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Pro Staff Tips |
Fly Lines - Get the
Right One |
Many people over
think choosing a fly
line due to the
incredible number of
lines available out
there. If you’re a
new angler keep it
simple, balanced but
simple and you will
have good
experiences chucking
flies.
However once your
experience level
gets higher and you
start targeting
specific species
then a more complex
approach can be
taken. For an
example you don’t
take a 7 weight line
you use for fish
weighing 3 to 10 lbs
to a small river or
creek where you want
to target 10 to 12
inch fish. It’s just
not as enjoyable of
an experience.
There are a number
of factors you need
to consider when
choosing a fly line
but the major one is
always your rod.
Quality fly line
manufactures often
build lines for
specific rod
actions. If you have
a moderate, medium
or fast action rod
then there are
unique lines made
for that type of
action.
It is all about
balance, balance and
more balance. Now I
hear you saying what
about the reel! Yup
it matters but
nearly as much as
your rod and line
match. The reel is a
storage device,
factors like
targeted species or
environment drives
your reel choice. If
you’re targeting
steelhead with long
powerful runs or
saltwater salmon
where the
environment eats
your gear up, then
specific reels
matter. If not then
any good entry level
large arbor reel
will work for you.
However your fly
line matters in all
situations.
Well were back to
balance again. We
have already said
balance is
everything but how
do you tell if your
fly rod, reel and
line is balanced?
Ergonomically we say
it is balanced if
the rod/reel/line
weight disappears in
your hand. Not butt
heavy or tip heavy;
JUST RIGHT. Remember
though to make sure
your rod is strung
with the line and
leader before
checking. Any
unbalance will be
amplified as you
change gear. bigger
flies, strike
indicators or small
split shot above
your nymph will
really amplify the
unbalance.
So how do you choose
the right fly line?
It is simple –
CALL US!
We know all the rod,
reel and line
manufactures
intimately. We cast
and fish them all
constantly. We know
what works with
what. You simply
tell us what you
have in the way of
equipment and where
and what your going
to fish and we will
advise which line
will work perfectly.
If you want an
online source
another way is to
use the
RIO online buyers
guide. It
doesn't tie the rod
to the line but it
does sort out the
multitude of
excellent fly lines
RIO makes.
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