Has anyone found a brand or type that they feel is significantly
better that its competitors?
Tom
Good thread idea, Tom, thanks.
I have used the Monic Clear floating line now for two seasons. I start
using it in April, because that's when the fish I fish for start getting
line and leader shy. I use it clear through the end of the season,
including the cold weather midge fishing.
The original Monic Clear floater I got through eBay. While the line had
nice clarity and castability, the durability was, shall we say --
distressing. The worst thing you can do with this line is step on it when
there's a sharp edge rock underneath. It put a cut in the line and from that
moment on, the outside coating of the line began to strip off, right down to
the clear mono core, and for several inches at a time along the line.
I contacted the business of of Monic in Boulder, Colorado, and they said to
send the line to them so that they could see it. Even though I did not buy
the line from a Monic distributor, to my surprise - they sent me a brand new
line for free.
Evidently, I had gotten a line from a bad batch, or the technology has
improved vastly. My vote if for the latter.
The new line is one of the nicest dry lines I have cast. It seems very well
balanced for the 9ft. 5wt. medium action rod I favor. Odds are the weight
you need for your rod will be as well balanced. It maintains the clarity of
the material longer, hangs limply in all weather, and is durable as a
turtle.
There is only one other clear floater marketed in the USA, and that's the
Cortland 555. This is like trying to fish with weed-eater nylon. One of the
stiffest, most memory-ridden lines I have seen. A Scientific Anglers rep
said that their company has absolutely no plans to market a clear floating
line. Enough said.
So I'd like to give a hat tip to Monic. Great service, great product. More
in a bit with a second post. Posting to VFB is a nice way to not notice the
weather outside...BRRR!
Wes Wada
Bend, Oregon
