There were several excellent options throughout the country, but we chose Charleston, South Carolina, because sight casting to tailing reds is a perfect test for a saltwater fly rod. They helped us find a skilled captain and an ideal test location to give the rods a workout in a limited time. We used Captain Experiences, which is a service that connects anglers with trusted guides. Scott Einsmann A powerful rod was needed to wrestle fish to the boat. How We Tested Saltwater Fly Rods Sight casting in tight quarters. If you’re in the market for a new rod, this review will help you narrow down which you want to buy or test out at a fly shop. To find the best saltwater fly rods, three fly anglers spent two days putting a dozen fly rods through a formal accuracy and distance test as well as some of the most technical saltwater fly fishing scenarios. To meet those challenges you need a saltwater fly rod with the right mix of power and control-not all rods have that.

But it becomes incredibly challenging when you add in wind, adrenaline, being surrounded by back cast snagging tall grass, and line cutting oyster beds lining the creek. In an open field, an accurate 50-foot cast is pretty easy. We turned a bend and there they were just 50 feet away, tails out of the water and pushing a wake as they fed. Learn More ›Īs we polled into the back of a creek not much wider than the skiff, our guide said you’re only going to get one shot at these fish. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.

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