Tips for starting saltwater fly fishing from the rocks

Tips to help get you started fly fishing from the rocks. 

1. 20lb fluorocarbon leader in a single length is a good general strength. Any heavier and you run the risk of your flyline breaking. Ideally, if you are going to bust off, you want it to happen near the hook. I've never bothered with a bite tippet, and have very very seldom been bitten off by a fish. I've landed some big fish on 20lb, including the two below. Buy good quality leader- you don't use much. 

2. Consider flattening the barbs on your hooks. I've found them to be unnecessary, and you do end up being cut off by the odd fish. It's better that they can quickly shed the hook. Also, when you're starting out, you'll tend to hook yourself and your friends quite often.

3. It's a good idea to have a hook sharpener handy. I have my leatherman Charge XTI in my pocket (using the pocket clip rather than the sheath- the sheath is good, too, but is one more thing for line to hook up on). This has an excellent diamond file. Hooks get burred very often on the rocks, so check them often and keep them sharp.

4. If you're going after kings from the rocks, you're best plenty of backing. I've nearly been spooled by kings twice, both taking 200m plus of 80lb braid. I was deliberately going easy on them, as I wanted them to wear themselves out over the sand, not close in where there was weed and rocks. With this fighting technique, they can really run out a lot of line. 200m is a minimum, 250m is preferred.

5. Try to keep above snapper. Snapper will get into guts and run down them. If you are side-on to the gut, there is much more chance of the line slicing off on a rock or being snagged on kelp. If you can get above them, (ie. by climbing or reaching the rod out as far as possible), the chances of this happening are reduced.

6. White is a great fly colour for snapper. In fact, at this stage, I'd be happy to use no other colour. I don't know the reason why this works. Snapper can be notoriously fussy over colour on other lures, especially soft platics. White is great as a fly colour, as it is so visible: often you will see it wink out as a snapper grabs it, when you have no idea that the snap is there.

7. I like to use speed clips for changing flies. This saves cutting and retying each time you need a new fly. Genie clips are pretty good, as long as they are of a thin enough guage to fit through your hook eye.