logan1994vh
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So I am currently looking for an 8wt freshwater line. It will be used casually for pike/bass here in MT, but more intentionally for salmon and steelhead when travelling (I'm hoping to chase coho in AK this fall). There are a number of fly lines marketed towards salmon and steelhead fishing but they seem to have fundamental differences in their taper profiles and 30' weights. For example, the Cortland and SA lines have an aggressive front taper with a long rear taper for increased mendability and roll casting. Makes sense. However, Rio takes a different approach by offering a line with "bullet" front taper and more weight distributed towards the rear of the head for the same increased mending and roll casting capabilities.
These lines all feature longer heads in the 50-65 ft range, but vary significantly in 30' head weight. The Cortland comes in at 240, SA at 260, and Rio at 210 grains. Throwing one more line into the mix, the Rio Big Nasty features a 40' WF head with somewhat extended rear taper (they call it a handling section) and a 30' head weight of 230 grains.
I'd like to pick your brains on these various tapers for the intended uses listed above. How much difference does it make on the water? Is the unique Rio Salmon/Steelhead taper a one trick pony? Will any of these tapers work fine for pike and bass fishing? If relevant, I will be pairing this line to an 9' 8wt TFO LK Legacy, Axiom II/II-X, Echo Boost Salt/Blue, or similar rod. Thanks!
Cortland Salmon Steelhead https://www.cortlandline.com/products/salmonsteelhead-mosswhite
SA Anadro/Nymph https://www.scientificanglers.com/product/mastery-anadro/
Rio Salmon/Steelhead https://www.rioproducts.com/products/intouch-salmo-steelhead#taper-profile
Rio Big Nasty https://www.rioproducts.com/products/intouch-big-nasty
These lines all feature longer heads in the 50-65 ft range, but vary significantly in 30' head weight. The Cortland comes in at 240, SA at 260, and Rio at 210 grains. Throwing one more line into the mix, the Rio Big Nasty features a 40' WF head with somewhat extended rear taper (they call it a handling section) and a 30' head weight of 230 grains.
I'd like to pick your brains on these various tapers for the intended uses listed above. How much difference does it make on the water? Is the unique Rio Salmon/Steelhead taper a one trick pony? Will any of these tapers work fine for pike and bass fishing? If relevant, I will be pairing this line to an 9' 8wt TFO LK Legacy, Axiom II/II-X, Echo Boost Salt/Blue, or similar rod. Thanks!
Cortland Salmon Steelhead https://www.cortlandline.com/products/salmonsteelhead-mosswhite
SA Anadro/Nymph https://www.scientificanglers.com/product/mastery-anadro/
Rio Salmon/Steelhead https://www.rioproducts.com/products/intouch-salmo-steelhead#taper-profile
Rio Big Nasty https://www.rioproducts.com/products/intouch-big-nasty