If you’re going saltwater fly fishing, you need a tough durable rod that can withstand saltwater species. Here we will review the best saltwater fly rods for the money.
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Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod
- Moonshine Rod Co. The Outcast Series Saltwater Hybrid Fly Fishing Rod (Matte 8wt 9′ 4pc)
- Redington Fly Fishing Combo Kit 590-4 Path Ii Outfit with Crosswater Reel 5 Wt 9-Foot 4pc
- Temple Fork: Professional Series Fly Rod, TF 04 86-4P 2
- KastKing Ascension Soloscopic Fly Rod,5 Wt 9ft Fly Rod
- Sage Fly Fishing Motive Rod
1. Moonshine Rod Co. The Outcast Series Saltwater Hybrid Fly Fishing Rod (Matte 8wt 9′ 4pc)
Product Features
Brand Name: Moonshine Rod Company
Rod Length: 9 ft
Line Weight: 6, 8, 10
Our number one spot goes to the Moonshine Rod Company Outcast Series Saltwater Hybrid Fly Fishing Rod. The rod itself is made from strong graphite with anodized copper hardware and hand-tuned cork grips. The hardware and components are designed to withstand saltwater making it great for any kind of fly fishing. The rode comes in 4 pieces, measuring 9′ total. They offer this rod in a 6wt, 8wt, or 10 wt version. Overall this is an excellent versatile fly rod that can be used for saltwater or freshwater fishing. It casts smooth, has good action, and also includes a lifetime warranty.
2. Redington Fly Fishing Combo Kit 590-4 Path Ii Outfit with Crosswater Reel 5 Wt 9-Foot 4pc
Product Features
Brand Name: Redington
Rod Length: 9 ft
Line Weight: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
The second spot on our list belongs to the Redington Path II Outfit Fishing Rod with Crosswater Reel. If you’re shopping for a fly rod and reel combo this is an excellent budget-friendly choice. The rod comes in 4 pieces and is available in 4 wt, 5 wt, 6 wt, 7 wt, 8 wt, and 9 wt options. The rod itself measures approximately 9 feet in length, is made from graphite, and has a medium-fast action. The Crosswater reel is pre-spooled with fly line and features a disc-drag system. For saltwater fishing, you have to buy sizes 8wt or 9wt that say “saltwater” in the size name. So be sure to keep that in mind.
3. Temple Fork: Professional Series Fly Rod, TF 04 86-4P 2
Product Features
Brand Name: Temple Fork Outfitters
Rod Length: 7’6″, 8′, 8′ 6″,9′, 9’6″
Line Weight: 2-10
The next spot on the list goes to the Temple Fork Outfitters TFO Lefty Kreh Professional Series Fly Fishing Rods. These rods are made from graphite and are available in weights ranging from 2wt to 10wt depending on your needs. The rod lengths vary depending on the weight ranging from 7″6″ to 9’6″. The rods are medium-fast action and feature smooth and powerful casting. They have anodized reel seats and aluminum inserts, along with burled cork accents. Overall these are excellent rods, and with over 14 models to choose from, no matter the fish species you can be prepared.
4. KastKing Ascension Soloscopic Fly Rod,5 Wt 9ft Fly Rod
Product Features
Brand Name: KastKing
Rod Length: 9 ft
Line Weight: 5, 8
The number four spot goes to the legendary KastKing with their Ascension Soloscopic Fly Rod. If you’re shopping for an affordable fly rod, this is one of the best values you will find for a cheaper model. The rod is available in a 5 wt or 8 wt model. You can buy just the rod, or a rod and reel combo. The rod itself is a 4 piece, 9-foot rod with soloscopic design. It is made from graphite with an aluminum reel seat and cork handle and is designed for a medium-fast action. If you buy the reel combo, you get an aluminum reel made with a smooth disc drag. This versatile rod can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, and also includes a carrying case to easily store and transport your rod.
5. Sage Fly Fishing Motive Rod
Product Features
Brand Name: Sage
Rod Length: 9 ft
Line Weight: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
The final spot on the list goes to the Sage Fly Fishing Motive Fly Rod. This is a fast action rod made from graphite. The rod measures approximately 9′ long and is available in line weights ranging from 7wt to 12wt. It features an anodized aluminum reel seat and cork grip. The rod comes in a 4 pc design that features a taper for powerful and smooth action. Overall this is an excellent rod that will stand up to saltwater fishing. The best thing about it is that they offer the large line weight rods of 11 and 12.
Saltwater Fly Reel Buying Guide
When shopping for a saltwater fly reel, there are a few factors you want to consider
- Line Weights
- Action
- Fish Species
Line Weights
One of the most important things when shopping for a fly rod is choosing the appropriate line weight. Generally, the large fish you intend to catch, the higher weight you will need. Here is a handy chart that should help figure out which weight you will need for which species of fish.
Action
Fast action rods will allow you to pick up more line off the water when recasting. This can be something to keep in mind for saltwater fishing. We typically recommend most beginners avoid a rod that is super fast, or too slow. Anything medium to fast is a good starting rod. As you gain experience and have a preference, that you can experiment with other rods and see if you like the way they work.
Fish Species
The fish species in the water you intend to fish is also important. Many anglers like to have a few different weight rods with them when fishing an area known for a variety of species. So if you’re going to bring multiple rods on your fishing trip, that is something you want to keep in mind.
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