k A Y A k F L Y G E A r
Kayak fly fishing, particularly
saltwater fly fishing, is like fly
fishing anywhere with a few
galvan Torque large arBor reel
important caveats, most of which
$370 (T-8) // www.galvanflyreels.com
are based on the fact that you are
Sitting right on the water, our tackle inevitably gets worked. Then
sitting inches from the water with
there’s the fish; a big ray or shark can turn some easy fishing into
your legs sticking straight out. First
high drama. Simple is best and the Galvan Torque is as clean, tough,
off, you’ll want to load up that rod
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.
in as few strokes as possible (casting
Large arbor reels are easier to palm, retrieve line quicker, have
from a sitting position is no one’s
better torque and apply less memory to your fly line. Line retrieval
idea of a good time). You’ll want a
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,
strong stick because fighting and
it does pretty well while providing an easy-to-maintain reel with landing of a hunky fish (or dealing
considerably fewer parts. The drag dial is friendly to the fingers and
with a snag) involves a seriously
the reel itself is friendly to the eyes. —Rob Lyon
bent rod. You’re liable to get your
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
clock cleaned and your bell rung if
sealed drag housing.
you don’t have a bomber reel with a
Con: So massively vented and light, it doesn’t look tough (but
looks deceive).
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
Scientific Anglers Mastery Sharkskin Fly Lines Rio Clouser Saltwater Fly Line
$100 // www.scientificanglers.com $65 // www.rioproducts.com
in the Scott line. The X2S908/4, an
8-weight, has been my rod of choice
ever notice that the biggest tailing redfish always seem to be The Clouser, by rio, is an excellent choice for
for saltwater kayak fishing in recent
a few feet farther out than you can cast from a kayak? This fly kayak angling with big or wind-resistant flies.
years. its unidirectional carbon
line features a precise, micro-replicated surface that reduces the Keep false casting to a minimum and punch
fibers prevent it from deforming and
coefficient of friction when casting. in other words, the line travels out your bugs and minnow patterns with a
failing under a heavy load. And you
farther with the same effort. it also makes the line easier to pick up Clouser. The line has a bullet front taper that
gotta love the unconditional lifetime
off the water, increases durability, and reduces line flash that spooks powers out big flies then smoothly transfers
warranty! —Rob Lyon
shallow-water fish. Custom tapers are available for all fly fishing the energy to prevent that characteristic “kick.”
Pro: You’ll come home with the
situations from trout to tarpon. Pricey, but worth it.—Jerry Darkes —Rob Lyon
same number of segments you Pro: The closest thing yet to a “magic bullet” to improve fly Pro: Like a steel fist in a silk glove.
started with. casting.
Con: If you had to suddenly match a micro
Con: A rod this tough will cost you a Con: Textured finish makes a noticeable noise when flowing hatch it would deliver it like a bull in a
little more (or a lot). through the rod guides. china shop.
www.kayakanglermag.com
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