Gorge Fly Shop Blog: Airflo Impact Oval Monofilament Running Line

Some of you may be familiar with Airflo Impact Running Lines from the past, so the name isn't new. They used to come in Yellow 30# or Red 44#. I used the 20# on my Trout Spey rods and the 44# on all my larger Switch and Spey rods. At the time it was one of the best mono running lines on the market.

Since then, it has been roughly two years (may have been longer) that you couldn't get Airflo's Impact Running lines. Not so anymore. They have come out with the newer versions of the oval running line in different sizes and colors. They now offer it in a Teal/Turquoise Blue at 25# pound, a Chartreuse Green at 35# pound and a Purple 45# pound. The new colors and strengths are a fresh new look. I personally like the new colors, Purple being my favorite (I can't help it, I'm a UW Husky fan) and it’s the right pound rating for most of my rods.

Key features of the NEW version, other than the new colors and pound ratings are that it’s oval in shape, which also helps alleviate tangling while taking up less room on your spool compared to round mono or a “fly line” type of running line.

In addition it has low memory. Low memory doesn’t mean NO memory. If you get coils there is a tip below to help you take care of that issue. The advantages of a monofilament running line over a fly line type of running line is that you will generate greater line speed and as a side effect you will also increase your distance because of less friction on the guides.

If you liked the older version of Airflo's Impact Running lines, you’ll love the newer version. If you are considering switching from the “fly line” type of running line you are currently using, give the IMPACT Mono Running Line a shot. They are In-Stock and ready to ship from the Gorge Fly Shop.

HELPFUL TIPS WITH MONO RUNNING LINES:

#1 - As with ANY monofilament running/shooting line, when you get to the river, before you proceed to fish, simply pull off 20 strips of your running line and give it a good stretch to pull out any coils that might be there. You will only have to do this one time, because while actually fishing, the cast will keep any coiling from happening.

#2 - Coils and Twist are two different things. Coils can be easily addressed by stretching your running line as explained above. Twist, on the other hand, are typically caused by an unbalanced fly that actually spins during the swing, or by continued Double Spey casts that are not executed properly while being performed. A lot of folks before moving into the sweep of the Double Spey cast will turn their hand palm up first, then go into the sweep toward the "D" loop. If you mainly do this cast in this way, over time it will translate into twist in your running line. To avoid this, after placing your anchor, keep your top hand in a palm down position as you start the sweep. There is no need to twist your wrist in an upward position to perform the sweep into the "D" loop. Your hand will stay in the proper position throughout the stroke naturally.

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