Since moving back to Charleston from the WNC Mountains, I’ve only been fishing with spinning reels. I didn’t own a boat and wasn’t confident wading the flats alone, and quite frankly didn’t have the time to commit to learning. Thankfully, my work and life schedules have improved for the better and I’m ready to dive into saltwater fly fishing.
When I began fly fishing in the mountains, a shop in Asheville was very helpful in getting me outfitted with what they thought was a great compromise between value and performance. I’ve been quite satisfied and I’ve haven’t made a change in my setup since.
I visited a shop here in Charleston yesterday and didn’t necessarily have the same experience. I get it—no hard feelings. I probably could have asked more probing questions. So I was hoping some people on here that either live in the Lowcountry or have experience fishing here could weigh in.
I’m looking for rod/reel recommendations for redfish and trout, and a basic set of fly patterns to get started. Also, I’d be grateful for any other learning resources you might suggest.
I would say my budget is “intermediate”. I could probably spend more, but I honestly don’t have enough experience to make those decisions with any sense of reason, ha!
Most imprtant item is a fly fishing setup is the line. It is what casts the fly. You don’t have to go the very best, but a cheap line is not worth it. Next test cast rods to see if you like the feel. My recommended value rod is a TFO rod, but this rod may or may not suit you. Freswwater a reel just holds the line in most cases. Saltwater is a different story. You need a reel that will handle the salt. Less expensive reels will tend to be heaver. Look at Orvis Hydros or Reddington Grande. These are just my opions to get you started.
Look into the TFO rods. Great product and customer service. Other that that go to the socials and stick your hand out and buy a few beers.
A lot of folks out there need someone to fish with from time to time.
If you do venture out on your own be careful with the mud and tides down there.
And I forgot ……there’s no shame in hiring a good guide to get the lay of the land and learn specific tactics etc to the area. A good guide is almost always worth it for the knowledge gained if you are ok with asking questions.
I am not in Charleston, but I fish the exact same scenario you do (NEFL). We get the same tides, same habitat, etc.
8 wt is probably the best weight.
I agree with most- TFO is great value and a great stick. I learned on a TFO BVK in 8wt and love it. Still have it- actually been using it to teach my sons how to fly fish.
Any good quality fly reel will work. Reds and trout won’t warm up your drag washers.
Best way I can help is with flies.
Pick your colors- but I would focus on a 4 patterns to start:
A shrimp pattern - you pick- a kwan, redfish crack, clouser etc.
A simple crab pattern (I will post a simple one I use for flood tide reds)
a baitfish pattern (EP Minnow works great- but I am now playing w a toad pattern, and don’t forget about bendbacks)
a gurgler or booby-eyes.
Make some in a dark color (black and purple, black and orange, black and green) and some in a light color (I like tan colored browns, rust orange, or silly bright chartreuse).
I use size 2 most of the time, but I do make up a few larger ones (size 1 or MAYBE size 1/0 for EP minnows- but usually those are big fish flies that I co-op for redfish.
I also make some of the same flies in size 4 and size 6. But size 2 is what I tie on 85% of the time.
You can get away with just a shrimp pattern and a gurgler 90% of the time as well.
But they need weedguards. I prefer 25# mono in the V figuration.
no reason to be fearful of wading a flood tide flat other than the typical caution you’d show doing anything else outside alone. That completely switches when it comes to creeks/ lowtide flats/pluff mud. Stay in the shorter grass areas with hard ground and you’ll be fine. show up two hours before the peak and start looking for fish. “fish” its somewhat of a ambiguous term. likely you will see tails, pushes, unusual grass movement, all that could potentially be a fish.
8 wt would be a good place to start. almost everyone makes a serviceable rod, just depends on your casting preference. As others have mentioned line is probably most important. in building a set up I place priority on short to medium distance with accurate delivery over the long bombs.
To that point casting practice also can’t be understated. I know a casting lesson and time in the backyard casting at a paper plate helped me a lot.
I’ve also booked @BrownDog and he is the man. Super patient and a great teacher - plus he knows the area really well and I’m sure would be willing to point you in the right direction.
@iMacattack I’d absolutely be interested in going 50/50 on a trip with @BrownDog. Send me a message and let me know what you had in mind. That’s a great idea!
Thanks @DJG, I appreciate the advice, especially regarding high tide vs low tide. And now that my boys are getting hooked on fly fishing, I think they would love the idea of spending an afternoon at the county park having a “casting competition”, i.e. dad getting humbled!
