Each month I field a question from a reader and answer it as best I can, focusing on those inquiries and responses that I believe will be of general benefit or interest. I recently received this email from Todd in Biloxi, MS, who asks: “John, what’s the best size/weight for an all-around (shallow) saltwater fly rod?”

There are several schools of thought here, but the common answer is “An 8 weight”, since that size rod seems to split the difference between an outfit that’s strong enough to pitch heavier flies, light enough to cast all day and stiff enough to handle explosive runs by game fish such as snook, redfish, big sea trout and small tarpon. But there’s been a trend the past five years or so toward lighter outfits — 6 and 7-weight rods, to be precise. (more…)

Each month I field a question from a reader and answer it as best I can, focusing on those inquiries and responses that I believe will be of general benefit or interest…or at least of interest to me. Blogger’s prerogative. I recently received this email from Jon in Fort Lauderdale, FL, who asked: “If you had to choose one lure to use for the rest of your days, which would it be?”Jon, I’d like to say that you stumped me here. But you didn’t. I enjoy fishing a wide variety of lures, each of which can be very productive given the right scenario. I fish jigs, diving and swimming plugs, softbaits and even bait on occasion. And I do love throwing flies, especially the ones I make myself, even though they tend to look like varmints that unsuccessfully braved the freeway.

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Each month I field a question from a reader and answer it as best I can, focusing on those inquiries and responses that I believe will be of general benefit or interest…or at least of interest to me. Blogger’s prerogative. I recently received this email from sometime Florida angler Tom G. from Dayton, Ohio: “John, what in your opinion is the best flats boat on the market? I’ll be moving to Florida in the next year or so and I’ll be buying a shallow-water boat.”

Tom, I can help, but to do your question justice I’d need to write many pages in reply, which is beyond the scope of this website. Bottom line is that (contrary to the claims of several manufacturers) there is no “best” flats boat for all conditions.

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