RIO Outbound Fly Lines

We recently posted a very informative piece on Skagit lines from our ever faithful rep George Cook, titled “Skagit/ology 3.0 – The Trilogy Comes to Light” where he went deep into the end zone and scored big time points with some confused customers who were trying to make sense of it all. Well, we thought we would have him do it again, but this time we are focusing on RIO’s Outbound Family of Fly Lines. 

RIO Outbound Series of Fly Lines

Contribution by Northwest RIO Representative George Cook

The Conundrum of WHO/WHAT/WHY & WHERE SOLVED

New Year’s Greetings…

As a longtime RIO Sales Rep dating back to 1993 there’s little doubt that the subject of Spey and Switch lines indeed dominate the landscape of questions, be it from dealers, consumer’s, guide’s and outdoor writer’s, the 2nd highest level of Fly Line questions surrounds the vaunted RIO Outbound family of lines. In this, there are a number of lines and with that number comes confusion and often times a straight up “Selection Conundrum”. The crew at GFS and I have spent many an early morning plowing thru the various families of the Outbound Clan and without further ado please find the below read as the CONUNDRUM SOLVED end all, be all explanation on Who-What, Why & Where as to the proper selection and use of these outstanding, innovative fly lines.

Throw Back!

The original Outbound line (now known-listed as the Coldwater Series Outbound) brought about by the innovative mind of RIO’s founder Jim Vincent was largely formulated for the East Coast Striper/Bluefish crowd where just a little more distance was ALWAYS being sought to reach yet another far off bait ball with busting critters just waiting for their next mouthful. This 37.5’ Integrated (=Fully Built)Shooting head was truly a gift to the angler in that it sprang forth three super important aspects that had previously really only been available thru “The Chop Shop Custom Shop” in other words someone in the local “Secret Society” who likely wasn’t sharing! The 1st aspect was that of the Ultra Custom Shooting Head that was largely found in California among-st the foremost inner sanctum crowd plying the fabled California coast for Steelhead, Chinook as well as Stripers. These west coast legends the likes of Bill Shadt, Bob Nauheim, Walt Bennett, Les Eichorn and others (Buy or Rent “Rivers Of The Lost Coast” narrated by Tom Skerritt and see these cats in action!) had brought forth the next generation of super shooting heads by taking existing Weight Forward (WF) Floating or Intermediate lines applying a “One Bump Up” theorem and then custom cutting them around the 38’ mark. So for a 9’ eight weight rod these boys would get their mitts on a full WF-9-F Fly Line, come back into it 38’, cut it, then play some level of splice or possibly loop system with a given shooting line (Amnesia being a good one). The outcome of this custom chop shop masterpiece was nothing short of next level performance in that one of these babies would simply FLY, Fly Away in the hands of the ardent double haul practitioner. The theory was ultra sound here in that by extending the classic shooting head from the standard 30’ out to 38’ one could reasonably expect a number of factors to come together that would produce greater max distance potential, boy did it folks! I got to play with one of these secret society lines in January of 1988 at the ISE Sacramento Sportsmen’s show when longtime Sage Pro Staffer Walt Bennett strung one up and put it on the then brand new SAGE 890 RPL Rod. I watched Ol’ Walt belt out some mighty rip roaring cast anxiously waiting my turn to cast this west coast magic line for myself. To be sure, I’d never seen anything like it, it was truly bad ass and I could instantly see the max distance potential that such an extended length taper (Shooting Head) would provide the caster, particularly with the recent advent of the Graphite 3 class rods like the RPL of the late 1980’s. It was plain to see that at 38’ the aerial stabilization factor was greatly pronounced in such a way to gain unprecedented distance.

Fast forward to Y2K when Jim Vincent cranked out the ultra-innovative OG (Original Gangster) Outbound Fly Line. 

Jim rolled with the longer Shooting Head length at 37.5 but improved upon a couple needed aspects A) “Double Bump” weight distribution ( hence an 8 weight line kissing a 10 weight range) and B) the integration, smooth transition of head to running-shooting line as a full built, complete fly line. The double bump idea was brilliant in that the Graphite rods of today were then and are now formula one race cars compared to the Classic Fenwick Glass Rods of the 60’s and 70’s that transcended to the first low modulus graphite weapons in the 1970’s. Graphite II brought about by SAGE would not hit till the 1984 period. These were all recurve bows compared to today’s laser like tools and the “One Bump Up” idea that was so valid then had given way to Jim’s modern day, modern graphite double bump. The integrated line format was simply lovely in that it insured clean, long cast in repeatable fashion, again Jim was hitting on all cylinders!

Today, we have the luxury of many available OUTBOUND format lines, no doubt a fantastic offering but can be somewhat confusing at first glance. Here you’ll find the lowdown on just which lines right for you, your fishing, your expectations and ultimately your success.

Coldwater Series Outbound

Coldwater Series RIO Outbound: Again the OG of the group. 37.5’ Max Distance Taper. This folks is your go to line for the following task… Puget Sound Beach Bombing with flies in the ½” to 3” inch range. Throw spinning rod like distances (70’-110’) from beach or boat in pursuit of Sea Run Cutthroat, resident and migratory Silvers, Chums and Pink salmon. While often overlooked this line is a sleeper Lake Line in that the same size flies and distance expectations that are common in the beach game transcend to Western Lake fishing as well and believe me the “Bank Rats” have their day in court armed with such lines in both Intermediate and floating versions. The KEY identifier here is that this is the 37.5’ taper NOT A SHORT Version. Do note that the likely only true drawback of this line is that once the fly size gets north of 3” in length folks can and will have trouble getting this longer line up, loaded and launched.

Outbound Short 

Specialty Series RIO Outbound SHORT: Short here does indeed imply SHORTER as in a 30’ taper VS the OG 37.5’ taper found in the Coldwater series. This is a freshwater/Coldwater line as well but at a shorter 30’ length still featuring the double bump weight format. This line is ideal for a number of angling scenario’s like Western Boat Streamer Bank Banging where repetitive cast to the banks edge with nasty streamers often produce the best Trout of the day, maybe the season! Think Yellowstone, Yakima, Madison and Missouri type environments where short range 25’-45’, rapid succession cast and strip techniques are the rule of the day. Quick loading with power to turnover and deliver the big nasty’s straight to Bow Bow and Brown Town’s favorite haunts. The 30’ SHORT taper is simply ideal for this classic western streamer fishing format.

Outbound Short Coldwater

Coldwater Series RIO Outbound SHORT: Essentially the SAME Animal as the Specialty Series Outbound Short (Above). The difference being simply put is how the line is marketed by RIO and presented by dealers. Confused…don’t be, just know this is another 30’ Double Bumped Outbound Short Line that is largely promoted as a Coldwater Fresh or Coldwater Salt use line. On one hand this baby will play that Western Streamer ballgame as discussed above in the Specialty Series Outbound Short. It is also a Larger Fly (3”+, think 4” to 8”) “GO TO” line for both East and West Coast striper chasers. It will also be prescribed for the Rank Beginner who ventures onto the same Puget Sound beaches where the veteran angler is busy launching mega cast with the 37.5 Outbound line. This prescription is set to have that new beach angler in a position to make good, acceptable fishing cast as he literally gets his feet wet in the salty brine of the Pacific Northwest. I will tell that same newbie that he will ultimately WANT the 37.5 Coldwater version as he develops his game to the next level as it will outcast the 30’ Short by leaps and bounds, no getting away from that aspect. The larger fly Striper seekers will find that this is a great choice to get up, load and launch those larger baitfish patterns particularly when crashing critters offer flash opportunities.

Outbound Short Tropical

RIO Tropical Outbound SHORT: Warm-tropical water use Outbound SHORT line that once again utilizes a double bumped weight formula that is a fantastic line for the Tropical salt water angler be it beach or boat. Examples abound here….Baja Roosters, Christmas Island/Seychelles’ Trevally. Anytime big flies and quick cast meet on the curve this is the clear cut winner.
Here’s what our very own Gorge Fly Shop owner and avid tropical fisherman, Travis Duddles had to say about Rio’s Tropical Outbound Short… “I have found the Tropical Outbound Short to be my favorite line for stalking Tarpon and Snook along the mangroves. This situation requires quick 40 to 60 foot cast. The Tropical Outbound loads the rod with one quick back cast allowing for a very quick powerful cast to the mangroves. Although this would not be my choice for a distance line, this is the only line I would use in the mangrove lagoons of Mexico, Belize and Florida.

RIO Outbound Short Shooting Head: The classical 30’ freshwater shooting head now available in the vaunted double bump Outbound SHORT format as a head only. For those anglers seeking an old school shooting head experience the advent of the killer Outbound SHORT taper brings load and line speed to the forefront of today’s available shooting heads.

Whatever your angling pursuits are there is a RIO Outbound line at the ready to maximize control, distance and ultimately SUCCESS for that all important time on the water.

George Cook - January 2015

Honestly there isn’t any need for me to say anything else that Georgie hasn’t already said. Thank you Georgie for the intel! We hope that this helps make some sense of the Rio Outbound Family of Lines. Rest assured that there is an outbound line that will fill your need. We hope you enjoyed the read and look forward to seeing you out on the water… if you have any questions feel free to give us a call @ 541.386.6977 or visit us on the web at: gorgeflyshop.com

Remember, if you can’t find it at the Gorge Fly Shop, you don’t need it!

Gorge Fly Shop
John Garrett | Product Specialist
541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Sage Bass II Series Rods - Not just for Bass

Sage Bass II Series

If there was ever a fly rod that I felt was under-rated that award would have to go to the Sage Bass II Series of fly rods. Maybe it's the name "Bass" that has labeled it a single species rod. I have fished this series of rods for years now and have pursued multi-species with them. Let me emphasize; this is much more than a bass rod. Maybe it should have been called Streamer Weapon or Streamer Stick...or Predator like its import cousin from Redington.

Fly Vault

History

So why does a prestigious fly rod company build a rod for Bass fly fishing. Doesn't any old 5 weight rod work for this purpose? Well maybe if your idea of pursuing this predator species involves small poppers or buggers to pond or creek bass with the hopes of landing something equivalent to what many call a "quality" size trout. Dedicated bass anglers have a very different perspective. Bigger flies and bigger buggers catch bigger fish and bigger fish are found in bigger water. So the common denominator of this equation really is "bigger is better". So while a trout stick will be just fine for your once a year trip to grandma's pond it's not attracting a crowd of hard core bass fanatics.

Travis and Austin...Now that's a lifetime memory!

7'11" length. Why?

Competition bass angling takes place all across America and B.A.S.S (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) has a set rule that no rod used in competition can be over eight foot in length. A rule that was basically put into place to stop competitors from doing what was called dabbling with extreme long rods, basically forcing competitors to have to actually cast to their targets. Many years ago when the rule was put into place I don't think anyone would have ever thought that it would be limiting to any one's equipment. Most bass angler rods at that time were 4 - 5 foot and a long rod was 6 foot. Look at today's bass anglers and many have gear rods that max at 7'11". The other positive note about the 7'11" length is the bass boat. Today's bass fishing boats have storage built for this length of rod.

Attacked a Clouser Minnow Pattern

Serious bass anglers are predator anglers!

Bass anglers don't fish with bait and they don't settle for fishing morsel size flies for mediocre fish. I know!...I have been a big bass angler for most of my fishing life and today I am still as proficient at flipping a jig under a dock as I am casting a fly rod to an undercut. It's in my blood! I'm sure many of you know exactly what I'm talking about.
Today I spend much of my time doing the same for Trout...Streamers that is. This is predator fishing! It's the drive to present a meal with an aggressive retrieve in order to provoke an aggressive reaction. Doesn't matter what species we are in the hunt for...the same result is what we're trying to accomplish. It's the grab, the strike, the tug, the hit that makes your heart race!..........................I know I could nymph fish and probably catch more fish but numbers are not what I'm after. I need that tug on a tight line...that's my drug! It is the drive to fish as aggressively as possible for the most aggressive fish.

So what does a Sage Bass II rod have to do with streamer fishing?

Gabe caught this with a hand tied monster fly

Look at trout streamers and we can find imitations for minnows, crayfish and sculpins. Bass eat all the same foods. It's unbelievable how much similarity exist between these fisheries. I didn't grow up in trout country. I never even caught a trout until I was well in middle age years. Basically I was led to believe that these are insect sipping fish and a box of trout flies painted that impression well. Ironically my first of many trout all came on woolly buggers. I guess my streamer pursuit was destiny. But back to the "bigger is better" equation; bigger flies put more demands on fly rods, lines and one's patience. You've heard the expression chuck and duck well make a poor cast with a soft trout rod, sinking tip fly line and a big streamer aboard and you might want to duck! Quickly! Unless you're into body piercing.

My favorite single hand streamer rod

Bass, Trout, Bluegill, Pike and all other predators that we want to throw a streamer to can all be targeted with one of the 6 sizes of Sage's Bass II series rods. Most of these species can be pursued with just one or maybe two sizes of these rods. The rod taper itself is pretty fast but with somewhat of a forgiving nature.

The mojo comes from the length and type of line but before we get into the nuts and bolts first my disclaimer; these are my opinions and surely many will disagree. I have fished these rods since they were introduced so I really don't know anything nor do I claim to know anything and I'm quite certain you know more than I do. Now that we got that out of the way!........I should probably remove this statement...

Photo Credit - Dan Pierce

The shorter length of this rod actually helps you keep better control of it therefore keeping your line in better control. While technically a 9 foot rod is capable of a longer cast it also requires more precision to obtain a longer cast. Get a little loose on your stroke and that possible distance cannot be achieved and this happens quite easily with short headed fast loading lines. I believe the shorter length of these bass rods helps with rod control and is better suited for the shooting lines that are they are made to cast. I also feel that the shorter length makes them more accurate to cast. This length is also really nice in a boat for casting as well as storing.

John Garrett....Booyah!

Casting Technique

These rods and their lines are made for quick shooting cast. You just line it up and shoot it to your target. They are not made to carry line in the air and make repeated false cast. Just lengthen the cast out to around the head length and shoot the cast therefore eliminating a bunch of time and effort false casting equating to more time with your fly in the water fishing and less time wearing out your arm. I rarely backcast these rods more than once and if I do its just to line up with my target.

Let's talk lines

First up the Sage Bass II series rods come with a Sage Floating Fly line to match the rod. Now before we go any further I need to explain the weight system of these rods. They are lined by grain weight instead of line size. Kind of different for a single hand rod but hold onto that thought of confusion...it's really quite simple! I'm going to reference the Smallmouth size for this example which by the way I believe could be the most versatile size for many inland cold and warm water species. The Smallmouth size is rated at 290gr. This grain weight refers to the first 30' of the fly line. The floating line that comes with this rod is this grain weight. Here's the great news!, Rio offers many different Outbound Fly Lines with similar grain weight and they come in all types of densities for any fishing situation...

San Juan Bobo couldn't resist a streamer connected to a Sage Bass II Bluegill Rod

Outbound Fly Lines

Rio Outbound line examples

Look at the Rio Outbound Short Freshwater line. You will see the chart with all the grain weights listed. None match exactly but get it in the ballpark and your cast will fly. For the Smallmouth rod rated at 290 grain I usually go for the WF7 that weighs in at 265 grain. It loads the rod great. Now look at the densities available; floating, hover, intermediate tip, full intermediate, type 3 sink tip and type 6 sink tip. That should have you covered no matter what you plan to do. I really like to fish the intermediate tip and will go to the type 6 sink tip if conditions call for it. If your travels take you tropical then choose the Rio Tropical Outbound Short fly line. I have use this in the floating and intermediate version for mangrove tarpon on the Sage Bass II Largemouth rod where accuracy is far more important than distance. Other line tapers that work well with the rods are the Rio Pike/Musky, Rio Streamer tip, and Scientific Anglers Textured Titan.

This Predator fell victim to a Thin Mint Fly

The Sage Bass II Series

I mentioned the Largemouth and the Smallmouth, also in this series is a Bluegill and Peacock Rods. The bluegill could be the most fun of all and plenty powerful enough to handle any panfish species including crappie and small bass. I could see a lot of use with the Peacock for striper and pike as well. New for 2013 is a Pike and a Musky model in sizes 10 and 11 weight respectively. Based on the same fast action of the Bass II series these big predator rods come in the longer 9 foot length and have a larger fighting butt handle for figure eights. They include the Rio Pike/Musky fly line with the intermediate tip. These are your serious big predator rods. All of these rods have saltwater safe reel seats and components. They all also come with a ballistic rod/reel case.

Float and Fly caught Columbia River Smallmouth

My List of species subdued on a Sage Bass rod to date are largemouth, smallmouth, carp, rainbow Trout, brown trout and of course bluegill. Future targets include tiger muskie and pike.  Currently my arsenal includes the Bluegill, Smallmouth and Largemouth rods. When I'm gearing for predator streamer fishing these are the tools I always reach for! One Day I will own the complete series of the Sage Bass II Fly Rods!

Read "Spring Bassin" for a few Columbia River techniques

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Get InTouch with Rio Lake Lines

Make the Connection: Get InTouch with Rio Lake Lines

Great fishing for Trout can be found in lakes all around the world. 

In the USA we think of the Western US and Western Canada (British Columbia and Alberta). In our area of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountain range we think of lakes such as Lost Lake, Goose Lake, Mosquito Lake and Trillium Lake. Venture a little further and the reservoir of Crane Prairie on the Deschutes River comes to mind. And there are so many more lakes (too many to list) some of which don't even have names.

Our fly fishing gear has been steadily improving over the years and today's rods and reels are nothing short of amazing and the same could be said for our wading gear as well. My opinion is the one area of the sport of fly fishing we may have seen the most improvement is with fly lines. We have lines today for any possible situation that we may encounter. The lines today help us reach fish that not too long ago were just not reachable with fly fishing gear. Today's lines help us reach out further, help us cast better and most of all help us get our flies to the fish.

So many options! What do I choose?

With so many variables of lake angling it makes it tough to choose what is the appropriate line for each individual situation. I reached out to Northwest Rio fly line representative George Cook for some help in this subject and together I think we can help bring some clarity to what lines can benefit your fishing.

InTouch CamoLux and AquaLux -
These lines are quite possibly the most important to lake anglers and may be the only type of line you need. They are full intermediate meaning that the entire line is made to sink. They all have a sink rate that is 1.5-2.0 IPS, (inches per second).

InTouch CamoLux

InTouch CamoLux is the newest member of the group and it takes advantage of the new ConnectCore Technology. This technology gives you virtually no stretch which results in incredible connection for better strike detection and hook sets. I'll quote George on this technology, "When the phone rings, you answer quicker!" As the name implies the line is a clear camo color to help prevent fish spook and is equipped with a front welded loop for easy rigging. Also new on the InTouch CamoLux is a "Hang Marker". We'll talk more about the Hang Marker later.

AquaLux

AquaLux Lake has been around for awhile and is still is a very valid and useful lake line. It is extremely popular with Western Canadians. The head length ranges from 34' to 44' depending on line size making it longer than the InTouch CamoLux. The head is a clear intermediate that transitions into a very slick translucent green running line. The AquaLux also includes a front welded loop.

Hover

Lake Series Hover is a favorite of some of the most crafty lake anglers in the Northwest from B.C. to Central Oregon. "A true creeper" and an "old time favorite" for just getting under and "Hovering" above fishy weed beds and edges. Another advantage of the Hover line is better line control on windy days.





InTouch Midge Tip Long - 

InTouch Midge Tip Long

(New for 2014) is loaded with innovation and technology.
I have to share with you the full George quote "A Real “Sleeper Lake Line Here Folks”. The Midge Tip “Long” is what I call the Brian Chan Darth Vader Secret Weapon. Brian Chan along with fellow B.C. Angler Phil Rowley are the “Deans Of Western Canadian Lake Anglers”. These boys just plum get after it up north. This line features a 2 meter intermediate section that has a multitude of uses from chironamid fishing to “Edge Probing” with Damsels/Scuds and Dragons."
Besides ultra low stretch ConnectCore Technology the InTouch Midge Tip Long features a 6' clear camo intermediate tip and welded front loop for easy rigging.

Midge Tip (the original) is one of the top fish catching lines in the world and a consistent winner of numerous fishing competitions. It is perfect for fishing nymphs, emergers and chironamids just under the water surface. It has a 3' clear intermediate tip and comes equipped with loop in front for easy rigging.

Midge Tip

Depth Range for Sub-Surface lines

InTouch Deep Series (Deep 3 - Deep 7)

Deep Series sink rates

These are your full length, full sinking lines in 4 densities to meet the demands of stillwater anglers. Just like the InTouch Midge Tip Long the Deep Series is packed with technology starting with ConnectCore. The deeper you fish the more important sensitivity becomes, ConnectCore helps to detect those strikes that otherwise may go unnoticed. Deep Series lines have a powerful front loaded head for easy casting and maximum distance. Density Compensation technology is used to ensure that the tip of the line sinks faster than the body and is accomplished by adding a more dense material to the thin front tip of the line. The four densities available are Type 3, Type 5, Type 6, and Type 7. Deep series are also front end looped for easy rigging.

InTouch Deep effective depth range

Hang Marker -

Colors for different sink rates

Just like the InTouch CamoLux the Deep Series also incorporates the Hang Marker. The Hang Marker is a highly visible tag built on the fly line that indicates when the end is close. It is also color coded on the Deep series to indicate what density the line is.
George Cook gave a great explanation I would like to share.

"Modern twist on old world fishology. In the United Kingdom as well as British Columbia Canada where lake (reservoir) fishing is incredibly abundant and popular, The “Hang Tag” represents a number of things from a “Tactical Perspective” A) The Color Identifies sink rate (IPS #). B) Longtime Lake anglers in both B.C. and the UK play it as a “Soak it spot within the retrieve” in other words “Hang There” upon reaching this spot in the retrieve (In a Boat/Watercraft-Strip In) often times the Americans will reference it as an I.D. to roll cast and commence a casting sequence. I will tell you from a 30 year lake fishing and guiding perspective that it will serve you best to ALWAYS retrieve to the loop or leader nail knot based on the propensity for lake critters “To Follow Till They Bail”. Stay in the saddle till you simply have to do what I call the “Side Swing Out Move” to see if “Anybody” is trailing the fly!"

Outbound Coldwater Series

Outbound Coldwater Intermediate - 
While these lines are not considered "lake lines" they do have their place in a stillwater environment. They can go from lake fishing today to shore line distance casting on the beach tomorrow.
Read the Quote from George, "The Outbound Coldwater Intermediate at 37.5 (Head Length) is a devastating effective lake line for both the Lake Angler on “Foot Patrol” or fishing from a pontoon boat or float tube. Spinning rod (Cast) distances can be realized with this line providing a major “Coverage” opportunity for today’s lake fishing enthusiast!"

Leaders and Tippet - 

Flouroflex Plus Tippet

Generally with the use of sinking lines a tippet is the only needed connection to your fly. Both George and I agree that Flouroflex Plus Tippet will have you covered. If you do chose to use leaders be sure to keep them on the short side of 6' to 7.5'. Too long of leaders will affect the sink of your fly and defeat the use of a subsurface or sinking line. FlouroFlex is preferred for not only its abrasion resistance and invisibility but also for the faster sink rate over nylon due to its dense properties.

Get Connected and find out what your missing - 
As an example I will draw on my experience fishing deep water for Bass and express the importance of being connected to your fly. It wasn't until I started fishing the appropriate lines that a revelation revealed itself and that revelation was I have been missing fish for way too long.
Get Connected and feel the difference!

I'm quite sure this article only contains a limited knowledge of Lake line uses. Please feel free to comment with your experience with lake lines. Maybe it's just a rod/line match-up that's great or your home location where you fish a lake line or maybe a technique that you have found a particular lake line to be useful. We would love to hear from you.

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"