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大 M
小 Post at 2007-1-14 07:22 AM
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Saltwater Fly Tackle
Though the fish and the fly tactics used to catch them differ from fresh water to salt water, the fly tackle used in each domain functions in much the same manner. However, saltwater fly tackle encompasses a wider range of sizes, weights and strengths. For instance, a typical rod, reel, line and line combination used for largemouth bass is considered on the heavy side of the freshwater scale; for saltwater use, the same combination is not considered heavy-duty at all. In addition to size and strength, saltwater fly gear, especially reels, is usually built from much more durable and expensive materials that stand up to the corrosive qualities of salt water.
Fly Rods
Saltwater fly rods are usually longer and much more limber than most spinning, bait-casting, boat or trolling rods. Though, as fly rods go, the ones used for saltwater fishing are heavier and more powerful than freshwater versions.
The strength (action) of a fly rod is referred to as its “weight.” The higher the number (4-weight, 6-weight, etc.) the stronger the rod. This rod weight corresponds directly to the weight of fly line matched with the rod, meaning that a 7-weight rod should be used when fishing a 7-weight line. Weights, for both rods and line, technically range from 1 to 14. In general, weights from 4 to 6 are used for small inshore fish, 6 to 8 for medium-sized inshore fish, 9 to 12 for heavy inshore or light offshore duty, and 12 to 14 for big-game offshore fish. Of course, individual fish species and fishing conditions may dictate the use of lighter or heavier weighted rods in a given situation.
Fly Reels
Fly reels serve much different purposes than other types of reels. Because fly casting is a function of the rod and line, in many cases reels are used for little else than storing fly line or fighting fish. Flies are worked through the water by retrieving line by hand with a “stripping” motion, rather than actual reeling. Also, fighting fish is often done without the help of the reel, with the non-casting hand gripping and pulling in line. However, in some instances, particularly when battling large fish, fly anglers prefer to pull in a hooked fish by using the reel and utilizing its drag system.
Spools are deep and relatively narrow, and their internal framework features few gears and other moving parts, though saltwater fly reels have much more complex drag systems than freshwater models. In addition, most saltwater reels are built from anodized metals to combat corrosion.
Single-Action – These are the most common type of fly reel, where the reel’s handle is attached directly to the spool. Each turn of the handle causes one revolution of the spool. When matched to the appropriate line weight for the species sought, the single-action reel is a simple and reliable choice.
Dual-Action – Also called “multiplying-action,” these are most common for saltwater use. Dual-action reels differ from single-actions in that their internal gearing causes one revolution of the handle to turn the spool more than one time. This is characteristic of how other kinds of reels operate, such as spinning, spin-casting and bait-casting. The dual-action reel is used in situations where rapid recovery of long lengths of line is needed to keep up with a fast-moving fish.
Drag – The key qualities for a saltwater fly reel’s drag system are durability and smoothness. There are two types of drag systems, the spring and pawl and the disc drag. The latter is the best for saltwater fly-fishing, since it is smoother, more precise and will help in controlling a powerful fish.
Line
Cast ability is the most important characteristic of a fly line, since it is the line’s weight (not the lure’s weight, as in other forms of fishing) that propels the fly to its destination. Today’s lines are made from synthetic materials and have a soft core of braided nylon wrapped in a durable casing, usually made of vinyl or some other polymer.
Fly lines vary in length, but are commonly 85 to 90 feet long. The strength and density of a fly line is referred to as its "weight." The weight ratings are the same as for fly rods, because equivalent line and rod weights are required for balance and proper performance. In general, 7- to 12-weight lines are needed for the stronger fish encountered in the ocean.
Fly lines are often not consistent from end to end, varying in actual weight or density at certain portions of the line. Where it varies depends on what type of method or tactic the fly angler is using. Some fly lines or portions of fly lines will float on the surface (for fishing flies primarily on or just below the surface); others will sink (when trying to place flies deep below the surface).
Another factor in fly line is its taper, or density at the tip section, usually the last 10 feet or so.
Weight-forward lines are the most popular as they concentrate the weight more towards the end of the line, making it easier to cast smoothly and fluidly. It then tapers down to a thin running line to allow for easier long-distance casts. The more forward the weight is placed, the more casting power it has. This type of line, however, often makes delicate presentations difficult.
Sinking lines are used when fishing below the surface, and selection is based upon fishing conditions. For example, a slow-sinking line might be used in shallow water, while a fast-sinking line might be necessary to reach greater depths. Full-sinking lines can be used for fishing in depths of up to 30 feet, and they are used for trolling as well as casting.
Double-taper lines usually have a tapering section 6 to 10 feet long on each end of the line, with a level section in between. The long taper keeps the fly farther away from the heavier belly section, allowing for a delicate presentation. These lines are also economical, as both ends can be used. Experienced anglers recommend that the lines be reversed on the reel several times each season to prevent the coiled end from becoming unusable. Double-taper lines are often less effective in windy conditions and can be difficult to cast at long distances.
Shooting-taper lines are short sections of a fly line that have been attached to a separate main line. Weight within the line is dispersed at various sections, which gives them the ability to be cast long distances. Shooting tapers are commonly used when fishing for some saltwater species.