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
