One of the best things about saltwater fly fishing in the UK is its variety and accessibility. From stalking mullet in estuaries to targeting hard-fighting bass along open coastlines, there’s no single “perfect” setup. To help narrow down the options, we asked three experienced saltwater anglers and our guides at the annual Orvis Saltwater Fly Fishing Festival to share the outfits they trust most and why they love fishing our coastline.
Colin Macleod's Mullet Setup
Mullet are among the most challenging fish to catch on a fly, demanding precision, patience and the right tackle. For Colin Macleod, the ideal setup starts with a fast-action 9ft 6 weight rod capable of handling the strong winds often encountered in saltwater environments.
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Colin prefers a floating trout line over a dedicated saltwater line, finding the more delicate presentation better suited to small flies and shallow-water feeding fish. Fluorocarbon is essential, too, as its near invisibility and slow sink rate help avoid spooking mullet.
Favourite fly patterns include Colin’s own patterns, the Romy's Sand Shrimp, Romy's Blue Shrimp and Jaxon's VioleNt Shrimp.
"I love saltwater fly fishing in the UK because of the challenge it brings, the sense of pioneering each time I step into the water, the comings and goings of the tide, the unpredictability of what may grab your fly and the incredible fights which only wild fish can bring."
Michael Rescorle's Bass Setup
When targeting bass, Michael Rescorle favours a more powerful outfit capable of delivering larger flies into strong coastal winds.
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Michael believes a fast-action 8 weight is the sweet spot for UK bass fishing. It offers enough power to cast weighted flies and cope with challenging conditions while remaining enjoyable to fish all day.
Fly selection is often simpler than anglers think. Bass are opportunistic predators and will happily take sandeels, crabs, shrimps and other protein-rich prey. Rather than obsessing over colour, Michael focuses on presentation and retrieving flies with speed and purpose.
In shallow water, smaller patterns such as Clousers and Softy Sandeels excel. In deeper water with stronger tides, larger and heavier flies may be needed, sometimes paired with a sinking line to reach fish-holding depths.
"Saltwater fly fishing has everything I could ever want from recreational angling; the opportunity to chase multiple species, varied and fabulous scenery, with no need to book or purchase a licence, meaning it is accessible to everyone."
Rodney Wevill's Ultimate All-Round Setup
If you're looking for one outfit to cover the majority of UK saltwater fly fishing situations, Rodney Wevill believes a 6 weight setup is hard to beat.
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While many anglers would reach for heavier tackle when targeting bass, Rodney finds himself returning to a 6 weight outfit for almost everything. Whether fishing estuaries or open coastlines, he values the lighter feel, improved presentation and excellent tippet protection.
Fishing mainly smaller shrimp, crab and baitfish patterns, Rodney argues that modern 6-weight rods offer more than enough power for typical UK saltwater species.
"I love the accessibility of UK saltwater fly fishing. There are hundreds of miles of free estuary and open coastline, so many species to test your skills against, and the summer sunrises and sunsets are just heavenly."
Whichever setup you choose, the real appeal remains the same: wild fish, endless coastline, and the unique adventure that comes with saltwater fly fishing in the UK.