New Fly Line?

[Nicechromer]

I need some input. I have a 5 wt 9' Sage Launch and I am looking for a perfect WF floating line for it. I notice some of the new GPX lines and others are a 1/2 weight heavier. Would that benefit my Med-Fast weight rod? or should I just geta standard 5 weight line. What are some of your favorites.
Thanks in advance!

[D3smartie]

I would go with something like a Rio Selective trout or just a Mainstream. With a launch i would not go with a line and a half type line.
good luck

[clarkman23]

I would try a bunch out (if possible)...I can't speak for fast actioned rods (or graphite rods for that matter), but the Rio ST works great on my nice and slow glass rod...but not so well on my bamboo, which is slightly faster than the glass.

good luck!!
Randy

[Mayfish]

I would go with something like a Rio Selective trout or just a Mainstream. With a launch i would not go with a line and a half type line.
good luck

Agreed,

I previously owned an 8wt Sage Launch, and it was pretty slow/light weight for an 8 wt, as compared with other 8 wt.s I have fished.

I have not casted the 5 wt. but if the 8 wt. is any guide, I would go with a standard 5 wt. line, as this will probably load the rod just fine.

[Djflyfish]

Agreed,

I previously owned an 8wt Sage Launch, and it was pretty slow/light weight for an 8 wt, as compared with other 8 wt.s I have fished.

I have not casted the 5 wt. but if the 8 wt. is any guide, I would go with a standard 5 wt. line, as this will probably load the rod just fine.


Wonderline is the way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[jaxflyfish]

I like the cortland 555 for my sage. I think they do a pretty nice job but they take a bit of getting used to as they are much softer than other brands...I like them though.

[Nicechromer]

Is 555 better than 444?

[JD77]

This is a good topic. I have had several 444SL lines and was talked into a 555 by a sales guy. The 555 line is different and in my opinion does not cast well. It holds memory, even in warmer conditions. When I tried to take it back, the sales guy said I just needed to stretch it each time before I used it. I don't know about you, but I don't want to peel off all the line each time before I use it.

I have had good luck with the 444SL line but they take maintenance. Keeping the 444SL clean and casting smoothly takes some work.

I have been told that Cortland "fixed" the 555 line issues but I can't swear to that.

I also have an Orvis Wonderline. It casts very good (maybe "wonderfully") for the first hour of use, but I find it picks up dirt quickly and won't shoot well after just an hour or so. The first few casts are very nice and smooth.

Just 1 guy's opinion so take it for what it is worth. I know fishermen who swear by the Rio and Wulff lines but I've never used either.

[D3smartie]

If you go with Cortland get a 444.
Wonderline? you must be joking. That stuff is the biggest pile of crap i have ever owned. I had to buy one after an old line got destroyed by a King on the O.P.
That line had more memory, problems shooting and general shittyness than any other I have ever used.

[Nicechromer]

There is a much greater price difference with the Rio's mainstream and Selective Trout II. Is the mainstream still a great line for that low price?

[D3smartie]

The mainstream is a perfectly servicable line. I have several.

[Flyguy]

I need some input. I have a 5 wt 9' Sage Launch and I am looking for a perfect WF floating line for it. I notice some of the new GPX lines and others are a 1/2 weight heavier. Would that benefit my Med-Fast weight rod? or should I just geta standard 5 weight line. What are some of your favorites.
Thanks in advance!

I would recommend the new Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Fly Line. I am finding it to be very durable and shoots nice through the guides. Even makes a cool noise when you cast.

[D3smartie]

for $100 and dont use it if you are going to be stripping flies as it will tear up your fingers.

[Flyguy]

for $100 and dont use it if you are going to be stripping flies as it will tear up your fingers.


Never had this issue.

[jaxflyfish]

Is 555 better than 444?

I like both. I have only used the 555 for about a month but I have caught over 150 fish on it. I must admit, it doesn't cast as well as the 444 but I like how supple it has remained. It is easy to lay a dry out there very softly.

[santiamflyguy]

The SA Trout is a very nice all-around taper and works quite well in my experience with moderate-action rods. Same thing for the old standby Cortland 444.

You know, though, it sort of depends on what you're going to be doing with it... if you'll be doing a lot of chuck 'n duck fishing with heavy nymphs and streamers, then maybe one of the more extreme WF lines (RIO Mainstream, SA Headstart, etc) would be worth a look... if you're going to be doing nothing but dries at mid-long distance, I love the Wulff Triangle Tapers... lots of long casts, maybe a SA Expert Distance... roll-casting and nymphing with a lot of line out, an Airflo Ridge Nymph...

I don't know if I could justify spending $100 for the Sharkskin... it's a nice line and all, but you can get yourself two very nice lines for that price, or a multi-tip, or a nice line and a good dinner :D Not worth the 100% premium for maybe 1-2% better (if that?) 'performance'.