Tiger and Salt outfit

[Scythe]

If you have the bucks to chuck at it ... also look at the Sage TCR or TCX in an 8WT.

Lovely sticks, really excellent for surf work, havn't used one on Tigers, but it's very similar so same should apply.

The comments on reel selection are also valid.

[Michael]

Micheal

Why would you not take the TFO. As you know Im looking at almost the same thing So this is only for personall interste and the chance to learn.

The GLX for example is much better balanced than the TFO's. The TFO's swing weight in the forward section is too much in my opinion. Coupled with a very stiff action...I just don't like it.

There's a difference between very stiff action, and very fast action.
An even faster action than the GLX is the Sage TCX...but again, it's much better balanced than a TFO, but not a "stiff" action. It has a very fast recovery rate and action which means it will bomb a line out there far better than the cheaper rods, but with a lot less effort on the caster's part because it's lighter and more well balanced.

The PULLING power from the butt sections will probably all be similar...the TFO, GLX and TCX all have great power in the butt sections. But when it comes to swing weights, the GLX and TCX are far better and more well balanced, and lighter...which means casting is more effortless.

Look, for the price you pay on a TFO, it's not a bad rod at all. But fish a TFO all day, and then fish a TCX or GLX all day, and you will immediately feel the difference.

[FishZ]

heres a vote for an 8 or 9 wt. Spend the money on a reel.

[jock0]

Crisis there's some guys catching moster tiger in this thread if they're using 9's and 10's for the bulk of their fishing... To be fair 10's are quite heavy for the bulk of our saltwater action too, unless the wind is howling and you're looking at chucking big flies for big fish. I think there are a lot of guys moving to lighter sticks for the salt these days but it's definitely not my forte.

Either way you're going to have to compromise so my vote is for a fast #8 (TiCRX, Sage Xi2, Stealth bomber etc).

Pick a good real thats salt safe, light, holds a fair amount of backing and has a very smooth drag. Cork drags are nice but cheap cork is terrible. Delrin/teflon are pretty good too if the drag is sealed. Something like a shilton, magla or predator would be good bets. I'd also have a look at importing the albright gpx's if your budget's tight. An Abel or tibor would be world class, escepcially the Abels with the variable spool sizes, but you're going to need some serious cash!

Line wise look at an airflo sixth sense intermediate, a rio clouser "tiger fish" line (8-9 IPS i think) and a ton of 80lb braid for backing.

Happy fishing!

[E.T.]

9wt would do even for some good fishing in the surf.

Which brand???? That depends on personal preference and your budget.

[gkieser]

I'm not so big on salt, but use an 8wt for tigers and use it in the salt when i go. 10wt is not necessary for tigers. My choice is the TFO TiCr-X.

Only thing not mentioned about the line for tigers is that it seems better to use one of the sink tip fast sinkers like the Teeny lines. I used the Airflo Sixth Sense on our last trip and it worked fine, but the problem is the line on the floor of the boat. The very thin running line tangles a lot easier than the floating running line that Kevin and John were using and I would opt for that on future trips. Another advantage of this is when you're fly fishing for the bream species and you have to be quick to hit a moving target, well, you're moving/drifting and the spot the fish is in is staying still, but you get what I mean. You want your line to go out first time, no tangles, and the thin running line of a fast sinker was the cause for many curses when you're watching the fly heading for the exact spot and then it jerks back as a knot slams into your stripping guide.

Get the fastest sinking you can find, then dip it in lead. The majority of your tiger/bream fishing will be on the bottom.

[Conrad Botes]

I think most people tend to go to heavy when they start out. If you were to ask advice on what stick to get for monster GT's everybody would say 12wt. But look at what Jono Shales landed on a 10wt. The only reason why you should get a heavy stick is to cast BIG flys. Thats why I fish a 9wt most of the time - it can handle most flies I use, including bulky poppers and other surface patterns. I use the 9wt in estuaries and it is an excellent all round boat rod (snoek, smaller tail, bonnies etc) if you should ever want to use it for that.

I would get a 7 or 9 wt Stealth Bomber. Fast action and not expensive. Spend money on a reel. My 2 sente.

[Booger Rose]

Thanks guys, some great advice here. Will advice on lighter rod wiith very good quality reel. Maybe start out with the fast sinker and then later when a trippie to the salt is on the table he can upgrade to intermediate. Some great reading after a k@k day in the office!

[Scythe]

... but look at what Jono Shales landed on a 10wt ...

I agree with you to an extent, but bearing in mind he was on the flats where you have room to play with, makes a difference.

My OCD fishing mates all believe in chucking 12WTs for GT's in the surf off the ZA coast because in most cases you have ~20m - ~50m to stop that brute before he is over the rocks, cuts your line and dissapears into the sunset still trailing said line attached to a motherless fly and 100lb thick fluoro, which isn't healthy for the fish, or the environment.

Needless to say for that situation you need the canon a 10WT simply isn't up to the task.

I suppose for specialist applications like that and tuna you can never really have a heavy enough stick as you never know what size beast is going to grab your fly and say cheers kerels.

My other pov is also that, if you're fishing for say Leeries on a 10WT and you only tip that with 20lb or 30lb fluoro ... really ... what was the point in using the 10WT in the first place ? If anything a 9WT or 8WT will be more forgiving on the tippet, not so ?

[Monster]

Any ideas about the Sage Xi3?