Saltwater fly fishing requires gear that is safe from saltwater damage. Salt can corrode many quality fly rods and reels, which is why it’s important to make sure your equipment is saltwater safe before taking it out to sea. It also means you need gear that can handle bigger fish in extreme conditions. The same rod and reel you might use for trout fishing, will not cut it when you are fighting a big permit, redfish, striped bass and definitely not tarpon.
So if you plan to start fly fishing in saltwater environments, you’ll need the right setup. We suggest starting with a 9 weight rod for fish from 5 to 15 pounds. If you plan to go big or go home, you can move up to 10 or 11 weight.
Top 10 Saltwater Fly Rods
Our team has put together a list of the best saltwater fly rods, made for long distance, powerful casting and fighting big fish. These fly rods are made with corrosion resistant materials to withstand the harsh saltwater environment and are sure to last.
These are the Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Rods:
- Sage Fly Fishing Igniter Fly Rod
- Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod
- Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods
- Goture Fly Fishing Rod
- Redington VICE Fly Fishing Rod
- Ugly Stik Bigwater Fly Rod
- Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
- KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Combo
- M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Predator Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod
Sage Fly Fishing Igniter Fly Rod
Serious fly fishing anglers should consider the Sage Igniter Fly Rod. Sage is one of the biggest names in fly fishing, so this saltwater fly rod is one of the best on the market. Handcrafted in the US, this fly rod is great for covering big water, with long casts and great accuracy.
Tailwater Outfitters Toccoa Fly Rod
This saltwater fly rod is also one of the best fly rods for all uses. It is a fast action fly rod, so it’s great for long casting and heavier fish that are often found in saltwater settings. It is made from IM8 graphite for extra sensitivity and durability. This rod breaks into four pieces,
Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods
The Fenwick AETOS Fly Rods are high performance and made with premium components, including an anodized aluminum reel seat and a AAA cork handle. These fast action rods are safe for freshwater, saltwater, or they offer a spey rod. This saltwater safe rod is powerful but lightweight.
Goture Fly Fishing Rod
The Goture Fly Fishing Rod is made with components that are corrosion resistant, so it’s great for saltwater fly fishing. It comes in four sizes, for slow, medium, or medium fast actions. It has a 30-ton carbon fiber construction, so it is strong and durable. The Goture fly rod comes with a PVC case for protection.
Redington VICE Fly Fishing Rod
The Redington VICE Fly Fishing Rod is a top-notch rod from respected fly fishing brand Redington. The VICE rod has an anodized, machined aluminum reel seat, so it is saltwater and freshwater safe. This fast action rod comes in various sizes and weights. It is made with carbon fiber blanks and other saltwater grade components.
Ugly Stik Bigwater Fly Rod
The Ugly Stik Bigwater Fly Rod is a great saltwater fly rod for anyone looking to catch big game. It has a clear tip for enhanced power, and the rod itself is a fiberglass and graphite hybrid for strength and sensitivity. It also has stainless steel guides and a comfortable cork handle. The Ugly Stik Bigwater Fly Rod is 9 feet long and comes in sizes 8/9 or 10.
- Ugly Stik Clear Tip Design For Extra Strength
- Ugly Tech Construction With A Combination Of Graphite And Fiberglass To Create A Strong, Yet Sensitive Rod
- Ugly Tuff One Piece Stainless Steel Guides Provide Maximum Durability And Eliminate Insert Pop-Outs With Ss Snake Guides
- Cork Grips
- 7 Year Warranty
Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
The Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod is great for freshwater or saltwater fly fishing. It comes in 5 different lengths and weights, and it has different actions ranging from slow to fast. This saltwater fly rod can fit any fly angler’s needs. It has a durable but sensitive graphite frame and a cork handle that’s easy to hold.
KastKing Emergence Fly Fishing Combo
KastKing is a reliable brand for high quality but low price fishing gear. The Emergence Fly Fishing combo comes with your full fly fishing outfit, all saltwater ready. The rod itself is graphite with stainless steel and ceramic guides and a 3A cork handle. It has a medium fast action, so it’s easy to cast and great for beginners.
M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Predator Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod
The Maxcatch Predator Saltwater Fly Fishing Rod is a great and affordable pick for saltwater fly anglers. It is made with a carbon blank and has a fast action. This powerful saltwater fly rod is great for bringing in big fish. It is versatile and works for various styles of fly fishing. The Maxcatch Predator also comes with a two year warranty and a lifetime repair warranty.
How To Choose a Saltwater Fly Rod
If you’re investing in a new saltwater safe fly fishing rod, you’ll want to get the very best for your money. Choosing a fly fishing rod for saltwater use should be based on a few key factors. Learn what to look for when buying a saltwater fly rod.
Saltwater Use
If you’re planning to use your fly fishing rod in saltwater environments, it obviously needs to be saltwater safe. This means that the components should be made of strong materials that are corrosion resistant. Many saltwater rods feature aluminum or stainless steel fly reel seats and line guides. Look for a rod made with materials that won’t break down in a saltwater setting.
Action
Action is how much the rod bends during casting, which affects how the line flies. Fast action is typically preferred for saltwater fly rods, as they offer longer, faster casting. Fast action rods are stiffer and bend less than slow action rods, which results in fast moving, long distance casts.
Weight
Fly rods differ from standard fishing rods, in that their weight has to match the weight of the line. Many versatile fly rods are 5 weight, and therefore require a 5 weight line.
Saltwater fly fishing is often done on oceans or seas, which typically house strong currents and larger fish compared to lakes. Many saltwater rods come in heavier weights from 8-10 for saltwater use.
Length
The length of your fishing rod can affect how far it casts. When buying a saltwater fishing rod, most anglers prefer longer rods for longer casting. 9 foot rods are standard saltwater fly rods.
Handle
Pick a fly rod with a comfortable handle so that you don’t get tired of holding it over a long day of fishing. Ergonomically designed handles reduce fatigue, and cork is the preferred material for most anglers.
Final Thoughts
Find the best saltwater fly rod for this fly fishing season! These rods are top-rated, with saltwater safe features, great performance, and more.
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