Your questions answered by the Orvis Saltwater Festival Guides
There’s something uniquely addictive about UK saltwater fly fishing. One minute you’re scanning water across a Hampshire estuary at first light, the next you’re knee deep on a flooding tide watching bass smash baitfish against the shoreline. Then, just to keep you humble, a shoal of mullet cruises past and ignores everything you throw at them.
It’s a style of fishing that raises plenty of questions, especially if you’re making the jump from rivers and reservoirs to the coast. What tides should you fish? What flies actually work here in the UK? Can you really use your trout set up in the salt? And where do you even begin on a huge stretch of coastline?
Ahead of the Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival, we asked our guide team what questions they hear most often from anglers stepping into saltwater fly fishing for the first time.
Fishing & Target Species
What species should I target?
The main target species are bass and mullet along the Hampshire coastline. Bass are aggressive predators and ideal for anglers wanting exciting takes, while mullet are often visible and accessible but notoriously difficult to catch on a fly. Other species such as mackerel, garfish and the occasional flounder have also been caught at the festival usually when targeting bass.
What’s the best state of tide to fish?
This depends on your chosen location and target species, but moving water is generally key. Bass are often most active around the flooding tide and periods of tidal movement, while mullet can often be found cruising shallow areas throughout the tide cycle.
Where should I go to start off?
Open beaches, estuaries and harbours around Hayling Island all offer opportunities. Beginners are encouraged to start in accessible areas with visible water movement or baitfish activity, and festival instructors can help point you in the right direction based on conditions. Festival attendees are provided with a list of possible fishing marks stretching from Bognor pier in the east to the river Hamble in the West.
Rods, Reels & Lines
Can I use my trout rod and reel in the salt?
Yes. Standard trout fly fishing outfits work well for many UK saltwater species. A 7 weight or 8 weight set up is ideal for bass, while 5 or 6 weight trout outfits can work well for mullet and lighter conditions. Just remember to thoroughly rinse your gear in fresh water at the end of each fishing session.
What rod and line do you recommend?
For bass, a 9 foot 8 weight rod with a weight forward floating line plus an intermediate or sinking line is recommended. For mullet, a 9 foot 6 weight rod with a floating line is ideal.
Flies & Terminal Tackle
What fly should I use?
For bass, baitfish patterns, Clousers and Deceivers are excellent all round choices. There will be a good selection of saltwater flies available to buy at the pop-up shop, or you can even tie your own at our new Fulling Mill Fly Tying Hub in the Winchester Suite, led by Mark Roberts. For mullet, small shrimp patterns are usually the go to option.
Which flies would you recommend?
A selection of at least six saltwater flies is recommended. Productive colours include chartreuse, blue, white, grey and orange in sizes ranging from 01 to 2/0 or possibly even 4/0. Surface flies such as Gurglers or Blue Sliders can also be very effective for bass.
What leader and tippet should I use?
For bass, a 9 foot tapered leader with a 15lb breaking strain is recommended when fishing Poppers and Gurglers. When fishing heavier sinking flies, such as Clousers, a 6 foot length of either 15lb mono or flurocarbon is sufficient for mullet, a 9 foot 12lb mono tapered leader plus a 5 foot section of 10lb mono tippet works well.
Clothing & Equipment
Do I need waders?
Chest waders are recommended, although thigh or waist waders are acceptable. Wet wading may also be possible if conditions are warm enough.
Do I need eye protection?
Yes. Eye protection is essential. Polarised sunglasses are recommended during the day, while safety glasses should be worn for night fishing.
What should I bring for night fishing?
A head torch is essential, and a portable power bank is strongly recommended to keep devices charged.
What extra clothing should I pack?
Bring waterproofs, a fleece or pullover, a hat or cap, and sun cream, as coastal conditions can change quickly.
Do I need to take a landing net?
Taking a landing net with you will allow you to land a fish safely and allow it to recover in the net before safely releasing it.
Looking After Your Gear
How should I clean my kit after saltwater fishing?
All rods, reels, flies and saltwater exposed gear should be rinsed thoroughly with freshwater after use. Reels should be soaked and all kit dried before storage to prevent salt crystal damage.
Why is rinsing gear important?
Salt crystals can shorten the lifespan of fishing equipment and damage reels, lines, flies and clothing if not properly cleaned after use.
See you in July
UK saltwater fly fishing is one of the most exciting and accessible forms of fly fishing we have. Some of the best fishing can happen just a short walk from the car, standing on a shingle bank on the Hampshire coast with a handful of flies and a rising tide.
The biggest thing to remember is that confidence comes from time on the water. Learning how tides move, understanding where bass patrol, or figuring out how to fool a wary mullet all becomes part of the fun. Every missed take, follow, or fish spotted in shallow water teaches you something.
That’s exactly what the Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival is all about. Sharing knowledge, meeting other anglers, and helping more people discover just how good saltwater fly fishing in the UK can be.
