Hoping for a little advice

[Ken07AOVette]

I have been unable to find a used 8 wt reel to go with my new 4 PC tfo, so I have decided on a Hardy Ultra Lite from WSSS. They said they have 2 grades of salt proof flating line, and are recommending the $80.00 Rio blue over the $40.00. I am leaving for Hawaii in less than 4 weeks, want to get stuff lined up.

Should I look at Cortland or....?

Also- any hints on good flies for Hawaii?

I do well with spinning gear on the dock, bt this is new for me.


Thanks in advance.

[Flieguy]

I'd go with airflo, it's all I run now (tried Rio and Cortland). But I've never fished salt.

did you already buy the reel? if not, look for Lamsons on ebay. you can get good deals there and they're exceptional reels with a bulletproof drag. Favored by steelheaders and saltwater gurus for this reason.

Just my opinion!

as far as flies, try to get in touch with a local guide/outfitter and ask or search through local forums.

[Ken07AOVette]

Thanks Flieguy. Haven't pulled the trigger yet, looking at options.


70 views and 12 hour soak, I thought there would have been more bites than 1.

[Redfrog]

Do you know how to flyfish?

[Ken07AOVette]

Originally Posted by Redfrog

Do you know how to flyfish?

I am in the learning stage.

How many decades does it take to master?

My past mentor nailed me in the ear, after fishing for 50 years.


I think I know your point Redfrog, the reel is nothing more than a line holder and counterweight, could use a block of wood and a pill bottle. That's why I am looking at $300 all done and not $3,500 or $10,000 like I have seen

[midgetwaiter]

What kind of fishing are you going to be doing? That's probably the most important question.

I've used both Rio Mainstream Salt (now the General Purpose, should be around $40) and SA Redfish lines on the flats, either is serviceable with bonefish sized flies. When I did some shore fishing with the mainstream I found a floater is kind of a pita in heavy surf because the line was dragging really bad. The common recommendation there is an Airflo intermediate but I think the new Orvis Hydros looks interesting as well.

How is your casting?

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

I think I know your point Redfrog, the reel is nothing more than a line holder and counterweight, could use a block of wood and a pill bottle. That's why I am looking at $300 all done and not $3,500 or $10,000 like I have seen

Generally true of trout fishing but not true in salt.

Find yourself a Sage 1880, they are discontinued and being closed out all over the place for < $100. Not fancy but it's got a sealed drag and stand up pretty well to the competition when tested.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sag...colorFamily=01

Trident fly fishing did some testing with some universal measurement gear last year and the drag is every bit as good as the Lamson and Ross reel that go for $500.

http://www.tridentflyfishing.com/blo...ly-reel-review

[Ken07AOVette]

(Hawaii)
I am going to be (heh) dock fishing early morning on the less windy side, then want to try some rock and reef fishing later on. I saw a few places that looked great to stand and cast on the South west side.

I am going to Prince Rupert BC in June and might try to slip a line out the side or front when it is not my turn on the down rigger, if I can slide it past the guide when the other guys are hooked up on big salmon.

If possible too, I would LOVE to get them to drop me off on a little island just for chits and giggles and play there.

[jeprli]

I did almost exact thing back in november, ocho rios Jamaica, dock and rock fishing. Airflo ion reel and a used 9wt rod, used a spey line. It did the job just fine, caught some needlefish and some other species i don't know the nAme of
Nothing huge but still a lot of fun. Tried getting into baracuda but i couldn't spot any in the morning.

Just remember to rinse your gear after use and you'll be fine with whatever you end up with.

[Off in the Bushes]

Nautilus is a good brand (I own one and I like it), also check out a Galvin reel (might own one soon). the speed and power of a salt water fish can definitely test the quality of the drag on cheaper reels. As far as flies try some shrimp and crab patterns (Ie bait), but be wary of salt flies that aren't tied by someone that fishes salt water as they may look great, but don't imitate the movement throughout the water very well.

[BobLoblaw]

Originally Posted by Ken07AOVette

My past mentor nailed me in the ear, after fishing for 50 years.

To be fair to your mentor, Ken, you do make one heckuva big target!

[slivers86]

Sundance does a lot of fishing in the warm stuff, he might be a good guy to PM!