Gear for the Swan

[FraserC]

Hi All,

I'm looking for some advice for getting started on the swan. Some advice on rod and reel makes/weights would be really appreciated?

Cheers,

Fraser

[Doug Gasmier]

I think most of us use 4's, 5's and 6 weights in the Swan. Bream on light rods rock.

As for what make, I mostly use a Sage tcx 6wt as I prefer a faster rod when you have the wind around. If you have an existing trout rod use that. Most of the club members who buy trout gear end up using it on the Swan at some stage.

The line is probably the critical component. I use an intermediate Rio line as it allows to sink into deeper water.

[Hirdy]

Fraser,

If you're just getting into fly fishing for the first time and your casting is not fully developed, it might be good to start with a 7 or 8wt system to make the wind somewhat easier to deal with.

As far as makes and models goes, you'll just end up with people's favourites as answers to those questions. It's hard to buy a bad rod these days.

Generally speaking with reels, you'll pay more for quality, but it's not always the case. There are plenty of good and cheap reels on the market. There are almost no bad expensive reels though.

For both rod and reels, look for components that resist rusting/corrosion, and rinse after use. Things will last well with a little care.

I agree with Doug: the line is critical! Don't skimp on good lines. (I don't necessarily agree about intermediate lines though - on the shallows, a floating line is easier to use. Just depends on what you're fishing for.)

Cheers,
Graeme

[FraserC]

Doug/Graeme,

Thanks for the info - much appreciated.

I've got a bit of experience in Scotland chasing salmon and trout but I'll be a bit rusty - should be just like riding a bike though! I'll aim for a 6wt to start with a reasonable reel and good quality line as suggested.

Couple of other queries. What flies are best for bream and flatties? And what are the easiest places to get some action if you are land based?

Cheers,

Fraser

[Doug Gasmier]

Hi Fraser,

There are lot of places for flat-head this time of year. Most sand flats in the lower swan are usually productive.

Despite Graemes advice I highly recommend using an intermediate line as it gives the option of sinking the line along the drop offs.

For flies use small chartreuse clousers.For flathead I have found Green and black Wooly buggers are very effective.

Doug

[Rohan]

Yeah fraser, both dougie and graeme are correct , just depends on what you intend to do, you could split the difference and get a floating with intermediate sinking tip, but personally i use a full intermediate, it just allows for all circumstances to be catered for, but the floater will perform better if you are focused on a particular spot or target species that doesn't need a deep sink. Anyway for flathead use a clouser around size 2 or 1, get one with a reasonable amount of weight in the eyes and bump it slowly through sand patches on and around flats but don't ignore the edges of drop offs. For bream there are lots of options but a slow sinking fly with a good amount of flash and movement will often work very well. Something like a DNA GIMP, A Saltwater fly workshop bream buster, a mcvies gotcha or a crazy charlie will get them.