General Saltwater Fly Pack

The General Saltwater Fly Pack is well-rounded and tailored for a variety of conditions along the South African coast, including estuaries and rivers. Here’s a breakdown of the patterns and their applications, along with some additional tips to maximize your effectiveness while out on the saltwater hunt:

Fly Patterns and Their Uses

1. Flippers and Poppers
   • Target Species: Garrick/Leeries, GTs, Springer, Shad.
   • Technique: Cast close to structures or into feeding zones. Let the fly sit briefly, then give it a sharp, quick retrieve to create a “pop” or disturbance on the surface. This mimics fleeing prey like frogs or small fish.
   • Retrieve: Vary the speed and intensity of your pops. Sometimes a faster, more aggressive retrieve will trigger a strike, while other times a slower, more deliberate approach might work better.
2. Clousers
   • Target Species: Shad, Bream, Grunter, and other sub-surface species.
   • Technique: Clousers are versatile and can be fished at different depths. Retrieve them slowly along the bottom to imitate a prawn or crab, or use a more active retrieve to mimic a baitfish in mid-water.
   • Retrieve: Adjust your retrieve speed based on the species you’re targeting and the conditions. A slow, steady retrieve works well for bottom-dwelling species, while a faster, erratic retrieve can attract more active predators.
3. Surf Candies
   • Target Species: Shad, and other species cruising in the surf zone or near drop-offs.
   • Technique: Fish these flies quickly to mimic a fleeing baitfish. They are particularly effective in the surf zone or along drop-offs where fish are actively hunting.
   • Retrieve: Use a rapid, jerky retrieve to create a sense of urgency and simulate a baitfish escaping. Adjust the speed based on water conditions and fish behavior.

Gear Recommendations

1. Fly Rod
   • Weight: A 7-9 weight rod is suitable for handling larger saltwater species and casting heavier flies.
   • Action: Opt for a rod with a fast to medium-fast action for better casting distance and control.
2. Fly Reel
   • Quality: Choose a saltwater-proof reel with a strong drag system to handle the powerful runs of saltwater species. Look for features like corrosion resistance and a smooth drag system.
3. Fly Lines
   • Types: Use a selection of floating, sink tip, or intermediate lines based on the conditions and depth at which you’re fishing.
     • Floating Lines: Good for surface and mid-water fishing.
     • Sink Tip Lines: Useful for fishing in varying depths, especially in currents or when targeting fish feeding deeper.
     • Intermediate Lines: Versatile and can be used for a range of depths and conditions.
4. Leaders and Tippet
   • Leaders: Use various tapered leaders depending on the type of fly and conditions. Typically, a leader with a 9-12 foot length is effective for saltwater fishing.
   • Tippet: Choose strong, high-quality nylon or fluorocarbon tippet material. Fluorocarbon is less visible underwater and provides good abrasion resistance. Stroft GTM for your nylon needs and any of our Covert/Cortland fluorocarbons are a great choice here.

Additional Tips

• Check Local Conditions: Saltwater conditions can vary greatly, so adapt your fly selection and techniques based on local knowledge and current conditions.
• Monitor Tides and Weather: Understanding tidal movements and weather patterns can significantly impact your success. Fish often feed more actively during certain tidal phases and weather conditions.
• Keep Flies and Gear Organized: Having a well-organized fly box and gear setup will make it easier to switch between patterns and respond to changing conditions.

With this comprehensive approach, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a wide range of saltwater species along the South African coast.

Each General Salt Water Pack Contains: 

• Tied with care by FlyzInc in South Africa on Gamakatsu hooks
• 22 x saltwater fly patterns

Below is a video explaining the pack’s contents and general use scenarios.