Being the Owner of a Fly Shop, I’ve tried or fished hundreds of fly rods in the past 15 years. The line on the reel I’ve used while casting many rods has helped me make the decision of whether I would choose a rod for my personal use. There were many occasions when casting / trying a rod where I simply was completely “unimpressed”.  Changing the line changed my opinion from “unimpressed” to “love-it”! On a few occasions, as I was learning about this great “obsession”  of fly casting, I tried a different fly line on the same rod to discover the line choice often made a HUGE difference in how  rod a behaved. As a matter of fact, in some cases I LOVED a rod using one particular line, and HATED it using another. Nothing can affect a rods performance, behavior and action, given the same person casting the rod, than the line.

My advice, if  looking for a new fly rod, is to cast the rod with a line a professional can recommend for that rod. Most Fly Shop Professionals will know what lines work best with a particular rod. Also consider your personal preferences. You may be able to choose a line that may “slow down” a rod, a line which will not overlaod a rod if casting longer distances, a line which would be more suitable for short casting, etc.

 Some examples of a few fly lines for Trout Rods and their differences / benefits are:

Rio Grand or Scientific Anglers GPX Fly Lines – Similar lines. We recommend these lines for fast action rods like Sage Z Axis or TCX or a Winston BIIMx or Winston BIIx fly rod. Both lines are best for fast action rods. Most fast action fly rods load best with a line like these.  The advantage of these lines on fast action rods is that these lines help load fast rods quickly and more easily, and at most distances.

Rio Gold, Scientific Anglers Trout Fly Lines - Best for Medium Fast Fly Rods. These general purpose, high-end fly lines are great all-around lines for most rods, particularly medium-fast action rods. The newer Rio Gold is a favorite for Medium-Fast to Medium action rods.

Rio  Trout LT, Scientific Anglers XPS, Sage Quiet DT Fly Lines – Excellent choice for medium to slower action rods, shorter distances, delicate presentation casting. Nicely loads a medium or slower action rod with a slower, more relaxed casting motion.   

Of course personal preferences, type of fishing conditions, species and locations and casting style are most important in choosing a rod. But if you try a rod and it doesn’t seem to be exactly what you need or want, check the line and maybe try another … it may make a world of difference.  

Visit us at A.A. Outfitters for all your fly fishing needs including Fly Lines. Visit us at www.aaoutfitters.com , call toll free 800-443-8119 or stop in the Shop in Blakeslee, Pa.

Gene Ercolani – Owner A.A. Outfitters

One of our local Guides, Mark , has tried the new Simms Rivershed Streamtread Boots, with vibram soles. Mark reports the vibram soles, without studs provided better traction in the stream than his previous brand with felt and studs! Our Simms Rep also reported using the Simms Boots with Streamtread Vibram Soles in Montana, with very good results. These boots are comfortable, provide great traction, and will last for years … like all Simms products.

Rio Gold Fly Line – I’ve used this line for Trout in a WF4 last season and a few times this season and it’s a great all-around line for Trout. Casts and shoots well, floats high, easy pick-up and a nice presentation.

Simms Goretex Waders – ALL models have sold like crazy here at A.A. Outfitters and it’s extremely rare to find someone who doesn’t love the Simms Goretex Waders. The G3 Guide Wader is out biggest seller and I’ve been wearing a pair for awhile … they’re great.

Gene Ercolani – Owner A.A. Outfitters