Help...

[Troy]

Ok, so I've got myself my first rod and reel and I'm dying to get out and pull some fish in. The next step seems to be picking out the right line. In addition to the line, there are also things called tippets:confused:?? Is this another word for leader? I'm kinda lost when it comes to this end of the line. So I've put together a few questions;

1) I know there is a backing and the fly line. After that I'm not sure...does the fly come next?

2) How does the #lb test of the fly line relate to the #lb test of the backing and/or the leader and/or etc...? I know in offshore fishing, you can use shock leaders and stuff like that...I didn't know if it kinda works the same?

3) What brand of line do you recommend? I'll be using a floating fly line for tropical conditions and fishing the flats in the keys.

I know this seems kinda stupid but I don't have a clue how the fly setup works so if anyone could take a moment to explain it would be great...if not maybe drop me some references where I can do some research. Thanks everyone:-%

Troy

[JGH]

Reel --> backing --> fly line --> leader --> fly.

Fly line isn't measured in "pound test," but rather in weights. Backing is measured in pound test. 20-30 lb. test is good for pretty much all inshore use.

A decent fly shop or saltwater fly fishing book can give you a lot of guidance on this stuff. Since you're fishing tropical flats, try Chico Fernandez's book on bonefishing, which came out a couple years ago.

Good luck.

[Onshore]

Troy,
Where do you live? What area will you be fishing?

On the rod you purchased it should give the line weight, [like line#8 (line@8) or line#9 ]
That is the weight flyline you will need. If you fishing flats you can use either a floating or an intermediate type line. I'd stay away from a sinking line - at least in the beginning.

Tippet refers to the leader strength. If you are going to fish for Trout or Redfish you want a 9 ft. tapered leader rated at least 10 lb. test.

For example, if your rod says line#8; buy an eight weight line that is (WF)weight-forward and either (F)floating or (I)intermediate. It will be coded WF-8-F or WF-8- I.

You should have at least 100yds. of 20 lb.test backing - more, if the reel will hold it.
The directions that came with the reel should give you some indication as to the amount. I like RIO lines but Scientific Angler and Cortland make good saltwater lines also.

Flies you will need will depend mainly on where you are and what you are going to fish for. Again, a local fly shop will give you a lot of local wisdom. If you are in east-central Florida, I can give you some suggestions for flies.

As JGH said, go to a fly shop for the line and leader and flies. Any clerk in Wallyworld or the other big box stores is a unique exception if he knows anything about saltwater fly fishing.