Fly Line for Jetty Fishing

 Thanks, Tinker. Really great tips and perspectives. I can't wait to put all this to use on the water. Randall

It was mighty confusing to me when I got started because all of my earlier experience was in freshwater.  Ask all the questions you can think of.

This is the thread talking about doubling-over the T-x sink tip: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=71344.30. The information starts at post #22.

You asked about sources and I forgot the sink tip material: I buy bulk Airflo T-x sink tips material from The Fly Shop in Redding at $0.80/foot and get my precut Airflo T-20 from the Stillwater Fly Shop in Bend, OR, but it should be available in many other places.  I use Rio Level-T welding tubes to create loops (lots of how-to videos online) and if you want to weld loops but don't already have a heat gun, go for a low-power unit because it's easy to overheat and damage the line - and it always happens on the second loop, darn it.

For leaders, I use level monofilament.  Maxima Chameleon seems to be the toughest and most abrasion-resistant out there.  Four to six feet is plenty.  Four feet works the best for me, but I'll use six feet if I expect to change flies often, and will tie on a new leader when one gets down to around 3 feet to better protect the sink tip.  I almost always use 12# test, never less than 10# in the ocean and nothing more than 18# test - and then only if I'm targeting lingcod.  Saltwater fish aren't line shy but I want to break off quickly if necessary and it takes a surprising amount of effort to snap 20# leaders when you're in a kayak.

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"It was mighty confusing to me when I got started because all of my earlier experience was in freshwater. "

I can certainly relate to that. Equipment, tactics and techniques clearly are really important. I appreciate you taking the time to share. There's a lot to digest. Randall

One more thing to throw at you- " Strip strike" learn it like there is no tomorrow. Your freshwater set is good for trout and such but now your out in the ocean and these fish mean business with bony mouths and such. Plus with a strip strike if you do miss the set the fly is still in the strike zone with the fish close by coming in for another swipe more than likely.

One more thing to throw at you- " Strip strike" learn it like there is no tomorrow. Your freshwater set is good for trout and such but now your out in the ocean and these fish mean business with bony mouths and such. Plus with a strip strike if you do miss the set the fly is still in the strike zone with the fish close by coming in for another swipe more than likely.

Good point!  The last time we were out I caught half of my fish on the second strike at the fly, and a few were the third fish to take a swipe at it.

Thanks for the additional tips.  This thread is chock full of good ideas. Randall