As summer begins to wrap up you may be looking to do some fall Striped Bass fishing or even a trip down south for some of the famous tropical fish. This post is to highlight some the best set ups for whatever you plan on doing in the salt.
The first and most versatile setup showcases the G. Loomis NRX + S in an 8-weight paired with either the Abel Rove or SDS. The NRX + S gives you the backbone to fight both the wind and the large fish you will be targeting while providing enough touch to gently place flies for those picky tropical trophies. Both the SDS and Rove have enough line capacity, drag, and protection from salt to preform even against the big ones.
G. Loomis NRX+ Saltwater | BACKWATER ANGLER
The second setup I’d to showcase would be the Scott Sector in a 9-weight paired with either the Abel Rove, SDS, or even the Ross R salt. The sector still provides a good amount of backbone to fight the wind and cast large flies, however it is more keen to delicate casting needed for bonefish, permit, and redfish. With that said, a 9-weight is still versatile enough to target large fish with bigger flies like Stripers, Albacore or Bluefish.
Scott Sector | BACKWATER ANGLER
It is important when fishing in salt water to get a reel rated for saltwater. The SDS and R Salt are both sealed drag reels. These are relatively maintenance free and protect from sand and other debris from getting into the drag system. The Rove on the other hand has a cork drag system which may be subject to more maintenance but still provide the protecting needed from the salt. I have fished my 7/9 Rove along the East-Coast of Florida for the past year landing tarpon, Snook, Bonefish, and Redfish with next to no problems. The main thing with either choice is to always thoroughly rinse your rods and reels with freshwater after your trips if you want your gear to last.
Abel Rove Black | BACKWATER ANGLER
Ross Evolution R Salt | BACKWATER ANGLER
Abel SDS 9/10 in Blue III with Aluminum Handle | BACKWATER ANGLER
The Abel Rove (left), Abel SDS (center), and Ross Evolution R Salt (right).