Neville said:
"I prefer clear lines for both floating and sinking. In fact, for
sinking lines I believe it makes a huge difference over a fluorescent
or bright opaque line. <snip>
I do not like bright fluorescent lines because I believe they put the
fish down, dependent of course, on the circumstances."
---
I think that mono-cored clear floating lines are still a recent,
developing technology. Future products should be much improved.
Manufacturers are experimenting with the formulation of the coating
that surrounds the clear core. I prefer the Monic brand coating.
Clear flylines are really best for stillwater flyfishers. In rivers, it
might be too difficult to follow the path of the fly in challenging
lighting situations. Stream fishing would be easier.
As primarily a stillwater flyfisher, I use three clear lines
extensively. A Cortland 444 Camo intermediate line, the Monic
All-Weather clear floater, and the Cortland 444 Ghost Tip (not the
555). If I had the money, I would also add the clear fast-sinking full
sink line from Air-Flo.
I agree with Neville that fluorescent or bright opaque lines can be a
problem when fishing for spooky or educated fish. The standard
recommendation for New Zealand fishing is to arrive only with
earth-toned, subdued flylines. In fact, some guides will dye client's
lines to tone them down before taking them out onto the water.
In bright sunlight conditions, you can false cast a fluorescent line
over the fish at Sugar Creek Ranch in California and watch them scatter
in panic. That truly drives the point home that fish see these lines.
Before going to the expense of buying a clear or earth-toned (tan, sage
green, grey, etc.) flyline, see how much longer you can make your
leader without introducing casting problems. Extending your leader 5
feet is pretty much equivalent to having a 5' clear tip flyline. If you
have problems when you lengthen the light tippet end, then add heavier
mono onto the butt end. We have stillwater flyfishers in Central
Oregon who won't hesitate to go to a 20' leader if the fishing demands
it.
Wes Wada
Bend, Oregon
- RE: [VFB] RE: Cortland 555 clear floating line Wes Wada
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