Guest Posted February 3, 2010 Posted February 3, 2010 I was going to see what input you fellas might have concerning fly lines and leaders for chasing stripers and hybrids on the Arkansas. I currently have a 9ft 8wt that I am using for my striper fishing outfit. I cannot afford an extra spool for my reel (I believe it is discontinued anyways) nor can I afford to purchase two (or even three) different types of lines. Also, I use this rod to chase largemouth bass in farm ponds during the summer. That being said, what would you guys recommend for line type and leaders? Although mostly clousers will be fished and thus getting the fly down deep wont be that big of an issue, I still like to throw on a deceiver or some other type of unweighted fly every now and then (get tired of doing the clouser shuffle). To chase bass with poppers and hair bugs in the farm ponds, a floating line must be used. Therein lies my dilemma. In order to throw a deceiver (or any other unweighted "baitfish" type fly) and get it down deep enough with a floating line, I need to add something to the end of the line to help get the flies down deeper. I have looked at the Orvis Instant Sink Tip System and the Cortland Mini Lead Heads systems. They both look pretty interesting, but don't know how they will affect the casting balance of the line. Maybe I am overthinking things (not that flyfishermen EVER overthink things!!!), and there is a simpler solution. That's why I am asking you guys, because you at least appear to know what you are doing!!!! Do any of you have any other suggestions that might help me out, or any experience with any of the sink tip systems? Thanks in advance, _c_A_c_ If all else fails, I guess I can just fish clousers!!!!!
Guest Posted February 4, 2010 Posted February 4, 2010 Chance, you have any recommendations for me? Anyone?
Members crawfly Posted February 4, 2010 Members Posted February 4, 2010 I don't know if it will help you at all but before the advent of "systems" and far fewer options available we made our own shooting heads. Essentially it involves cutting your floater just after the taper to running line. Remove the coating to expose the core of each where you made the cut and then whip a loop (with a bobbin) on the core folded back on itself. Pliobond the whip and you now have a floating shooting head. Purchase a cheap sinker of your choice and cut that one at the same point. (transition to running) Whip a loop in the head portion, glue and you now have a sinking shooting head. Rinse and repeat for as many variables as you want stream side. You can usually pick up sinkers pretty cheap. Old stock, whatever. Who cares because they sink anyhow. If you were to do something like this I would suggest going at least a foot into the running line before the cut. That way you will load the rod and have the hinge point (loops) just inside your rod tip and you can shoot the rest for distance. Changing lines is just a matter of un-looping one head and looping on a different one. Same loop to loop as tippet if you do that. Hope this helps. If nothing else it's an option.
Guest Posted February 4, 2010 Posted February 4, 2010 crawfly, Thanks for the response. I don't know why I didn't think of this before, but the thought of making my own shooting heads (and hopefully catching fish with them!!) sounds like a really cool project, not to mention it would allow me to cover all of the fishing situations I may encounter. I am definitely going to do a little more research on this. Thanks again, Cole
Members crawfly Posted February 4, 2010 Members Posted February 4, 2010 No problem. Glad to help. You know where you can find me if ya run into any problems. Tip on the pliobond. Get some methyl ethyl keytone and thin it about 50% before you coat the wraps. 5-6 coats ought to do it.
Bill Butts Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Greetings cAc, Your friend was right about building your own shooting heads, the old way constructing loops. They are very functional despite that most folks don't like the loop at the 30-35' mark since it has a strong propensity to hang in the tip top. You can also buy shooting heads pre-looped. My suggestion for your stated types of fishing is something similar. If you want to do it all with one reel, you will need a changeable tip line but I would suggest something a little different. I've spent many days on the AR River where you describe and I really like to use a Rio VersiTip line which has 5 interchangeable 15'tips in the 8 wt size. I really believe a floater or intermediate and a type 3 sink tip (both 15')is all you need to fish that river, unless you plan to fish the deep holes around the sand dredging operations. 15' is a very castable and manageable length for looped tips because the factor of hanging up in the tip top is less likely or frequent. The VersiTip comes with a floater, intermediate, type 3, type 6, and type 8 sink tips. This is also a great line for your bass fishing from topwater to quite deep. That line is expensive, about $130, but remember you don't have to buy multiple spools, gobs of backing, or multiple full lines, all of which would be much more expensive. Make sense? Hope this is helpful. Bill Bill Butts Springfield MO "So many fish, so little time"
Guest Posted February 5, 2010 Posted February 5, 2010 Bill, Thanks for the input, it makes perfect sense. I will definitely have to check out the Versi-Tip system. I am a big fan of Rio products and have used their lines in the past. Like you said, the price looks a little steep at first, but far outweighs having to buy extra spools, line, backing, etc. plus you don't have to lug all that extra equipment around with you.....one rod, one reel; I like that idea. Regards, Cole
OKFlyFisher44 Posted February 6, 2010 Posted February 6, 2010 Sorry for the delayed response Cole...you shoulda just called me? I've done a lot of reading on the Versi-Tip system in my research to pick a spey line. I don't think you will find a better setup thats packed into 1 line that will cover all situations especially if you don't want to buy extra spools or lines. The price is steep...and I know you are jewish, but I think it would serve you well good buddy! I think I'm going to go with a Rio Skagit spey line with the Versi-Tip system for my new spey rod/reel, can't wait to chase stripers with it! I just got off the phone with Derek, he said he's going to buy an 8wt from Albright so he can striper fish with us this spring. Can't wait for March...1st warm day we get, I'm hitting the river! Chance ...I'm haunted in my dreams of waters I have yet to fish and trout I have yet to catch... Chasing the Dream...
Guest Posted February 6, 2010 Posted February 6, 2010 If by Jewish you mean poor, then I guess I'm Jewish!!! The price far outweighs having to buy extra spools, lines, and backing for my reel anyways so I definitely think its worth it. March? 1st warm day? Wuss....fish still bite when its cold, just ask a trout!!
OKFlyFisher44 Posted February 7, 2010 Posted February 7, 2010 That's no lie. I was down on the Lower Illinois just a few weeks ago...and those fish were eating bugs like crazy! Don't be givng me a hard time son...its like pulling teeth to get you to go fishing!! Chance ...I'm haunted in my dreams of waters I have yet to fish and trout I have yet to catch... Chasing the Dream...
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