Planning Your First Saltwater Fly Fishing Trip: Making the Transition from Trout Streams to the Ocean

Ed’s Note: I write this post amidst a January snowfall here in Colorado, and although we fish our tailwaters year-round, now is the time of year we dream of crystal blue water, sandy flats, gentle sea breezes, and wildly strong saltwater fish. Looking out my window now at the wind and snow, I am especially wistful for warmer weather. Winter in the Rockies is pretty, but there is nothing like a trip to the tropics, and now is the best time of year to get away from the snow-capped peaks and enjoy some time on the beach with some of the most beautiful, powerful, and frustrating fish that swim. With the help of head guide Jeremy Hamilton (a self-confessed saltwater addict), we have compiled a list of tips and tricks for anyone looking to make the seasonal change from waders to flats boots. See below for some pics from some our adventures over the years.

Making the leap from trout streams to the vast expanse of saltwater flats is an exciting challenge. The species you’ll encounter—bonefish, tarpon, redfish, permit and more (depending upon the location to which you are headed), —offer a completely different experience from freshwater trout fishing (especially nymph fishing in technical tailwaters), and the demands on your casting skills and vision will be more intense. Transitioning from the intimate proximity to the fish, and the steady flows of a trout stream to the dynamic, fast-paced, and expansive environment of the ocean takes time and preparation. However, with the right approach, you can make the most of your first saltwater adventure.

1. Mastering Accurate, Long Casts: Think Like a Bow Hunter

Flats fishing, in general, can be compared in some ways to bow hunting for elk. There is a lot of stalking, looking, and traversing territory before you ever get a shot at a fish in comparison to the leisurely and repetitive casting afforded in trout streams. While trout are often more forgiving, holding in a run or pool for several presentations, saltwater species are constantly moving (they are either on the hunt or on the run from something hunting them). Whether you’re targeting a tailing bonefish working its way slowly across a tidal flat or a tarpon cruising along a channel, you’ll often have only one shot to make the perfect cast before the fish moves out of range or spooks when you plop the fly upon it’s tail. (I have done it many times, and as a favorite saltwater guide has told me, “Humility is always just one cast away.”)

Just like a bow hunter spends hours practicing their shot placement and distance to prepare for that one shot at an elk, you need to practice your casting accuracy and distance to be successful in the salt. Do not plan upon the luxury of multiple attempts.

Practice from the Bow of a Boat: The best way to simulate flats conditions is by practicing casting from the bow of a boat, where you’ll be confined to a small space and forced to cast at varying distances, angles, and speeds. Our location at Bartle Lakes (which offers gin clear water and fish on the move), for example, is an ideal practice location. We have set up several trips specifically to accomplish the goal of working line to moving fish at a distance from the bow of boat. You can also practice by wading a lake or casting in an open grassy park (just make sure to use old fly line to avoid damaging your new line on rough surfaces). Guide Jeremy Hamilton, for example stalks the edges of Lake Pueblo Reservoir in search of smallmouth bass and stripers to work on his saltwater game, and change the pace from technical trout streams. The goal is to make accurate, long-distance casts in a controlled manner—without hesitation, and under time pressure.
Focus on Realistic Situations: Fish on the flats are often moving quickly, so practice casting accurately while moving or adjusting your stance. Being able to cast quickly and precisely will increase your odds of success when a fish comes within range. A general rule of thumb is to land the fly three feet past and three feet ahead of the nose of the fish. This can change depending upon species, the speed at which the fish is moving, etc. (Not unlike the way a bow hunter will adjust his or her shot depending upon the angle the deer or elk is quartering to them).

2. Understanding Tides and Lunar Phases: Timing Is Everything

To maximize your chances of success, the ideal move is to time your fishing trip around the right tide conditions. Unlike freshwater fishing, where fish tend to stay put in one spot for longer periods, saltwater fish, like bonefish and permit, are highly mobile and driven by tide movements. The timing of the tide can make or break your trip. Below are some generalities, but contacting an experienced guide/lodge in advance of scheduling your trip is the best bet. Sometimes, of course, you just have to go when work/family schedules allow.

Lunar Phases and Tides: The full moon and new moon (spring tides) create the strongest tidal movements, which often bring fish into feeding positions. You’ll want to align your trip with these spring tides and make sure you’re fishing during the incoming or outgoing tides, preferably when these times coincide with daylight hours. This will ensure you have the best chance of fishing at the most productive times.
Plan Your Day Around the Tides: Check the tidal charts and consult a lunar calendar to understand when the best tides will occur during your trip. Plan your fishing around those tides to increase your chances of success, whether that means hitting an incoming tide at sunrise or fishing during the outgoing tide in the afternoon.

3. Hire an Experienced Guide: The Key to Success

Similar to the way in which hiring a trout guide will vastly improve success on a trout stream, hiring an experienced guide is one of the best ways to ensure a successful first saltwater trip. A guide can help you navigate the flats, identify fish-holding structures, and most importantly, find the fish. In certain locations, the guide’s flats boat or panga is simply essential to access the fish. However, it’s important to set expectations correctly when heading into a guided saltwater trip.

The Guide’s Role: Your guide is not there to teach you how to cast. While guides can offer valuable tips on casting/stripping/overall technique, the reality is that they will be focused on helping you locate and target fish—and on ensuring your safety and enjoyment on the water. Therefore, it’s essential to have your casting technique already dialed in as much as possible before the trip. You won’t ever regret the practice. Knowing also that you’ll likely be taking turns on the bow of the boat rather than all casting at once is another element of saltwater fly fishing to be aware of ahead of the trip.
Casting Practice: By dedicating time to practicing your casting skills—particularly long-distance, accurate casts—you’ll be ready when your guide tells you where to cast. When the fish appear, you’ll be able to quickly execute the cast without wasting precious time fumbling with technique.

4. Choose an Orvis-Endorsed Lodge/Outfitter

If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable guide service, consider booking your trip with an Orvis-Endorsed Lodge/Outfitter. Orvis vets these operations for quality, service, and expertise. Orvis has high standards when it comes to guiding and outfitting, so you can trust that you’re getting professional and reliable experience when you book with an Orvis-Endorsed partner. Not only do these guides know how to find fish, but they also understand the importance of providing top-tier experiences before, during, and after time on the water.

5. For DIY Anglers: Research, Access, and Gear

For some anglers, the idea of going DIY (do-it-yourself) on a saltwater fly fishing trip is a big draw. If you’re the type who enjoys adventure, freedom, and the challenge of putting all the pieces together on your own, there are plenty of amazing DIY saltwater fishing opportunities out there—but you’ll need to do your homework first.

Research the Area: The first step in planning a DIY saltwater trip is researching access points and tide conditions in the area you plan to fish. Some regions, especially those with private land, can be difficult to access without a boat, leaving little opportunity for wade fishing. Make sure you know if the flats or estuaries are accessible from shore or if you’ll need to secure access to a watercraft like a kayak, paddleboard, or skiff. In some places, a paddleboard or kayak might be an efficient way to access flats that are otherwise difficult to reach by bigger boat or by foot.
Access to Watercraft: Areas that offer easy access to wade fishing are often more welcoming for DIY anglers, but you’ll need to know where to go. Some regions have public access points, while others are mostly private or require securing a launch site. Be sure to plan ahead and identify any permits or restrictions that might be in place.
Bringing Your Own Flies: When planning a DIY trip, it’s important to bring your own flies, as remote saltwater destinations often have limited fly selections. Even if you’re hiring a guide for part of the trip, it’s a good idea to bring your own flies for the best possible match with local conditions.

Jeremy Hamilton, head guide at 5280 Angler and avid saltwater angler and fly tier, offers these “Top Five” Flies for the flats to cover a wide range of saltwater species:

1. Gotcha: A classic bonefish fly, perfect for attracting bonefish in shallow, sandy areas.
2. Alphlexo Crab: A highly effective crab imitation for permit and bonefish.
3. Clouser Minnow: A versatile pattern that works for a variety of species like redfish and snook.
4. Tarpon Toad: A great choice for targeting tarpon, especially when they are feeding on smaller baitfish.
5. EP Spawning Shrimp: Ideal for targeting flats species like bonefish and permit when they are feeding on shrimp.

Jeremy also suggests checking with the captain or lodge to where you are headed for any location specific patterns they would recommend.

6. Gear Recommendations: Preparing for Saltwater Adventures

When transitioning from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing, having the right gear is essential to ensure success and comfort during your trip. The gear you’ll need will vary depending on the species you’re targeting, but here are some key items to help make your saltwater experience a great one:

Fly Rod & Line: A quality 8-10 weight rod is the place to start. The specific weight of your rod will depend on the species and location. For example, an 8-weight rod is perfect for redfish, but a 10-weight rod would be better suited for permit flats. The Orvis Helios 3D paired with an Orvis Mirage reel is a popular choice among saltwater anglers, offering performance and durability. Your local Orvis store or the team at Orvis.com can help you select the best fly line based on your location and the species you’ll be targeting. We recommend casting a saltwater rod prior to purchase to find the one that best fits your casting style.

Many saltwater anglers also recommend bringing an extra spool with a different line, as conditions can vary significantly throughout the day. For example, you may need a sinking line for deep channels and a floating line for shallower flats.

Sun Protection: Protecting yourself from the sun is crucial when fishing on the flats. A lightweight, moisture-wicking sun shirt is a must (Orvis carries several excellent options, including the DriCast shirts). These shirts provide UV protection while keeping you cool and comfortable. Don’t forget a hat, polarized sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep you protected throughout the day.
Flats Shoes: A good pair of flats shoes will make a huge difference when wading. These shoes should offer good traction, comfort, and drainage to handle the saltwater and rocky, sandy flats. Many anglers prefer lightweight, breathable options like Orvis’ Pro Approach Flats Shoes.
Waterproof Backpack: If you’re attempting a DIY wade trip, a waterproof backpack is incredibly helpful. I personally use the Orvis Pro 30L Waterproof Backpack, which keeps all your gear dry when walking the beach or flats for extended periods. It’s great for keeping your fly box, camera, and any snacks safe from the elements.

Gearing up for a first saltwater trip can be an intimidating part of the process. If you are based along Colorado’s Front Range, the teams at ORVIS PARK MEADOWS and ORVIS CHERRY CREEK are ready to help you find all the right equipment.

7. Recommended Saltwater Destinations: Where to Go

If you’re looking for the best saltwater fly fishing destinations, the 5280 Angler guide team has explored some of the best locations both in the U.S. and abroad. Here are some top recommendations:

New Orleans, Louisiana & Charleston, South Carolina for redfish, sea trout, and black drum: For these species, we recommend fishing the marsh south of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the tidal marshes of South Carolina between Charleston and Beaufort. Both areas offer rich, productive waters for fly anglers. Bay Street Outfitters in Beaufort and SOLA Guide Service in Louisiana are excellent local (Orvis Endorsed) guide services.
Tampa, Florida: A great destination for redfish, tarpon, and sea trout, the Tampa area offers excellent opportunities for both DIY fishing and guided trips. We recommend Captain Nick Angelo for flats boat fishing. You can find more information on his website: www.shallowwaterflyfishing.com.
Ascension Bay Lodge, Mexico: For those seeking a permit, bonefish, and tarpon adventure, Ascension Bay Lodge offers a fantastic experience in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. The location is famous for its flats fishing, and the lodge provides all the amenities you need for an unforgettable trip.
Abaco Island, Bahamas: Abaco Island is a stunning location for targeting bonefish, and the Orvis-Endorsed Abaco Lodge is perfectly situated for anglers seeking a great place to base their trip.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: For those targeting roosterfish, sierra, snapper, and mahi, the Tres Amigos panga and Captain Francisco offer a great experience. You can book a trip by contacting Grace at Griselda’s Smokehouse and Dream Maker Charters in Baja

Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for Success on the Flats

Transitioning from trout fishing to saltwater fly fishing is an exciting challenge. By practicing accurate, long-distance casts, understanding the role of tides and lunar phases, and hiring an experienced guide, you’ll increase your chances of success on the flats. For DIY anglers, thorough research on access points, tides, and fly selection is crucial for success, and bringing your own flies ensures you’re prepared for any situation.

Booking with an Orvis-Endorsed Lodge/Outfitter gives you confidence in choosing a reputable guide, while practicing your casting beforehand guarantees you’re ready when that perfect shot presents itself.

Whether you decide to hire a guide or go the DIY route, the key to a successful saltwater fly fishing trip is preparation—and with the right planning, you’ll be well on your way to a memorable experience on the flats.