Got My New Tfo Pro! Which 7Wt Floating Line?

[TArcher]

I am fairly new to fly fishing and am currently setting up a 7WT rod. My Rod is a TFO Professional 9' 7WT and am confused as to what line would be a good match. If it matters I am setting this up primarily for streamers. I figured I would just use floating line and use a sink tip, short flourocarbon leader & tippet or straight leader (I can add weight to line or weight the streamers if need be).

Now about the line. There are so many options out there. Not only brands but different series/models of line in each brand. The gentlemen at the local fly shop suggested GPX textured. I know GPX runs a 1/2 size heavy so I wasn't sure if that's what I wanted.

I probably won't be casting long distances as I am still learning. I'd like to stay around the $75 range. I'm just not sure what taper I need to be looking at.

Some I am considering are Rio Gold, Rio Grand (rio claims this is 1/2 size heavy also), SA GPX & GPX textured, Cortland Classic 444 Peach.

Anyone have any suggestions or preferences from the list above or any line I do not have listed? Thanks in advance

[mikes custom fly rods]

The Rio Gold should match up pretty well. The best thing you can do is find a fly shop that will let you test cast several lines. That way you can feel how the lines feel.

[Arofishing]

Congrats on your purchase, just used my new TFO Pro 8'6" 5 wt for the first time Tuesday. I coupled it with Cortland 444 and really like it, I'm getting at least 15 feet on my casts over my Dogwood Canyon. I can't comment on the other lines you're looking at though.

[johndarin]

Royal Wulff trianglt taper is the best weight forward line available. I have two client rods with rio gold and my personal rod has royal wulff. The royall wulff out casts the rio by far.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I agree that the Triangle Taper would be a good one. It's an easy casting line,b ut maybe more important for Taney, it's a roll caster's dream line.

[eric1978]

Another two thumbs down vote on the Rio Gold from me...I haven't liked it so much on my 5wt. The SA GPX Sharkskin on my 7wt I've really liked, but beware, it makes noise through your guides and it'll drive you nuts 'til you get used to it. My 7 is pretty fast so I like the extra half weight heavier.

[TArcher]

Royal Wulff trianglt taper is the best weight forward line available. I have two client rods with rio gold and my personal rod has royal wulff. The royall wulff out casts the rio by far.

I agree that the Triangle Taper would be a good one. It's an easy casting line,b ut maybe more important for Taney, it's a roll caster's dream line.

I just looked into them. From what I am reading about it is that it has a longer head??? Maybe I read the specs wrong. If I was going to be throwing streamers (not at huge distances) wouldn't I want a shorter head for quicker rod loading and the ability to shoot line better and to carry the bigger flies better?

I'm still learning so thats why I am asking. Thanks

[TArcher]

Another two thumbs down vote on the Rio Gold from me...I haven't liked it so much on my 5wt. The SA GPX Sharkskin on my 7wt I've really liked, but beware, it makes noise through your guides and it'll drive you nuts 'til you get used to it. My 7 is pretty fast so I like the extra half weight heavier.

Yea the guy at the fly shop told me the Sharkskin was good line but had a more abrasive texture I might not like. Thats why he recommended the GPX texture.

[eric1978]

Yea the guy at the fly shop told me the Sharkskin was good line but had a more abrasive texture I might not like. Thats why he recommended the GPX texture.

GPX just means general presentation, and it refers to the taper, not the texture. SA makes GPX in the standard smooth line and the textured Sharkskin...the Sharkskin is a little more. It does seem to mend a little better, but honestly that's the only advantage I've convinced myself of thus far.

[3wt]

GPX just means general presentation, and it refers to the taper, not the texture. SA makes GPX in the standard smooth line and the textured Sharkskin...the Sharkskin is a little more. It does seem to mend a little better, but honestly that's the only advantage I've convinced myself of thus far.

And they make an in between "textured" GPX (and other mastery lines) Sharkskin is awsome and you pay $100 for it. It shoots great throught hte guides, and is a super supple line - seems to float down to the water when casting dries. It should be terrific in cold weather. Also it's supposed to last forever, and come off the water well. I really do think it's worth the money if you like the line.

The 'textured' is like $80. Probably more like a dimpled standard fly GPX. I doubt you get the suppleness of sharkskin.

GPX is somethign like $60 and good line. But I like RIO Grand much better.

The TFO pros ar fast, but not lightning fast. I think it would do well with a 1/2 up weight line, if you want that at 7 wt. I think you may be alright without it. If this is truly just as streamer rod then take a look at some of the special streamer lines. Or maybe the bass bug lines. I hear they can be nice for chucking chicken sized flies. I'd really consider specializing if you only use it for streamers. I think pro streamer guys have some very different setups - like sinking lines and unweighted huge flies. But they don't translate well to all purpose use. But neither does a 7wt in general.

And at Taney, long line streamer fishing is a lot of fun. So even if you don't plan on casting a long distance, don't rule out doing it. I bet you'll find yourself waist deep with 2 generators running, wishing you could cast a little farther or wade a little deeper. You'll be double hauling for more distance in no time.