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Could you tell us a little more about you fly gear --type of rod and reel,& line, do you use a stripping basket?
Hi Dennis,
For Atlantic bonito, who are nowadays mostly running somewhat small (this season a 5lb fish would be a good one from my land spot), I like 7wt or 8wt rod, winds permitting, in early season. Many times I just use a 9wt, since it is a better wind tool. Right now is a transitional period when you have a chance to hook into albacore and bonito in one day, and 7/8wt would be too light. For false albacore I like 9wt or a 10wt. If you want a single rod to cover everything, I would go with a 9wt or a 10, in late season.
I prefer 9 foot rods for this fishing...and yes, mostly use graphite. I spend many hours on the rocks in the fall, and graphite is more responsive for 6-10hrs of blind casting for me from an exposed pile of stones. Glass has its place in saltwater fly fishing, but I think there are better options for many hours of non-stop blind casting. However, I will use glass for a change of pace or for shorter sessions. If you are more casual about it, or prefer to cast to breaking fish only, or are fishing only for a couple of hours, by all means use a fiberglass rod...it will work perfectly fine.
For reels, there are many great options for salty fly winches. I like classic cork / draw bar drags and reels by Tibor, Abel, Islander...they are reels from "my era" and I am happy with them...I use Bauers too.
For fly lines, I like Airflo, RIO and SA, in that order. All make coldwater salt specific lines in intermediate density. However, I love using sinking lines for this fishing too, and like Airflo DI3 and Depthfinder lines from the rocks.
Smaller bonito can run very good, but albacore will kick your butt (large/equivalent size bonito would too.) They have different styles of running and experienced angler can distinguish them most of the time. Bonito tend to change the direction of the run more than albacore, but albies being often twice the size, can easily rip the rod from your hand if you don't pay attention. I know a couple of fly anglers who lost their outfits that way-a true story!
Many times albies would run into moorings or lobster pot lines...makes it for very interesting fishing and fly lines get tangled and lost. I see broken fly rods every season too.
Stripping basket is a must, you've got no choice, since you'd be fishing from craggy rocks.