Running Line

**btree** · May 9th, 2009, 06:30 PM

Ok there spey casters, what running line would be the best choice?

I've heard that the Airflo ridge line and the Sharkskin running line are both great for their low friction qualities, but also that these two can tend to pick up gunk from the water faster than other running lines.

It seems like I have a choice between getting a reel that comes with a few extra cassettes/spools and get full lines or go to a running line system on one reel.

For the cost, versitility, and the idea of having less gear to pack around, I think I'd rather go with a running line system and just have a number of heads in a wallet for quick changes between conditions if needed.

That being said - Question 2 = What are the pros and cons of going with running lines?

Will I notice any difference when casting?

**Doubletap** · May 9th, 2009, 07:06 PM

I don't think I'm very qualified to answer this for you - as I've only used one type of running line, so can't give much of a comparison.

However, I can tell you that I've been very happy with my choice, to this point - and I purchased the ones I own after doing a fair bit of reading on spey fishing forums.

I have 30lb Ridgeline connected to a Rio skagit head (650gr) for a 12'6'' 9wt Echo2 and a 20lb Ridgeline connected to a 300gr Airflo compact scandi for an 11'9'' 4wt Decho.

I haven't had even a single tangling problem, despite some sub zero weather this winter - and regardless of whether I hold coils in my hand or let it hang in the current.
It shoots very, very well - though again, I have nothing to compare it to except single handed lines - and I haven't had any problems with dirt building up in the ridges, to this point.

The advantage of a running line, for me - is that if I decide to run a compact skagit on the Decho 4 with tips for Summer Runs, instead of the scandi - I don't need another reel spool. I just switch out the head (the Ridgeline comes with an extra large front loop to make pulling a coiled head through very easy) and I'm back to fishing.

**SalaR** · May 9th, 2009, 07:30 PM

For we Spey fishers a good running line is the cat's a'''s utilized with various tips.it opens a whole world of possibility during our time on the waters...the down side of this type of system are the loops and the issues they can pose ! Also, with long bellied lines 65' plus the casual caster will find no advantage to a slick running line, but a greater degree of comfort with a long rear taper to manipulate .
I like the Ridgeline and Snowbee Running line...and not a fan of Slick Shooter and other Mono running lines....they cause too many problems...but certainly are more slippery through the guides...but it is not always about the distance as it can be about the control of the situation,or our anticipated idea about control at hand.
Off the beaches we will often attach about 30' of 50 lb. Mono directly to the shooting head and then to a braided running line...this gives us much slickness through the guides and at the same time a greater degree of control once the running line is in our grasp. Making that 120' cast is actually a breeze ...even with a good single hander.
That 2D line (BTree) on it's way is a 62' head onto a smooth running line....an excellent line design..
C

**FlyByNight** · May 10th, 2009, 08:03 AM

I've tried a few now. The airflo ridge is good, still coils around itself when holding loops of it. The SA one is a little more supple to me but the lack of factory loops makes it take the back bench. The airflo braid twists alot & kinks on itself, but I have not used it alot. The snowbee seems pretty good, though I've only limit time with it. It is a bit longer & although it doesn't come with factory loops they provide braided loops.

I'd probably pick the snowbee out of the lot if I had to grab one...which I do need another one...Courtney!

**btree** · May 10th, 2009, 11:17 AM

Sounds good guys,
I figure I'll be looking at one reel to hold a nice full floater like that 2D and another reel with a running line setup.

I figure on almost any fishing trip, it would be a good idea to have two reels if something unfortunate were to happen to one reel...

I like the sounds of the Airflo and the Snowbee gear, and I'll certainly stay away from mono or any of those thin and kinky ones. I like the feeling of fly line in my hands.

**Bukwas** · May 10th, 2009, 12:25 PM

If distance is key, you can't beat a mono running line. I've been using Guideline GL Shooter for a couple years now. It has a hollow core which enables it to float and is very important, especially when casting in slack water. After using a floating mono running line I doubt I'll ever use anything else. It does have a tendency to tangle, but what running line doesn't when you have 60' + in your hands? With any running line, line management is a skill that needs to be learned. After that it's smooth sailing to the far side of the river every time!
..........almost every time..........

**geoffvl** · May 10th, 2009, 06:11 PM

I picked up a Rio Slickshooter. It was only 10 bucks and shoots like crazy.

**btree** · May 10th, 2009, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by geoffvl

I picked up a Rio Slickshooter. It was only 10 bucks and shoots like crazy.

What's that stuff like?
Like I said, I dont really like the feel of mono in the hand. Something about the feeling of the fly line as opposed to mono when your hands are wet or cold.
I've cut my hands a few times with mono...so ya...