Gear review - Sharkskin shooting line

[LunkerFish]

Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of the Guideline shooting line and have used it exclusively on my 7wt spey for the last 3 years. I've also used the new Rio Powerflex on my z-axis 5126 with positive results last season and will only use floating shooting lines. Well the Guideline on my 7wt finally began to wear out and it was time to replace it. On a whim, and because I got a good deal, I thought I would try the Sharkskin line out. I had test cast a full trout line in the past, thought even though it was very "slick" I didn't care for the noise, but for a shooting line who cares? (it wasn't very noticable for the record).

So my official opinion on the running line is that it really shoots much better than any other floating line I have used. I liked the gray tip where it connects to the head for low light conditions and it was quite impervious to tangles during casting. My only complaint, as you might guess, is that it is indeed abrasive when stripping in on wet hands. I have had other lines do it too after long days in the rain, but not within an hour. A strip of electrical tape solved the problem (probably will use a bandaid in the future). All in all I felt the qualities of the line were worth the inconvenience of protecting my finger and I would recommend this line with the fingers caution.

There you go. My

[358norma]

I have heard that it cast and fishes like a dream. The big draw back from the guide boys I talked with was that it collects dirt and grime like nobodys business. According to them one drive down the lower access road with a wet line and it turned to junk. Had to strip it off the reel and give it a scrubbing in the sink with warm soapy water. But all 2nd hand info, I wish you and your new line a happy and prosperous life together.

[edgerat]

You have to decide if you are willing to take up some line maintenance in exchange for 10-15' extra each cast. They are really really great fishing lines but they do pick up dirt in a hurry.
Isaac

[LunkerFish]

Originally Posted by 358norma

I have heard that it cast and fishes like a dream. The big draw back from the guide boys I talked with was that it collects dirt and grime like nobodys business. According to them one drive down the lower access road with a wet line and it turned to junk. Had to strip it off the reel and give it a scrubbing in the sink with warm soapy water. But all 2nd hand info, I wish you and your new line a happy and prosperous life together.

With the way the line is made I can definately see that happening, but I have had that happen with the ridges in my ridgeline to a certain extent too. I will usually put my rod inside when traveling dirt so the test for me will be how it holds up to regular dirt and grime exposure just from hiking and fishing.

[Slow and Low]

I have been wondering about this stuff for a while. Thanks for the review. I too am a huge fan of the guideline but not the floating stuff, the yellow comp-line is for monster casts;-)

[steel_beaver]

I couldn't add anything else to this review if I wanted too. Exactly my impressions. I haven't had any issues with dirt, but I keep the rod/reel inside when moving from spot to spot.

Originally Posted by LunkerFish

Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of the Guideline shooting line and have used it exclusively on my 7wt spey for the last 3 years. I've also used the new Rio Powerflex on my z-axis 5126 with positive results last season and will only use floating shooting lines. Well the Guideline on my 7wt finally began to wear out and it was time to replace it. On a whim, and because I got a good deal, I thought I would try the Sharkskin line out. I had test cast a full trout line in the past, thought even though it was very "slick" I didn't care for the noise, but for a shooting line who cares? (it wasn't very noticable for the record).

So my official opinion on the running line is that it really shoots much better than any other floating line I have used. I liked the gray tip where it connects to the head for low light conditions and it was quite impervious to tangles during casting. My only complaint, as you might guess, is that it is indeed abrasive when stripping in on wet hands. I have had other lines do it too after long days in the rain, but not within an hour. A strip of electrical tape solved the problem (probably will use a bandaid in the future). All in all I felt the qualities of the line were worth the inconvenience of protecting my finger and I would recommend this line with the fingers caution.

There you go. My