Loading checklist…
A saltwater flats fly-fishing checklist: a 9 ft 8 weight rod, sealed-drag reel, tropical line, fluorocarbon leaders and shrimp/crab flies, plus sun protection and flats booties, with estimated prices and where to buy.
Printed from https://www.legendaryflygear.com/gear/kits/saltwater-flats — estimated typical prices, not live prices.
Estimated typical price, not a live price — check the retailer. Typical US ranges by tier, before tax and shipping; reviewed Oct 12, 2026.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. How we make money
Sight casting, the strip set and sun on the water.
Public YouTube videos from established channels, chosen by us to support this page. Not sponsored; the creators are not affiliated with Legendary Fly Gear.
Not sponsored All videos on saltwater flats
9′, 8 weight (7–9)
Casts into wind and handles bonefish and redfish.
Est. $300–$550each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Sealed drag, 200+ yd backing capacity
Salt destroys open drags, and flats fish make long runs.
Est. $250–$450each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Tropical floating, 8 weight
A stiff tropical coating stays manageable in the heat.
Est. $90–$120each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
200 yd, 20–30 lb
Bonefish runs can be long.
Est. $15–$25spool · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
9–12 ft, 12–16 lb fluorocarbon
Long and clear for spooky fish in shallow water.
Est. $16–$243-pack · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
× 210–16 lb
Rebuild leaders and match tippet to fish and bottom.
Est. $24–$362 × spool · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
× 2Sizes 2–6, light and medium weights
Shrimp and crab patterns cover most flats feeding.
Est. $100–$1502 × dozen · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
A box that won't rust; rinse it daily.
Est. $15–$30each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Protects your feet from coral, shells and stingrays.
Est. $60–$100pair · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Keeps line from tangling on a deck or in wind.
Est. $50–$90each · mid-range · not in total
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Protects gear on skiff runs.
Est. $25–$45each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Protects rods when you fly.
Est. $30–$60each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Aluminum or stainless
Salt-resistant pliers crimp barbs, cut wire and remove hooks.
Est. $40–$90each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Corrosion-resistant if you can.
Est. $12–$25each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Coral and sand dull hooks fast.
Est. $10–$18each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Polarized; amber or copper lens
Spotting fish is the game on the flats.
Est. $80–$180pair · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
All-day sun protection.
Est. $40–$70each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Shades your eyes so you can see fish.
Est. $25–$40each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Hands burn first on the flats.
Est. $20–$35pair · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Covers face and neck from reflected sun.
Est. $15–$25each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Reef-safe, SPF 30+
Choose a reef-safe formula where required.
Est. $10–$16each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
For boat runs and passing squalls.
Est. $120–$250each · mid-range
Search retailers · affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you
Many coastal states license saltwater separately; ask whether your guide's license covers you.
Many coastal states license saltwater separately. Find your state fish & wildlife agency
Leave your address and the Saltwater flats checklist link appears here straight away. Gear guide and checklist updates, about once a month, start after you confirm by email once email updates switch on.
