Soft Rods and Light Lines

Winter Brownie

Soft Rods and Light Lines a 2 part series.

Part 1: The rods

I have always had an affinity for soft, smooth fly rods, rods and lines that were a joy to cast, that kept you from being in a hurry and that often resulted in fish. For me, fly fishing started on a whippy fiberglass rod, a Daiwa I think, and a Martin reel handed down from my dad. I really began to learn how to cast on that rod, and maybe that feel has stuck with me till today.

Winter Trout'in

The modern fly fishing world is full of catch phrases like “high tech, high modulus, fast action, ultimate performance” etc, etc… which is all fine and good, but is that always what you really want in a trout rod? I tend to think not. Many would argue with me, which is fine, to each their own, but give me a medium to soft rod, an appropriately weighted line and put me on an intimate trout stream and I am in heaven! Not only will you be able to make nice, delicate presentations, but you will fight fish in a much more enjoyable way and lose less fish! Soft rods have all the give you need to keep fished hooked and to protect the lightest of tippets. OK, you probably have heard all of that. Here is where I deviate from the standard soft rod talk; I like medium to soft rods for everything, including streamers. You will have to adjust your cast, get the right line, but in the end you will have a rod that you can do it all with. A nice medium 5 or 6wt will allow you to fish with anything. Throw a size 4 streamer in the morning, nymph during the day, and get the midges out there delicately in the evening.

In the shop we often talk about rods that we would never part with, that we would be buried with, rods that have soul and that speak to us. I have 5-6 trout rods that certainly fall into that category, and you guessed it, they are all medium action graphite, glass or bamboo rods, and most have the name “Winston” on them.

Bamboo

If you have never fished a softer rod, you owe it to yourself to try one. I recommend you start with glass, as it is the most easily accessible and the easiest on the wallet. The revamped Fenwick Fen Glass rods, which we just received in the shop, blew all of us away. These are by far the lightest and most balanced glass rods on our rack, and just a joy to cast. Built on the newest S-Glass technology, they have a rod for every scenario; the lineup amazingly includes 3 to 8wts! Grab the 3wt for a high mountain stream or take the 8 out for steelhead or bass. Whatever you do, take a dip back into simpler times with a modern glass rod!

If you are having a hard time adjusting your cast or transitioning from fast rods, the Winston Boron III-LS, G Loomis NRX LP, Sage Circa and Scott G2 rods are perfect for you. You are still going to get that classic smooth feel, but with modern light graphite and exceptional performance. All of these rods have a reserve of power for when you need it, and with the Winston, a boron flavored butt section is to thank for that. These rods are awesome, and really what any “modern” trout-oriented fly rod should be like. We definitely have more people choose trout rods like these over faster rods after casting them side by side.

Now let’s say you have tried all of that, or you want to connect to a time before high tech. Enter cane. Rod tapers so well known they are named after their creators: Leonard, Payne, Garrison and Powell to name a few. Rod shops and builders as famous as coliseums and Greek gods: Winston, Orvis, Thomas & Thomas, Morgan, Brackett and Oyster. A historically designed taper and well-crafted bamboo rod is the closest feeling I have had to pure fly fishing joy. They cast like an extension of your body and they absolutely come alive when you hook a fish. Even a little 10 incher will give you a rush. You will find yourself giggling like a school girl when you fish cane. This grass, and yes bamboo is a grass, the best of which grows in only one region of Asia and given the name Tonkin, has the perfect attributes for a fly rod: strength, flexibility and quick recovery. Do yourself a favor and see what the fuss is all about. You only live once!

Most bamboo rods require patience to acquire and often involve wait lists. I waited 3 years for my first… That’s why we at the Gorge Fly Shop keep some on hand, just to fulfill your cane desire. The Winston shop has carried on the tradition of building beautiful and smooth casting bamboo passed down through many generations of world class rod builders and innovators. Check out our current selection here of R.L.Winston Bamboo. We can all relate to the impulse buy, especially for something as far fetched as a bamboo fly rod, so we decided to keep some on hand to help you get your fix. If you are looking for the ultimate gift for the fly fisher in your life or for the person that has it all, a Winston bamboo is it.

Part 2: The lines

We live in a remarkable time as fly fishers. Fly line design has gotten to the point where you can find the perfect line for any rod and any application. The downside is that the number of choices can become daunting. I will try my best to keep it simple when it comes to lines for medium to soft trout rods. For the past few years it has been a pretty simple equation for me. If you had a medium to soft 8’6” or longer rod, go with the RIO Trout LT in a WF (weight forward), and if you had a shorter rod go with the DT (double taper). These lines are appropriately weighted for softer rods, have a nice long taper that casts beautifully, and they roll cast well in tight quarters, especially the DT. Don’t be fooled though, you can easily chuck a big bugger or sculpin with these lines! But the real beauty of this line is in accurate, delicate presentations; from dry flies to small streamers.

RIO LightLine

I was very excited to hear that Rio was releasing another line choice in the soft rod game; the LightLine. This line is perfectly weighted to load medium to soft rods from graphite to cane. I have had a chance to fish the DT (Double Taper) version on my glass, classic Winston graphite and Sweetgrass bamboo and let me say it is phenomenal. The taper is built to traditional standards of weight and length; these rods were often built around the limited availability of lines at the time. The line lands so softly that the fly can make a bigger splash than the line. It floats down at the end of your forward stroke like a feather. The DT in particular is a wonderful line to roll cast with too. DT lines have fallen from the limelight as fast modern graphite has become the norm, but make no mistake, they are wonderful to cast. The extended rear taper helps you keep your casts subtle and helps load the rod for a roll cast at any reasonable distance.

If you have a medium-soft rod (and you should) and live anywhere near small streams and spring creeks, from the Northeast limestones, Driftless spring creeks, or high mountain streams of the West you need to try this line. The taper has enough weight in the front to quickly load your rod for casting in tight quarters. It will seriously load up with 10ft of line out or even less. If you are familiar with the old Sage quiet taper lines, then you will dig this one. I would have loved to have this line as I cut my teeth learning the myriad of spring creeks in the SW Wisconsin and NE Iowa; that’s for sure!

With ice on the guides!

My final words on these lines, both the Rio Trout LT and the Light Line, and soft rods in general are this: slow down… Take your time; get in a rhythm with the creek, your rod and the fish. Relax your tempo, take a chill pill, take a step back and remember why you enjoy fly fishing in the first place.

Ryan Van Duzor
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

RIO's InTouch Lines - Get "In-Touch" with the other end of your fly line

It's middle July and I-CAST/IFTD mega show is just a week away. This is where all the dealers go to check out all that is new and improved for the upcoming 2015 season. We'll cast rods and handle reels and catch up on all the latest gear designed to catch more fish (or more fisherman). 

A product that I have watched steadily improve over the last few years is fly lines. I just received product information sheets of the new additions to the Rio InTouch series of lines and I think we all have something to cheer about. 

Rio Trout Lines - Defined!

Choices, Choices

The Weight Forward Floating Trout line defined!

You decide it's time for a new fly line for your trout rod. You go to your local store or online and BAM! You're hit with more choices than a fast food restaurant menu. Only difference is these aren't dollar items. Make a wrong choice and it's a spendy mistake.

But how do you know what line is right for you and your rod? There is no master list of what line is right and to complicate matters even more is some of the options are personal preference or technique specific.

My attempt here will be to break down this process into a step by step flow that can help you determine good fly line choices for your needs.

Question One -What brand, model and line weight is your fly rod?

Over the years I have been shocked as to how many anglers walk into the shop to purchase a new fly line and cannot answer any of these questions. One size fits most does not exist in fly lines.

Question Two - What is the primary use of the fly rod you are purchasing a line for? 

Example: dry fly, nymph indicator, streamer, bass bug or all around general purpose. If general purpose is your answer then we can revert back to step one and choose the line based on what's best for your rod. If your primary purpose is one of the other choices listed than it might worth looking at other options that would suit your rod and your purpose.

Question Three - What is your casting skill level? 

I've listed these questions in order of importance and while skill level may fine tune the best line match it's still going to be dictated by question one and two.

At this point if your only desire is to purchase a new fly line then call or email us with the answers to these questions and our experts will provide you with the best line possible. If you're interested in learning how we come to these conclusions then please read on.

Brand, Model and Line weight of your rod.

Why is the number one question the most important? First let's get line weight out of the way. Fly Rods are designed to load under a predetermined weight of the fly line. The fly line weight is measured in grains and consists of the first 30 feet of a fly line. In most cases it is in your best interest to match the line weight to the fly rod line weight. Brand and model help us determine the action of your rod. Fast action rods generally like a more aggressive line than a slow or moderate action rod. Quite often we hear anglers tell us that they don't like their very expensive fly rod and most often after we ask a couple questions we find that the line match is totally inappropriate for the rod. A quick parking lot demonstration with a well matched line can quickly change your opinion of a rod.

Primary use of your fly rod

If you answered general purpose to this question then most likely we just revert back to what line is a best match for your rod. If your rod is used for some very specific purposes then you might want to consider a specialty line that better suits your needs. For example a line that would be ideal for casting small dry's to trout probably won't cast a big wind resistant bass bug very well. Or an indicator line will handle the hardware and mend easily but won't win any distance or presentation awards. If your rod is used for a very specific purpose there might be a line choice that can really improve your fish-ability. Examples of some technique specific lines are provided below.

Your casting skill level?

Regardless of casting skill level, question one must still be answered first. Really well experienced casters might prefer line speed cast over a load cast. I know! I know I just threw more technical jargon at you. I'll attempt to explain that later but in general, beginner and/or intermediate casters will normally prefer the deeper loading more aggressive shorter head fly lines and experienced casters generally prefer longer and lighter lines that develop more line speed.

Load Cast vs. Line Speed Cast

While I understand this I'm not sure I'm qualified to explain it. Let's turn to the fly rod for the answers. Why do we have fast action rods? Fast action rods are capable of longer casts because they can create faster line speed. We can slow down a fast rod with a heavier line and the result will be a greater feel (load cast) of load in the rod. Most beginner and/or intermediate casters will prefer a load casting line because of the increased feel (feedback) from their rod. Really well experienced casters can detect the load feel with lighter (faster) lines thus giving them even more line speed for an even longer cast.

I turned to George Cook (Northwest Sage, Rio, Redington Representative) for a more detailed description of Load vs Speed.

“Load VS Speed” The “Casting Personality”

Every angler indeed has what I like to call a “Casting Personality”. In this, folks can and will show a preference to either the LOAD or SPEED aspect of the integration of the Fly Rod and Fly Line as a working tandem. This is not a good vs. bad perspective but rather an identifiable preference that once found will play into maximum effectiveness and enjoyment for the angler.

LOAD Caster: 

 The angler in this camp has likely been around a spell and has seen and/or fished a host of Rods throughout his career (Graphite/Glass even Bamboo). The preference for load can be identified based on a caster’s history (with rods), his expectation to/for Rod load or even in the case of a beginning angler a need for increased weight placed in the load cycle (RIO Grand Line providing a prime example here) to provide increased thrust in the cast as the caster works his way through the challenges of fly casting. Sometimes even a line speed caster will want increased load based on the fishing task at hand. A great example that I can attest to is indicator fishing with egg patterns, beads or steelhead nymphs in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. In this I will often “Bump One Up” on an Indicator line on a given rod (Say a WF-8-F on a 7100-4 / 10’ 7 weight Rod) as this often proves to be the ticket to really functioning with the tool set. Roll cast, modified spey cast are greatly assisted with this bumped up format and often the mending required is enhanced as well.

SPEED Caster: 

“The Children of the Graphite Age” often fall into this, Circa late 1980’s onward when the arms race in graphite rod development went full bore in the United States. Nothing beats line speed and in this many casters want/desire maximum speed without reliance even recognition of traditional or parabolic load aspect. Often referred to as “Point and Shoot” casters that relish the high line speed produced by today’s modern rod designs.

Bottom Line is this: 

No matter which shoe fits you best “Load vs. Speed” is what matters and what makes you both confident and effective afield. The savvy often develop given parameters based on specific fishing scenarios and play Load where needed and Speed where desired, I for one fall into this . As a Fly Fishing rep of 25 years I can tell you that what I feel is important is for the caster to function well and with confidence. It is super helpful and important for the angler to seek out help and guidance in his local shop as just a couple minutes of casting generally will identify your “Casting personality” and that can and will lead to better line selection and success on the water.

George Cook
April 21st, 2014

Rio Trout Line Choices

Rio Gold

All around trout line

The Rio Gold is our number one selling general purpose all around weight forward floating line. I call this line moderately aggressive and is well suited for mod-fast to fast action rods and a variety of general purpose for anything from indicator/nymph rigs to gentle presentation dry flies. Its longer head length can carry a cast well and allows for good mending/line control.

George Notes: Geo’s favorite line as it does a host of things really well both close, mid and long range . The Gold tends to simply light up most rods and allows the caster to maximize his rods potential in a smooth yet power under control manner.

Rio Grand

Ideal for fast action rods

The Rio Grand is your fast action rod line. If you own a fast action rod that you are having a hard time casting, try a Rio Grand fly line on it. I'm willing to bet you'll find the love in your fast action rod. The Rio Grand is a front loaded short head line that will help fast rods load deep with less line out providing more load feel. We would call this a load casting line. Because of this short powerful head this line can carry some big flies so it makes a good big bug line.

George Notes: The workhorse that comes ready to play every outing. Guaranteed “Load effect” ensures that the angler is hitting his pitches both close and far. To be sure, is the fast Rod line of choice that will perform well at all ranges.

Rio Perception

My undisputed favorite

The Rio Perception is my undisputed favorite weight forward floating line. A couple of reasons have won me over. The head length is both shorter and lighter than the Grand or the Gold making it a line speed casting line, but wait, the ultra-low stretch ConnectCore actually helps to provide a sense of load feel which helps improve cast timing. ConnectCore technology also helps improve strike detection and hook sets. This line can fit a wide window of fly rod actions and seems to be most excellent with mod-fast to fast rods.

George Notes: The first of the Connect Core Trout offerings is relatively new to the scene but catching on rapidly with hard core trout anglers throughout the west. The Multi Color Coded format offers distinct strategical advantages in that the first color change at 20’ represents what I like to call the “Trouty Range” as within this 20’ of line you will likely engage 75%+ of your Trout opportunities particularly from a well rowed boat. The second color break point represents what I like to call “Load point for mid to long range”. In this the 35’ mark represents upon aerialization as easy load mark for a 50’-70’ cast. This is not only an effective built in guidance system but a wonderful teaching-reference tool for angler/instructor alike.

Rio Trout LT (light touch)

A trout fisherman's trout line

The Rio Trout LT is what I consider the true trout line. It is a rear loaded long front taper fly line perfect for subtle dry fly and emerger presentations. The taper of the head makes it easy to roll cast and can even perform single hand spey cast. The Rio Trout LT is best for moderate action trout rods.

George Notes: Aa Ha, the Trout Fisherman’s Trout Line. When presentation/accuracy and delicacy meet on the curve this is the call as the “Go To” line in both Weight Forward and New /Old School Double Taper in line weights 2 thru 5. Spring creeks, focused dry fly game, spinner falls, ...anywhere when the "1st shot is your shot at success" this is your line.

Rio Indicator II

Handles the hardware

The Rio Indicator II is your special purpose nymph line. If your primary purpose is fishing nymph/indicator this is the line you want. The long head length has an aggressive front taper which allows easy turnover of indicators and heavy flies. The long back taper allows for excellent mending control. The orange high-vis tip provides easy strike detection. These lines generally work well with most moderate to fast rod actions.
George Notes: No better line for the job at hand of getting all the “Junk In The Trunk” moving and turned over into the intended target area. Today’s nymph-indicator rigs pose challenges to today’s angler and this is THE LINE to maximize success when fishing such setups be it Trout or Steelhead.

Rio Power Fly

Heavy metal

If the Rio Grand is Rock and Roll then the Rio Power Fly is Heavy Metal. Many anglers today have embraced the modern ultra-fast action rods and are pushing the fly size to monstrous proportions. The Power Fly's short aggressive front taper easily casts large streamers and terrestrials. The Rio Power Fly is best for fast to ultra-fast action rods.
George Notes: This is a fantastic choice for the Angler visiting Alaska or British Columbia for Silver and Chum Salmon in that it will excel at hucking the “Big Nasties” like Wogs/Lead Eye Leeches and similar concoctions that get it done in the North Country. Can double as a pretty nice west coast Bass line as well.

I recently heard someone say "There are no bad fly rods today, just bad line choices." I believe there is a lot of truth to that statement. I hope this article helps you find the right line for you, your rod and your fishing.

For information about lake lines read; Get InTouch with Rio Lake Lines

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"