of 19 to 24 miles per hour.) If you fly fish salt water, you haven't lived until you try a G. Loomis Mega Taper. In my view, it is the quick way to master the flats.

The Reels.

While the old Pflueger 1498 will work in saltwater, there are a number of better alternatives now available, even if the fish doesn't run too far. Most don't! However, that's not to say that the next seatrout or redfish might decide to show you something unusual. By the way, have you ever had a sheephead at the end of a fly rod? Tough buggers! Plan on a fairly long fight that will test your terminal gear. Best to have a reel with a counterbalanced spool and smooth drag. A big sheephead will take line, burrow deep, and try for the nearest structure to assist in breakoff.

When fishing the salt, I favor a reel that is tough enough to handle the adverse effects of saltwater and sand, as well as fast running fish. Then, too, I much prefer a reel that doesn't require endless hours of maintenance. Given today's technology, there are a "bunch" of reels that meet this call. I suggest reviewing "The Fly Reel: Fact and Fantasy."

Of Tippets and Knots.

Having earlier suggested the minimal number of knots for fly fishing, fly fishing the salt can call for a couple more, particularly if your adversary happens to be toothy critter -- toothy critters have a way of ruining the day. In fact, if you happen to stick your little finger in their mouth and they are apt to ruin that too.

What to do? Very simple, add two knots to your inventory. The first is the Haywire Twist; a simple way to connect a short wire called a bite tippet between the fly and the actual tippet. Usually a bite tippet need be no longer than 4- to 8-inches. The second knot is the Bimini Twist, considered by many to be fisher's nightmare. Actually, the Bimini is easy to tie. All you need is three hands. Since I don't happen to have three, I've long since found that my big toe more than suffices as a substitute to hold the base of the loop. I tie a Bimini Twist at both ends of my tippet. That, of course, yields a double-strand loop. Next, I double the double-strand loop back onto itself and tie a Double Surgeon's Loop. The result, a four-strand loop, allows a more secure tie to a larger sized line or wire. Believe me, it will save many a breakoff when fishing the salt. You can follow along by obtaining a copy of the Book of Knots by Ande Monofilament. Ande makes it available at no cost as a courtesy to anglers. To obtain a copy, simply write Ande Monofilament, 1310 53rd Street, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407.

The Flies.

How to possibly to cover an impossible subject -- that is my dilemma. There are so many new and old flies that will and do catch fish, the best I can do is offer a few suggestions. Since you now know that I favor an intermediate line in the salt, I suppose my favorite fly is a Lefty's Deceiver in any one of a number of color combinations. I like it because I can swim it below the surface, away from weed and wave, often with great success. For me it works and works well!

Next comes the Clouser Minnow, a weighted fly whose fame has spread far and wide in both fresh and saltwater. Now available in a variety of colors and pattern derivatives from thick to skinny, the Clouser Minnow is a winner.

There are others of course. The Crazy Charlie has hooked many a bonefish, and for that matter, many other species. For a trophy red, better have a big fly that looks for the entire world like a Menhaden, otherwise called a big minnow pattern. Crabs are the favorite food of permit and sheephead. Other fish also eat crabs. Fishing without a something like the Rattling Crab is missing a good bet. And if you are into chasing stripers, don't forget the popper, whether hair bug or foam.

On a given day with the right water and wind conditions, almost any fly will catch a fish in saltwater. Be guided by your imagination. I wish you well.

Next time, the discussion continues � Until next time, God Bless you and yours.

� Copyright: Douglas G. Macnair, 1998-2001.