Good morning all. Just thought I'd share this lovely little stream photo with you. All of that beautiful green on this cold rainy February day. I have not fished in in about two weeks and I must say it did not bother me to much. But today I feel like I could do with a few hours out and about but that's not going to happen for a few days more. But I have a few observations to share with you concerning fly lines. I am not one to buy the top of the line when it comes to fly lines. Fishing small streams does not require a fly line in the 100.00 range. The amount of fishing I do yearly, well weekly that is is about 4-5 days. So a year to a year and a half is a long time for my fly lines. I guess if I took the time to maintain them properly I might get a little longer life out of them.
Being in the market for a new line I picked up a couple of lines on the internet. This one is the Piscifun Sword series. It's a WF3 floating line. I've been using this line for about a month and it has been OK. It's cost was 25.00.
This one is a Rio Mainstream series Trout. It's a WF3 floating. I have never fished Rio lines and I'm excited to try this one soon. This line cost 39.00.
Have you ever tried a Wulff triangular taper? A bout twice what you are spending but I really like them on our spring creeks. Maybe a bit longer casts than you have but a soft presentation.
ReplyDeleteUnknown
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I have read the reviews on this line and it comes highly rated, especially with bamboo rods. Again it's the cost.
Green, wonderful green! My wife and I were out to dinner at a pub last week and we couldn't keep our eyes off the Pebble Beach Open on television. We're NOT golfers and know little about the game but there's something to be said for seeing green grass/non arctic environment at this point of the winter. Our winter get away this year will not happen until late April so the white and grey is getting really old. I haven't cast a line since late November.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this blog Alan!
Dean F
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Dean I knew many of you would appreciate seeing that stream this morning. Winter has a way of beating us down and a pick me up is called for. Since Nov. that's a long stretch my friend...
Alan you really should try the Barrio Small Stream Special , I have yet to find a rod that doesn't love it and it's only about $ 30.00
ReplyDeleteResman549
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I just checked their web site and I like them. Colors are great too. It may be one to try soon.
I have been using Barrio flylines for several years now and love them. I use the Mallard DT. They are fantastic lines and seem to last forever and the price is hard to beat. Keep up the great blog. I always get a thrill from seeing where you and fish and what flies you use!
DeleteAlan
ReplyDeleteGreat prices for both lines, I haven't used the Piscifun line. I've been using the 3 wt.Rio line now for a couple of years on my Orvis small face and Redington Drift small face reels with no problems. I think you will like it. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill so your experience with Rio has been positive, I like first hand knowledge. The Piscifun so far has worked OK, more time needed though.
This is sad. I've never changes the lines on any of my 3 fly rods since the day I bought them. I do, however, clean and add floatant to my floating lines every time I go out which is becoming a non-existent function in my life.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark you do take proper care of your fly lines. I probably clean them every 6 months or so, that could be why they don't last as long.
I've used that Rio, it was a good line and lasted a while until it got snapped by and over excited toddler... but that's too long a story for a comment. You'll be happy with the Rio, I suspect.
ReplyDeleteRM Lytle
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Rowan it's always good to get first hand info on a product. The Rio was not overly priced.
Hi Alan and friends,
ReplyDeleteAlan, glad you're feeling better!
I use double taper lines for almost all freshwater fishing. For me they roll cast a tad better than WFs, plus you can reverse them when they start to wear. I'm currently using Cortland Sylk on my bamboo rods. Every couple of weeks I strip my lines into the bathroom sink, soak them in a mild solution of dish soap, then rinse and dry them. Like most saltwater fishermen, I wash saltwater lines after every outing. For inexpensive lines decent quality lines, I've had good luck with Hook and Hackle products. Watch for sales. I'm also going to check out some the recommendations like Piscifun and Barrio.
Thanks,
John
John Strucker
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John I was a fan of Cortlands "Peach" dt's, but they are a bit overpriced. The Hook and Hackle lines look right up my alley. Barrio also looks like a winner.
Brk Trt, a short time ago I too shopped for fly line. I ended up with line from Hook & Hackle branded as their own, I found out about this line from the "classic fly rod forum" online forum. it was highly praised by many users. I emailed that company back and forth with questions and answers. He/they suggested they will do a try and buy and if I didn't like it send the line back with no questions asked. So how could I go wrong?
ReplyDeleteAnd the most important highlight of this line, Its "Cortland 444" branded as their own H&H.
I went with the DT and on sale it was $29.00
Anyway, still love your posts....Phil
https://store.hookhack.com/Hook-Hackle-Classic-Hi-Floater-Fly-Lines/departments/713/
DRYFLYGUY
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Phil, another vote for H&H. Online reviews are good but like I said to Rowan it's good to have that first hand review. 29.00 bucks that's hard to beat.
While I appreciate the sentiment behind the summer picture, and I do, I really, really do; it's but it's -25 below zero here and spring seems sooooo far away. Like DryFlyGuy said, the Hook & Hackle is inexpensive and a very nice line. All my small rods wear it.
ReplyDeletemike
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A lovey report from the north woods. -25 that's not for me. So you are in the H&H column. Seems I may have missed this item. They have good deals on hooks also.
Alan, Rio lines are good USA made lines. I agree with you, if you fish alot, and don't religiously clean/treat your lines, then it's absurd to spend $90-$100 on a new line. I like to wait until October/November to buy new line when that years stock is being closed-out for next year's stock. Then, you get $90 lines for $40-$50. With those tiny creeks you fish you probably only use about half the line head at the most.
ReplyDeleteMatt Harding
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Matt end of year clearance deals is where bargains are found. I've got a couple of lines to work with now and several good views on Rio lines. I hope to try out the Rio this Sunday.
I have been using Cortland 444 DT lines for decades and have found no reason to change. I use mostly full flex rods for the small streams, which is most of my fishing, and they turn over and cast fine with the DT. I am sure there are many other lines that would work fine but I do feel at home with the peach 444.
ReplyDeleteNJpatbee
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Pat the DT is versatile 2 lines for the price of one.
I think Cortland makes lines for many other companies.
Hi Alan
ReplyDeleteThat stream looks stunning - It looks so much like the headwaters and tributaries of my local stream here in North Yorkshire.
Like Matt Harding, I do not pay full price for my lines and wait until the end of season sales on old stock. My current favourites are Orvis Hydros HD WF 4 (just onto my second line - the previous one lasted 4 years!) and Orvis Hydros Nymph WF 3.
Thanks for sharing the picture of the thin blue line (got me thinking towards spring time) and your thoughts on fly lines.
Alistair
Alistair
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I love it when you compare my streams with those North Country streams of yours. Makes me want to tie up a mess of Waterhen Bloas...4 years on a fly line is awesome. I'll bet you take care of them.
Hi Alan
DeleteWhen the trout season starts I aim to fish at one of once a week from March 22nd to September 30th. I will clean the first 15 feet of line once a month then clean the whole line at the end of the season. I also make sure that eyes /guides are clean a couple of times during the season to get rid of the dried up scum that can build up after a couple of trips (especially in the summer!).
BTW have you had chance to try the 'toad in the hole' yet?
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Alistair
Alistair, I have not attempted to try it, but rest assured I will.
DeleteAlan, I sent you a email about a rod you may like sub:Phelps
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Bob, I saw that. What a sweet rod. Lee Wulff was a man who loved one piece rods.