For some reason, many fly fishers stay away from saltwater fishing.

Maybe it’s fear of corroding their reels, rods and tackle. Maybe it’s because they’re not familiar with the tendencies of saltwater species.

While it takes some time to get used to fly fishing for finicky species like perch, halibut and bigger game fish, casting for salty species can be as fun and rewarding as pursuing their freshwater brethren – especially in the summer when our oceans are at their warmest temperatures.

Browsing the reports from coast to coast, it appears now is an active time for saltwater species such as stripers, snook and even bonito.

And I know from first-hand experience on the West Coast that now’s the time to pick off halibut, perch and other popular nearshore fish in the flats and breaks off what remote stretches of coastline you can find.

As always, you can find more about salty fishing on our saltwater page.

Photo by Brian Milne