#FlyLines

Paul

Nov 7, 2022

Preview: Cheeky Sighter Fly Reels and Sink Tip Fly Lines

(descriptions and images courtesy of Cheeky Fishing) Cheeky Fishing Launches a New Reel and Sink Tip Fly Line for 2023 Cheeky Fishing makers of performance fly fishing equipment is proud to bring new reel and new sink tip fly line to the market. The New Sighter Reels set the bar for versatility and value. With a full cage frame design, the new Sighter is light enough for your standard 9-foot, 5-weight rod, but is also at home with thin-line set ups and running lines found in

Rio Products: How to Fish an Intermediate Line in a Lake

Paul

Apr 18, 2021

Rio Products: How to Fish an Intermediate Line in a Lake

From RIO Products: In this episode of RIO's "How To Fly Fish" series, RIO brand manager Simon Gawesworth talks about fishing intermediate lines in a lake. The intermediate line should be the second line density every lake angler should buy (after a floating line), but few anglers know how to fish them, or the nuances behind using them. Simon explains what an intermediate line is, talks about when to use a clear versus a "camo" intermediate line, as well as discussing the sink

New Additions to RIO's SlickCast Fly Lines

Paul

Jan 7, 2021

New Additions to RIO's SlickCast Fly Lines

From RIO Products: RIO Products, manufacturer of world class fly lines, leaders, tippet material, and flies, is delighted to announce the expansion of its range of fly lines built with SlickCast. SlickCast creates the slickest, most durable fly lines in history. SlickCast is a fly line coating that has been formulated and developed by RIO’s R&D team that results in fly lines having the lowest amount of friction ever measured on a fly line. This exceptionally low friction make

Paul

Sep 3, 2020

Should You Get a Textured Fly Line?

There are several aspects to consider when shopping for a new fly line. Let's see, there's grain weight, taper design, and type of core to name three of the major ones, but is the line's surface important too? Specifically, should you get a textured or smooth fly line? Most fly lines on the market feature coatings that are totally smooth. Not only are these lines pleasing to hold and manipulate all day long, but they are also nice and quiet when sliding in and out of the rod

8 Ways to More Effectively Fish a Fly in Deep Water

Paul

Aug 6, 2020

8 Ways to More Effectively Fish a Fly in Deep Water

Many years ago when we were kids, me and a buddy went on a bottom-fishing trip off the California coast where the day was spent doing drifts in about 300 feet of water. For some weird reason I was actually pretty hyped for that trip, but let me tell you...that feeling ended really quick. Turns out, reeling in 1-pound sinkers and sometimes multiple fish at once from those depths is not all that enjoyable, especially for a scrawny kid with twiggy arms. Us fly anglers are much m

Elite RIO Gold Fly Line with New SlickCast Coating Review

Paul

Jun 28, 2020

Elite RIO Gold Fly Line with New SlickCast Coating Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship All fly lines are not created equal. Whether it be different cores, tapers, compounds, or other variables, lines can range from basic and affordable to advanced and ultra-high performance made for specific applications. RIO is undoubtedly one of the leaders in the fly line game, and seemingly every year they are introducing brand-new features and line designs. However, this year things are even more interesting than usual. Would it pique your interes

What is a Shooting Head Line? The Ultra-Simple Version

Paul

Dec 22, 2019

What is a Shooting Head Line? The Ultra-Simple Version

Standard fly lines can already be pretty confusing, but now you might have to worry about shooting heads?!?!? Luckily, for many people shooting heads will be of no concern. They are mostly used by anglers targeting steelhead, salmon, certain saltwater species, or those fishing with two-handed rods, but all things considered their usage isn't super widespread. Sure they lack popularity, but they can still be very useful! What is a Shooting Head? A shooting head (or some may us

Should More Fly Rods Be Labeled With Grain Weights?

Paul

Oct 28, 2019

Should More Fly Rods Be Labeled With Grain Weights?

A few weeks back, I posted a review of the new Winston Alpha+ 7 weight which can be found right here. While seemingly pretty minor, one feature I really appreciated was that rather than just displaying the rod's line weight, Winston takes it a step further and lists the ideal line grain weight for each rod. Why does this matter so much? Let me explain.... Fast and extra-fast action fly rods are extremely popular these days. I'm a fan of both, so I totally get it. Thing is, of

Paul

Oct 18, 2019

IFTD 2019: Cortland Line

It's safe to say that Cortland REALLY brought the goods this year. From a big push on the conventional side to an even bigger product release for us fly anglers, it was evident they've been BUSY as of late. Interested? Here's a complete rundown of all the latest fly fishing gear from lines and leaders to rods and reels! Price: $79.95 Price: $89.95 Price: $89.95 Price: $79.95 Price: $79.95 Price: $99.95 Price: $99.95 Price: $37.95 Price: from $19.15 Price: $10.95 Price: $13.95

Why Do Some Fly Lines Load a Rod Faster than Others?

Paul

Oct 10, 2019

Why Do Some Fly Lines Load a Rod Faster than Others?

There is often so much emphasis placed on casting distance, but does that really matter very often? Ok, your new $900 rod can cast the whole line without breaking much of a sweat, but how often do you fish at extreme distances? For many folks, the answer is rarely or perhaps never. I'm in the same boat. For most of the fishing I've done in my life so far, a healthy chunk of the action has occurred within about 30 feet. Having a good short game in fly fishing is often essentia

Tropical Fly Lines...Not JUST for the Tropics!

Paul

Aug 19, 2019

Tropical Fly Lines...Not JUST for the Tropics!

The tropics are harsh on fly lines. Most lines are made with limp, braided cores and softer coatings for excellent handling in the cold to modest climates that many folks face much of the time. In the tropics, these "standard" lines can quickly become a massive frustration to use due to their surfaces becoming gummy and wilted from the heat. Rather than flowing smoothly, the line sticks to the rod guides and casting generally just becomes a chore that's not enjoyable—I speak

Paul

Aug 1, 2019

New Fly Lines from Scientific Anglers

Words/Images by Scientific Anglers Blind casting big flies requires a line that will allow you to do it efficiently and effectively all day long. The new Sonar Musky fly line does just that! With a 30' type 5 sinking head the largest bucktails will get down and stay down on the strip. The slightly larger running line diameter makes the line easier to grip even on the coldest fall mornings. Designed in 2 sizes, 450 grain and 500 grain, the Sonar Musky will carry, shoot and tur

Paul

Jul 5, 2019

New 2020 Fly Lines from RIO

Words and photos courtesy of RIO Products FRESHWATER RIO’s new Technical Trout line has been designed for the angler fishing at range with long leaders and needing pinpoint accuracy and feather-weight presentation. The line has a long head and back taper to increase loop stability and for long range control, and a weight distribution that easily turns over long leaders for wary trout. The line comes in both weight forward and double taper options and is ideal for fishing drie

Orvis PRO Trout WF4F Textured Fly Line Review

Paul

Jun 2, 2019

Orvis PRO Trout WF4F Textured Fly Line Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Have you ever fished a textured fly line? While the vast majority of fly lines have smooth surfaces, some lines are built with different types of surface designs that are said to reduce friction and improve line flow. I've typically just stuck with conventional smooth lines for the most part, but my 2018 test of Orvis' Hydros HD textured trout line gave me some food for thought. That proved to be an excellent line, and with the brand-new PRO Textured

Fly Line for $15? MaxCatch WF3F ECO Fly Line Review

Paul

May 20, 2019

Fly Line for $15? MaxCatch WF3F ECO Fly Line Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship How much more expensive can fly line get these days? Back when I began fly fishing, I remember premium lines costing around $60 or $70. Well, that seems like a pretty good deal nowadays, as the most premium lines cost well over $100! The big fly line manufacturers certainly offer some more basic or entry-level choices that are far cheaper than that, but for someone like a kid just trying to piece together their first combo, even those "affordable" pr

Paul

Apr 22, 2019

Gearing Up: Fly Fishing for Bass

Bass are ideal fly rod fish. They are found in countless bodies of water, are strong, often aggressive, and typically don't require super-technical setups or presentations. Many folks (like myself) can target them just minutes from home, but for some reason I just don't see huge numbers of people fly fishing for bass. While chasing bass on the fly is extremely fun and rewarding, if you're coming over from the world of conventional bass fishing, don't expect to always have qui

Two Knots for Attaching Fly Line to Leader: Nail or Albright?

Paul

Mar 7, 2019

Two Knots for Attaching Fly Line to Leader: Nail or Albright?

How do you connect your leader butt to the fly line? Luckily, many of today's fly lines have those handy welded loops built-in. This allows you to join your leader to the fly line via simple loop-to-loop connection. Unfortunately, some value-conscious fly lines do not come with these welded loops. If you have a line lacking loops or perhaps you had to cut a loop off because it became badly worn, you can either make a loop yourself, or use one of several knots. In this case I

Paul

Feb 11, 2019

RIO Gold WF6F Lumalux Fly Line Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship There's a lot of reasons to try fly fishing at night, some of which we went over in a past article right here. Despite these positives, the big negative with night fishing is simply visibility. Even on a full moon night, I always feel like I'm fishing at about half of my potential skill level due to not being able to see my line and everything around me like I can during daylight. Also, here in Florida we have snakes, alligators, and lots of bugs whi

Cortland 333 Classic Trout/All Purpose WF8F Fly Line Review

Paul

Jan 28, 2019

Cortland 333 Classic Trout/All Purpose WF8F Fly Line Review

Intro/Specs/Craftsmanship Back when I started fly fishing in the early 90's, I remember the top fly lines costing around 60$ or so. Were there more expensive lines? Perhaps. As both a kid and a newbie, I wasn't super aware or knowledgeable of the market quite yet, but at that age the cost still seemed relatively high. Well, have you seen what top tier fly lines cost nowadays? I've reviewed a few of them right here on Demystifly. I'll start off by saying that the ones I've tri

Are you SURE You're Getting Deep Enough?

Paul

Nov 29, 2018

Are you SURE You're Getting Deep Enough?

Many fish often feed on or near the bottom. That's just how it is. When those fish are totally keyed in to that particular zone, your fly had better be there or you may come up empty. That's one of the simplest mistakes anglers can make—not fishing deep enough. You might be in the right spot, using the right fly, and even using the right line/leader combination, but your presentation or simply your patience can keep the fly from reaching that critical strike zone. It's also a

DEMYSTIFLY

Demystifying the Gear and Art of Fly Fishing