What would be a good fly rod for use in both fresh and saltwater. The rod would be used mainly for saltwater. Someone had mentioned a 8wt rod would work probably the best for both applications.

Terry,

It really depends on what species you will be targeting. There are thousands of saltwater game fish, and quite a few freshwater ones as well. There is no 'one rod' that will do for all of them, even marginally.

An 8 wt. is awfully heavy for most freshwater trout fishing, but is VERY light for things in the salt like Tarpon, sharks, or billfish. But, if the freshwtater is mostly bass, pike, or salmon, then an 8 might be just the ticket if your saltwater species are of the smaller variety.

A 6 wt. will work for almost all freshwater, and handle light saltwater chores like most inshore species, bones, etc..Again, too light for really big or really hard pulling fish in the salt.

It's a trade off.

Since I like to build rods, I'd never try to limit myself in this fashion. Owning a rod or two (or more) in just about all line weights seems the best way to go.

Good Luck!

Buddy

I agree with Buddy. Have the right tool to do the job right. Perhaps when building rods that COULD be use in both salt & fresh, 8 wt and above or maybe 7, you could use salt safe reel seats of metal or ones with acrilic inserts. But I wouldn't count on a 7 or 8 wt rod to be much fun if you are throwing poppers for small pan fish or #18 dry flies for finicky trout. You will need the proper tool to handle a "job" like that (now THAT'S my kinda work!).

2 cents,

Tim

for my area,Piedmont NC-a general purpose rod runs into the 8 1/2 5wt-9 6wt range.I took a 6 and an 8 on my first salt trip off Harker's Island/Cape Lookout area and was embarrassed.If you are talking about redfish and seatrout in the tidewater,an 8 is about the minimum to even consider-9 and 10 wts dominate my stuff for the salt-10 rods in all,6 10s and 4 9's.If you watch carefully, high end blanks come up around this time of year and if you don't go overboard on component cosmetics, i have to agree that you should do two rods.And be sure not to shortchange yourself on a reel for the salt,either.enjoy building them both!