What a great question. Without looking around to
see what blanks are available, here are some things to
consider.
Even though SRC's are frequently found right next to
the beach, most wading in done in thigh deep water.
When the tide is in, so are the SRC's. The high
tide water line in places like the Narrows is right up against the
trees. That doesn't give much room for a back cast.
Many times the beach behind you will have a steep
incline.
The fish almost always seem to be just a couple feet
beyond where you cast and a double haul while standing in deep water isn't
very easy.
Consider a 10' 5/6 rod. Put on a fighting butt
when building the rod. Also, use larger guides (especially strippers) to
help facilitate shooting line.
The longer rod will help mitigate the loss of height
due to deep wading. It gives the ability to get out a good roll
cast. It can help in getting the fly above the beach's incline.
Use the fishing butt as a handle when making those longer casts by using the
double overhand method.
Longer then 10' and the rod becomes too cumbersome for
daylong single hand casting. I have a 6/7 11.5' double overhand
rod. While I can cast it as a single hand rod in a pinch, it is just too
heavy for continuous conventional casting.
Also, this would be a great belly boat
rod.
Mike
From:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of The Coles
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 2004 8:12
PM
To:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Rod for SRC in
Salt
One of my winter projects is to
build an affordable yet well designed fly rod that is specifically for fishing
cutthroat in the salt. I just read the section in Les Johnson's new book
to get his take on the subject and Les lays out a very practical description
for what is needed, particularly with respect to componentry (aluminum or
graphite reel seats, salt resistant guideset, and thorough epoxy to seal the
guide feet from saltwater intrusion).
I am looking for input from other
list members on what their favorite SRC saltwater set up is and why? So
far I am leaning towards a two piece moderately fast action rod 8'8" to 9'6"
in length There are lots of candidates for all metal and graphite reel
seats that would fit the bill - Struble, REC, T&T, PacBay, Bellinger, et
al all offer quality aluminum (and titanium) seats specifically for saltwater
use, with prices ranging from $15 - $140 for a seat. I haven't been able
to find an objective review comparing the performance qualities of reel seats,
though (does such a thing exist?). The other design question is whether
the "ideal" SRC-in-salt rod would have a fighting butt. Guides seem easy
enough to make decisions about as I'd think that any stainless steel with
either black chrome or titanium nitrate finishes would do an adequate
job. What style of grip? I fish alot with a Scott SAS 906/5 that
has a "western" style grip but I am thinking that full wells might be the way
to go. Any insights on grip styles?
That's it for now... look
forward to hearing from you all on my topic
