K A Y A K F L Y G E A R


GALVAN TORQUE LARGE ARBOR REEL $370 (T-8) // www.galvanflyreels.com


Sitting right on the water, our tackle inevitably gets worked. Then there’s the fish; a big ray or shark can turn some easy fishing into high drama. Simple is best and the Galvan Torque is as clean, tough, beautiful and light as you’ll ever find. The Torque 8, or T-8 as it’s called, is a large arbor reel well-sized for most saltwater fishing. Large arbor reels are easier to palm, retrieve line quicker, have better torque and apply less memory to your fly line. Line retrieval is still the weak link in a fly reel when fighting big, quick fish, and while a large arbor can’t compete with a multiplier for pure speed, it does pretty well while providing an easy-to-maintain reel with considerably fewer parts. The drag dial is friendly to the fingers and the reel itself is friendly to the eyes.—Rob Lyon


Pro: Simple—snap off the spool and you’ll see there are no ball bearings, not much of anything but a stainless spindle and a sealed drag housing.


Con: So massively vented and light, it doesn’t look tough (but looks deceive).


Kayak fly fishing, particularly saltwater fly fishing, is like fly fishing anywhere with a few important caveats, most of which are based on the fact that you are sitting inches from the water with your legs sticking straight out. First off, you’ll want to load up that rod in as few strokes as possible (casting from a sitting position is no one’s idea of a good time). You’ll want a strong stick because fighting and landing of a hunky fish (or dealing with a snag) involves a seriously bent rod. You’re liable to get your clock cleaned and your bell rung if you don’t have a bomber reel with a shut-down drag. And, finally, if that reel isn’t as simple as it can be, old Murphy will bite you. Here’s some choice gear that fits the bill.—Rob Lyon


SCOTT X2S ALL WATER FLY ROD $650 // www.scottflyrod.com


Pumping fish to the surface and high-stick landings in a kayak put far more arc and stress in a stick than normal. i busted a lot of rods fishing from a kayak until i picked up one designed expressly for saltwater fishing. The X2S is the street fighter in the Scott line. The X2S908/4, an 8-weight, has been my rod of choice for saltwater kayak fishing in recent years. its unidirectional carbon fibers prevent it from deforming and failing under a heavy load. And you gotta love the unconditional lifetime warranty! —Rob Lyon


Pro: You’ll come home with the same number of segments you started with.


Con: A rod this tough will cost you a little more (or a lot).


Scientific Anglers Mastery Sharkskin Fly Lines $100 // www.scientificanglers.com


ever notice that the biggest tailing redfish always seem to be a few feet farther out than you can cast from a kayak? This fly line features a precise, micro-replicated surface that reduces the coefficient of friction when casting. in other words, the line travels farther with the same effort. it also makes the line easier to pick up off the water, increases durability, and reduces line flash that spooks shallow-water fish. Custom tapers are available for all fly fishing situations from trout to tarpon. Pricey, but worth it.—Jerry Darkes


Pro: The closest thing yet to a “magic bullet” to improve fly casting.


Con: Textured finish makes a noticeable noise when flowing through the rod guides.


Rio Clouser Saltwater Fly Line $65 // www.rioproducts.com


The Clouser, by rio, is an excellent choice for kayak angling with big or wind-resistant flies. Keep false casting to a minimum and punch out your bugs and minnow patterns with a Clouser. The line has a bullet front taper that powers out big flies then smoothly transfers the energy to prevent that characteristic “kick.” —Rob Lyon


Pro: Like a steel fist in a silk glove.


Con: If you had to suddenly match a micro hatch it would deliver it like a bull in a china shop.


www.kayakanglermag.com… 37


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