Compact Skagit = Fishing machine

[Norseman]

I had a great day today on the Columbia near Castlegar. Took the Airflo Skagit Compact out for a test drive, with Bruce Kruk and his jet sled.

All I can say is Wow.........these lines are pure and simple fishing lines. Short strokes, easy and relaxed casting and they go a freakin mile. I hooked more fish on this line than any other spey line I have fished the Columbia with.

I was using the St Croix Avid 13' 7/8 and with the 510 grn compact and 13 feet of type 6 tip....it sailed and got the fly down to where I wanted it to be fishing. The softer full flex of the Avid was perfect for skagit casting.

Found the key to getting it to really launch was to use a Perry Poke to land the anchor close and align it with the direction of the cast. Every time I managed to land the anchor where I wanted it...the line sailed.

Can't wait to try the 8/9 Avid with a heavier Skagit compact for those windy days.

Airflo hit the mark with these lines.

I can hardly wait to get back out there.

Cheers, and thanks Bruce for a great day on the water
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[phearless]

That is great to hear Norseman.
I have a line sitting here just waiting for me to finish building the rod.
Keep those reports coming.
Great info.

Thanks
Fred

[phearless]

So how many grains total were you chucking?
Just trying to get an idea for my rod which is also a fuller flexing action.

[RustyBomber]

I must agree with Noresman on those Airflo Compacts. I tested a few out today on my Meiser Higlander 12' 6 6/7/8 and was very impressed. I tried the 480 and the 450 with a big heavy tip and both rocked. I preferred the 450 on that rod and felt the 480 was just a bit too much load. I'm sure this will be the most versatile line for fishing close, and beyond especially for winter runs. Its great that you can just buy the heads as well if you have a preferred running line.

[Norseman]

Hi Fred

Just went downstairs and weighed the sink tip...it comes in at 95 grains.

So a total of 605 grns for the whole works......seems a bit heavy for a 7/8 but it sure rocked for me...and if it aint broke........

Actually just checked on the grain windows of a couple of rods...in particular the new Dec Hogan echo, which is similar in feel and it is listed at 660 for the upper end. So I obviously seem to do well with a deep load. Sure helps me slow the stroke down.

[phearless]

That's good to know Norseman.
I have a 480 and am hoping it will do the trick for my 11' 6/7.

Thanks

[Rick Baerg]

Does Rio make a compact skagit??

[RustyBomber]

From what I understand Rio makes a Skagit short that is 20' long I believe and seems to target switch rods. The Airflo Compact Skagit seems more versatile and works beautifully on the shorter spey rods as well. Two different designs.

[Fish Finder]

In short what is the concept behind a Compact Skagit as opposed to a N.W. Skagit that Air Flow puts out?

Finder

[phearless]

Hey Finder.
You need less room for your D loop.
And with all the grains in a shorter, more compact package, well.... rocket man la la la la.......