So I've tried all of the three major fly line manufacturers now (Rio, SA, and Cortland). Surprisingly all three have different pros and cons. I was curious what lines you folks use, and why you choose one brand or another. I thought I had nailed it when I bought a Rio nymph line, but I've found these Rio lines just don't float well for me.
I use rio nymph.You have seen it float and drift with no problems.It roll casts better for me as well...I notice that it needs to be cleaned more than some of my other lines
i use the sharkskin 5wt last time was at the pu.....its a great line to use ....it improved my roll cast by 10-15ft with a thingamajig plus 3 spits shots on leader...i no it cost a arm and a leg but its worth the price....best part i got it for only 70.oo.....
I voted Rio. I have five freshwater floating lines (three Rio, two Scientific Anglers) for my single handed rods. To me, both are equally as good as the other. If there are differences, they are subtle at best except in the case of the Sharkskin. My five weight Rio Grand has over 75 fishing days on it, and it casts and floats as it did on day one.
I bought a Sharkskin Trout Taper for my six weight when it first came out. It does just about all that it is supposed to. It floats higher, casts longer, and last longer (well the jury is still out on that). One negative that I noticed. The Sharkskin needs to be cleaned a bit more often than standard lines.
As for salt water floating lines, I have been using Scientific Anglers floating lines. Their cores are more resistant to tropical heat than others.
AB
Edit: I just reallized that I have another Scientific Anglers line. I have a seven weight Steelhead Taper that I use sometimes on my six weight rod during Steelhead season. So I have equal number of Rio and SA lines.
-- Edited by AbelBoy on Monday 8th of June 2009 09:00:08 AM
Rio selective trout 2, Been using this line for 2 years now and love it, Of course I can't get 2 years out of a line, Each one has lasted about a year before it is toast. It's a great line for the rod I use and the type of fishing i preffere to do.
All i know is that im an uncertain as to why RIO would make a line with the first few feet a bright red/pink color. Not sure how the dry fly fishing would be with a line like that.....Vince, do you know which line I'm talking about?
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Hi everyone- I'm RGLoft's wife and finally got my own little name and stuff-- I realize I'm one of the few women fly fishers on here but oh well. :) I had a question about fly line actually-- mine is a fluorescent orange color and wondered if that might not be a good idea since even the colors we wear fishing can spook the fish?? I also have noticed over the months that most serious fly fishers have yellow or green line-- no orange. So-- please advise. Should I save up and have it changed to green??
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Welcome aboard Prettyfly. I do beleive there is something to that. A brightly colored line defenitly isn't an advantage. I guess there so bright so you can see the line. I've used a dull olive drab colored line for awhile now.
I Have an uncle whos color blind and he uses a neon blue type fly line....I \ve noticed a difference when I fish wih him. I use a dark green leaf colored line....He can fish a pool for 30 minutes with no hits and ill follow him up and hook into 2-3 fish so Id agree thatcolor is a big factor in fly fishing.
I believe fly line color is a personal preference, a comfort level, and could possibly be dependent upon the type of fishing you will be doing. My reels for moving water are spooled with pale green, dark willow, willow, mixed willow and green, bright yellow, and for lakes dark and clear. My brother fishes with a 444 Classic peach line. We catch fish no matter what the line color! If you are not lining the fish, dragging the fly in presentation, and casting to catch the fish with the fly at the end of your line, instead of the tippet—color should not matter. I have read that some situations demand more stealth, like the Florida Keys or New Zealand—neither of which I have fished. Bright colors could also be useful for anyone learning to cast or attempting to improve their casting ability like Shaun mentioned. But, for general Sierra Nevada trout fishing, good presentation is key. Lake/stillwater can be a different situation—a whole new can of worms.
If bright color lines are so detrimental to hook-ups, why then do Rio and SA continue to market hi-vis yellow, orange, and green lines?
-- Edited by Flying Dutchman on Saturday 15th of August 2009 03:09:43 PM
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