Saltwater Flyrodders

I am currently resident in Durban South Africa but hope to be living in Albany WA within the next 19-24 months. I am a passionate flyfisher with most my fishing to date done in freshwater. I have fished in the salt but it is hard work on the part of the coast where I live. I believe there is no trout fishing in and around Albany and so will need to concentrate on the salt.
My first appeal is to any saltwater flyfishers who live in and around Albany. I need to assess whether the gear I have is sufficient and if flyfishing can be done from the shore or offshore only. I currently possess rod weights from 5-9. If I need to up my gear then I need to know as the current exchange rate favors me buying in SA. I also tie my own flies and am sad to have to get shot of most of my material as it won't be accepted by Border Patrol. However perhaps I can get an idea what fish species are targeted,together with their favorite flies and tie a few dozen before I come over.
Lastly is anyone willing to show me a few decent spots to try my luck when I arrive. I had reasonable success with Bream in the Kalgan river last August.
Any and all assisstance or contact wil be most appreciated.
Tight Loops
Rod Matthee
rodmatthee@gmail.com
Durban
South Africa.

Matt Goodall is your man, a great bloke and a not to bad fly fisherman either

A shilton SL6 or 7 would most likely stop most everything around down there.
Quality reels they are

Thanks for the information guys. Much appreciated.

Hi Rod. Welcome. If you use google map and have a look at Albany and surrounds, you'll see lots of estuaries. A lot of those will be accessible from shore. Target species, Black Bream, Skipjack Trevally, Whiting, Flathead, Herring, Mulloway. Mostly bread and butter species, but a 5-6 wt will be just about perfect for these. Flies to use for these would be size #2 and under hooks. Think baitfish profiles. Charlies, small clousers, small surf candies. Even the wooly bugger would work.
If you want to open yourself up to something different, find a mate that has a boat. Samson fish, Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail Kingfish are just some of the opportunities available. Your 9wt will be capable of handling most of the average sized fish that you get. If you're interested in targeting Sambos and Kings on a regular basis, I would probably be investing in something along the lines of a 16wt and a reel with a decent drag to match. In terms of flies, think big. Sometimes, a 10/0 hook fly feels small. Large baitfish profile flies, squid flies. You'ld only need to tie up a few of these to use up most of your materials.

Somehow this post slipped past me I'll get in touch. This town can definetly use more fly fisheros. Being able to count them On one hand smf if u had four fingers isn't a good look

And Rudi thanks for the kind words

MattGoodall wrote:And Rudi thanks for the kind words

Still got no idea how you stopped that Sambo in shallow water

I still have no idea on 20lb tipper how it didn't hit any reef. Driving with the fish and staying on top of it helped but still I'm puzzled I just want to do it again

Big fish down Albany and lots of Rock ledges to fish from. Id fish a 10wt and dont forget a very fast sinking line. Its deep there in places too. Also a few beaches around. Intermediate would be good here. Dont be afraid to get your feet wet! Plenty of Australian Salmon and stuff down there for months to keep you occupied!