Fly line(s) for an Islamorada Trip in April

[dlaurend]

Headed to Islamorada in April.  I got a flats boat for 3 days, the rest is DIY from shore.  I have a 9wt rod I use on cape cod  waters with an intermediate and sinking line.  I have an 8wt with a floating line.  Is there anything I’m missing.  I’m thinking about picking up the Rio Elite Flats pro 9wt.  Is this overkill for a 1x’s per year trip?  

[BNickW]

The last thing I’d want while I was down there would be fighting the wind with a line that wasn’t made for tropical waters. Cold water line will be very limp in that warm of water. That being said I’m just assuming you have cold water lines due to being in the north east. Fishing can be frustrating at times, might as well make things easier for yourself if you can.

[Fergal]

What are you targeting while on the boat? I assume you mean with a guide? If so , ask him. 
 

in general, floating is what is used. 
 

you asked if buying a line for one trip a year is overkill - you’re spending a good bit of money to get the boat, get there, eat/drink, etc and you’re not going to spend $100+/- on a line? That doesn’t make sense. Get the line, take care of it and it will last for years. 

[dlaurend]

Renting a boat on my own.  Have done so the last few years but used spinning.  Too windy  for my skill set with a fly rod.  There were time I wished I had brought the fly gear when the wind layed down.  

[Fergal]

If you go yearly I’d say get a good line. It’ll last and be worth it. 

[dlaurend]

10 mins ago, Drew C. said:

If you go yearly I’d say get a good line. It’ll last and be worth it. 

Thanks.  Will be taking your advice!  

[onthefly]

Don't overlook the maxcatch lines I use their spey and have lasted all season have about 20 trips on them. Their prices are good too. For offshore jacks and small tuna's bonito and such a floater and maybe a sinking type 3 . I would think you might chum some fish to the surface so you probably won't be dredging the bottom

[ifsteve]

On 3/3/2022 at 7:02 AM, dlaurend said:

Headed to Islamorada in April.  I got a flats boat for 3 days, the rest is DIY from shore.  I have a 9wt rod I use on cape cod  waters with an intermediate and sinking line.  I have an 8wt with a floating line.  Is there anything I’m missing.  I’m thinking about picking up the Rio Elite Flats pro 9wt.  Is this overkill for a 1x’s per year trip?  

Yeah you are missing the most important piece of information if you want a decent answer to your question. And that is what are you planning to fish for? Around mangroves for whatever will bite? Flats for bonefish? Banks for tarpon? Bridges?

 

In general the overall flats rod in the Keys as an 8 wt saltwater floating line. 9 is fine too. But I can't even fathom going to the Keys in April, renting a flats skiff, and NOT chasing tarpon.  

[turkaholic]

Agree 150 %

[dlaurend]

On 3/4/2022 at 10:34 AM, ifsteve said:

Yeah you are missing the most important piece of information if you want a decent answer to your question. And that is what are you planning to fish for? Around mangroves for whatever will bite? Flats for bonefish? Banks for tarpon? Bridges?

 

In general the overall flats rod in the Keys as an 8 wt saltwater floating line. 9 is fine too. But I can't even fathom going to the Keys in April, renting a flats skiff, and NOT chasing tarpon.  

Tarpon will be on big spinning gear!   Hopefully……