New S.a. Sharkskin Line

[TroutBum4wt]

Anyone using SA's new $99.95 Sharkskin line?

[flyfshn]

Not using it, but went to T. Hargroves in STL and tried it....nice line, but it does make noise going thru the guides.

[Danoinark]

...not when I can buy two lines for that price....

just joking, they may be fine...Bill Anderson who posts here gave one a workout in the salt down in Flori-days. He will probably give us a good report...Bill?

Dano

[Bill Anderson]

Actually, the one I tried was a WF5. It's a good line for long distance casting, seems to float a little higher in the water, not very good for close in fishing, buzzes thru the guides and picks up dirt more easily. Is it worth $100?...not to me. If you have a hundred dollar bill burning a hole in your pocket, I would consider the Hook and Hackle lines. They are made by Cortland, cast and float very well, have gotten good write ups, and you can get THREE of them for that hundred bucks. That's just my 2 cents worth. I suspect that the Sharkskin lines will undergo a big price markdown before it's over. I just can't see a synthetic, machine made line being worth that much cash. In my opinion, there's just not that much improvement over other lines to justify that kind of price tag. The ultimate proof is in whether something lets you catch more fish...I don't see enough performance improvement in them to really do that, at least not a hundred bucks worth. For 50 or 60 bucks like other premium lines, they would be worth considering.

[drew03cmc]

I have a hard time going over $50 for a fly line. The last line I bought was a WF4F Cabela's line that was $19.95 with backing. That line and a 333 Cortland are darn near identical, so I had no complaints. I still fish that line, and it makes no noise through the guides and floats relatively well except for when I throw a #8 BH Bugger or a #6 Yuk Bug with it. Then the first foot or so becomes a strike indicator in the water...not bad though.

Back to the Sharkskin line, I like SA lines, but I do not like that pricetag. Yager's here in Lawrence is going to have these lines Nov 1, so I might go check one out, but definitely will not be buying one.

[Crippled Caddis]

Bill wrote:

<I would consider the Hook and Hackle lines. They are made by Cortland, cast and float very well, have gotten good write ups, and you can get THREE of them for that hundred bucks.>

I'll echo Bill's suggestion. And offer the information that the H&H 'Hi-Floater' lines <http://www.hookhack.com/flylines.html> are often suggested for use on older rods with the small diameter guides originally intended for use with silk lines. With real silk line prices resembling the GDP of small nations the H&H Hi-Floater represents a viable alternative to those who enjoy classic rods. Simply put they are good quality line by a reputable maker adaptable to various needs at a reasonable price. What's not to like? CC

[Gavin]

Had it out at Hargrove's a couple days ago...its a great casting line. Figure it added about 10-15' to my cast..I'd definitely buy several of them if I did a lot of distance practice, competition casting, or if I was going for a CCI. I dont need one to catch trout or smallmouth, but I'd plunk down money today if they offered the Sharkskin tecture on a saltwater fly line. Cheers.