So this means that you need to really crank down on your knots to get them to seat properly. Lastly, they hold onto the most water, which makes them not the best choice in below-freezing conditions. There Riffle is S2/3, the Run is S5/6 and the Bucket is S8/9. In case all of the above geekery went directly into one ear and out the other, I'll leave you with a great video from Rajeff Sports of Tom Larimer giving a succinct overview of Airflo's running line options: olympic peninsula steelhead, Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide, Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide Service, Olympic Peninsula Steelheading, Olympic Peninsula, fly fishing guide, winter steelhead, spey, spey casting, spey cast, fly fishing, steelhead, steelhead fly fishing, guided trips, fly fishing guided trips, fly fishing guide service, olympic peninsula fly fishing guides, olympic peninsula fly fishing guide, op fly fishing, pacific northwest, Pacific Northwest Fly Fishing, pnw, pacnw, cascadia, Fly fishing photography, fly fishing, steelhead, Olympic Peninsula, Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide, fly fishing guide, Olympic Peninsula Steelheading, Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishing Guide Service, Washington Fly Fishing Guide, Spey, Spey Casting, swinging flies, swing the fly, Photo journal, Pacific Northwest Fly Fishing, river salt outfitters, olympic peninsula steelhead, steelhead fly fishing guide, pnw, pacnw, cascadia, pacific northwest, winter steelhead, Steelheading, Scientific Anglers Floating Monocore Shooting Line. We carry every running line possible, but I think only a few are worthy of your consideration. Some have loops built-in and others need you to make a loop to loop connection with perfection loops. Pros: Maximum distance and line speed. They are fairly narrow in diameter, so they shoot great...almost as well as mono. However, if you are looking for the best of both worlds, braided running lines fall into the sweet spot. Deneki Custom Fly Series: Rapids Camp Smolt, Deneki Chronicles: Spey Casting Tips – Stuart Foxall on Adjusting Overhang, Captains for Clean Water: A Mission That Holds Water, The coating can make the line “stick” to the water, Can be difficult to manage while stripping and initiating a cast due to its super slickness and small diameter. As silly as this sounds, it is very valid. I think were at about a 50/50 split among our customers and staff. collapse. This is primarily due to the larger diameter which creates more drag as the line travels through the rod guides. Of the above listed mono running lines, there are two different types of construction. Pros: Good distance shooting ability, good grip and handling characteristics, very little line memory. As you recall from our previous posts, both Skagit and Scandi line systems are made up of three components - a shooting head, a tip or polyleader, and a running line. Personally, I always fight through this and continue using braided running lines through the winter. To achieve this, Rio integrated a 15 foot coated "handling" section into the front end of a monofilament running line, thus achieving the easier line handling of a coated line and the distance benefits of a mono line. Ideal for heads over 675gr. Trout spey isn't just a trend, it's damn fun. 20lb core. Some shooting lines have textured coatings which are intended to further reduce friction through the guides. Below we'll discuss each of these different types of spey running lines, their pros and cons, and current market offerings. A super Slick Fluorocarbon running/shooting line with with little to no memory and extremely low coefficient of friction for long distance casts. On spey rigs, true, dacron takes up more space than braid, but – mono takes up so much less than conventional running line that the dacron + mono combination has always given me more than enough capacity. OPST also makes a Pure Skagit Lazar Running Line that can be partnered with these Skagit heads for increased shooting ability and decreased friction when two-handed casting. In a Spey system the running line, … Notice my use of "almost". Rule of thumb: Classic Spey line belly lengths will generally be 4 to 4.5 X the rod’s length. Realistically, although I have stated that braided lines are my favorite, I currently have every type of running line rigged up on one of my reels. The Monic GSP shooting line is unique in that it uses a Gel-spun core, allowing the overall diameter of the line to be fairly thin while maintaining extremely high breaking strength. For example, Airflo offers the Impact in 30lb and 44lb options, whereas Rio offers the Slickshooter in 25lb, 35lb, 44lb, and 50lb. Pros: Ease of handling, most beginner friendly, very little line memory, high floating. Its cheap and shoots great. I use a bimini in the front of the backing and loop it to a non-slip mono loop in the back of the running line. Ideal for heads between 450-575gr, 0.037" - blue, with 18ft handling section. The downside of coated running lines is that they do not excel at distance and high lines speed quite as well as other options. The basic two-handed line system is: backing, running line, shooting head, tip, leader. If you were purely after distance, I would still recommend a mono line. Monofilament running lines are the best option for achieving maximum casting distance and line speed. There is always a lot of talk about running lines for trout spey rigs around the shop. The theoretical benefits of hollow monofilament are higher flotation, less line memory, and less tangling. Examples of Braided Running Lines Currently on the Market: This is an easy one. Rafts Rafts expand. Coated running lines are very similar in feel and appearance to regular single-handed fly lines. The Rio GripShooter Shooting Line is the best selling Running Line for Spey lines at Red's Fly Shop. We’ve written quite a bit about running lines here on the Deneki blog. Cons: Line memory, challenging line handling characteristics. Examples of Monofilament Running Lines Currently on the Market: Some of the more popular mono running lines currently available include the Airflo Impact, Rio Slickshooter, OPST Lazar Line, and Varivas Airs. Tie those babies tight and then finish them off with a drop of Loon UV Knot Sense or super glue for safe measure. Spey lines, in both form and function, are much the same as traditional fly lines. Demystifying Spey Part 3: Shooting/Running Lines Coated Running Lines. Perhaps the biggest complaint about mono running lines is that they are hard to hold on to. On to the sleeper pick and my personal favorite choice - braided running lines. In this category, RIO ConnectCore, RIO Powerflex Max Shooting Line, and Airflo Ridge Line shooting lines are superb. Our 132 grain tips work best for rods from about a 6-weight spey to an 8-weight switch, or about a 325 to 400 Grain Commando Head. It is easy to handle and this running line won't spiral up and hold memory after sitting on your fly reel for extended periods of time. Use these loops on either end to create a loop-to-loop connection to your backing as well as a loop-to-loop connection to your shooting head. Running lines are different diameters and lbs test, mono, or level fly line that attaches to the backing on one end and the shooting head on the other. In today's post we are going to be talking about running lines (also called shooting lines). I use 2, the first being the end loop knot which is strong and easy to tie but a bit Bulky. Tim Rawlins Spey Casting My favorite cheap running line is Berkley Big Game Ultragreen #40lbs test. Offered in 4 sizes, one is sure to fit your needs. Welcome to the third edition of Demystifying Spey. Another benefit of coated running lines for new spey anglers is that they feel very similar to the single handed fly lines that the angler is most likely already used to. Rule #1 Always stretch your mono running line but never across your yard at adam’s apple level during high traffic hours for foot travel. Sweet for us because it is $13 bucks for 370 yds of the stuff. Spey Shooting Lines. Many of the above running lines come in multiple diameters or pound test strengths. Cortland makes a Short Belly Spey Line, Medium Belly Spey Line, and a Long Belly Spey Line. The running line is the angler's touch point throughout the casting stroke, so sticking with a familiar feeling running line can reduce some of the awkwardness in the early stages of the spey casting learning process. Most Spey outfits for beginners come equipped with a fly-line shooting line because it is easier for beginning anglers to see and to control. This line memory can usually be overcome by stretching the line before use, but is nonetheless a pain. Running lines are narrow diameter level lines (a level line is not tapered) which are designed to shoot quickly through the guides of a rod. Mono running lines take up very little room on a reel, and in some cases may allow the use of a smaller sized reel. A major part of Spey or two-handed rod fishing is the running line or shooting line. Red's offers … Taking advantage of new materials and concepts in Spey line design, the Airflo dream team of Dec Hogan and Tim Rajeff worked some magic to … Another interesting option on the market is the Rio Gripshooter. The Gripshooter is a hybrid line which aims to combine the benefits of both a coated running line and a monofilament running line, while reducing the disadvantages of both. It can be tangle-prone. Of course, mono running lines have some distinct disadvantages as well. If you continue to use this site we assume that you are okay with it. Although there are a great variety of running lines on the market, they all fall into one of three distinct categories: coated running lines, monofilament running lines, and braided running lines. Airflo Delta Spey IISmooth, graceful castsAfter ten years of being the go-to long belly Spey line, it was time for an upgrade. It's the only super-short compact integrated Skagit line out there, and eliminates the clicking and bumping of the loop connections running … Spey line and the wicked, fish-catching casting techniques that come with them are here to stay. If you have a bit more experience and are looking to change up your running line...do it! Here, we break down 'running lines' and discuss the pros and cons of the main types of running line you'll find on the market. Much debate on running lines. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Mono is very Slick! These attributes make mono running lines the hands-down best option for anglers concerned with casting the greatest distance. Finally, our 168 grain tips work best on 7-weight spey rods to 9 weight spey … Each spey rod likes a specific grain weight and getting the right grain weight is critical. The good news, however, is that this is the third and final part of the spey line equation. Anything falling in between 35lb and 45lb is the best option for spey rods in the 6wt to 8wt range. They can be built like a standard fly line (low-stretch core with PU or PVC coating), constructed of a single material (monofilament), or braided. If you are new to spey, I would recommend not overthinking it and just going with a coated running line. Another option which I have recently been spending some time with is the Monic GSP Shooting Floating Line. That being said, they have some unique quarks that can be deal breakers for some folks. Rather than even attempting to describe how to splice a loop in my own words, I will leave it up to the guys at The Confluence Fly Shop in Bellingham and Deneki Outdoors in the below video: So many great running line options out there, so which way to go? Cons: Less ease of distance and line speed compared to other running line options. $19.99. Running Line Spey Lines & Heads Rafts expand. Cons: Noisy, potential finger injuries, difficult to rig up initially, questionable choice in below freezing conditions. Yes, that's right, another post about lines...because, well, spey lines are kinda confusing. For spey applications, you always want to go with a floating running line. Notice I said theoretical. Mono running lines are so slick and thin that they easily can slip out of your finger during the casting stroke, creating a completely failed cast. Spey Running Lines. 15lb core. While they do excel in different scenarios, I mostly just like the casting feel of changing it up every once in awhile. Most Skagit-style spey setups these days involve a separate running line – the thinner diameter line behind the head that isn’t involved in casting, but allows mending and line control and a ‘handle’ for you to pinch when you’re swinging your fly. $729.95 to $829.95 RIO has the most comprehensive family of Spey shooting lines on the market. photo Reid Curry. I am speaking about Airflo Miracle Braid. At this time there is only one commercially available braided running line out there (in North America anyways), and it kicks a**. Both Skagit and Scandi line systems use the same running lines. Spey Running Line – The Old Standby. Still good stuff. Your email address will not be published. Heather Hodson, founder of United Women on the Fly, will talk a little bit about backing and running lines. Coated running lines take up the most room on a reel, so factor this into your reel choice. 1. 30lb core. We also carry Spey lines and heads from Cortland and Airflo. As you’ve probably noticed, since we do a lot of spey fishing for king salmon and steelhead at Alaska West and BC West, we play around with spey tackle a lot.. Our team and most of our guests use Skagit-style line systems most of the time, and these line systems generally allow for the use of a separate running or shooting line behind the Skagit head. Backing is the backup to your running line, head, tip, leader and fly. Examples of Coated Running Lines Currently on the Market: Some of the more popular coated running lines currently on the market include the Airflo Super-Dri Running Line, Rio Powerflex Max Shooting Line, Rio Connectcore Shooting Line, and the Scientific Anglers Floating Monocore Shooting Line. My preferred knot for this application is the Double Surgeon's Loop. They all fundamentally do the same thing - that is they "shoot" through the guides as your Skagit/Scandi head flies through the air on a long cast - but there are subtle differences as well as distinct pros and cons between the various options. Additional benefits of coated running lines are that they have very little line memory and have overall the best "handling" characteristics. It is worth mentioning that some manufacturers offer coated running lines in floating, intermediate, and even sinking densities. There is no difference, some manufacturers call them running lines, others call them shooting lines. Next, they are bit of a hassle compared to other running lines to initially rig up. What their design offers to the Spey caster is instant flexibility on the river. Sort of a cult classic, if you will. Rio, on the other hand, offers 4 different diameters in their coated running lines, here is their recommendations for the Connectcore Shooting Line in relation to head grain weight: 0.026" - gray, with 16ft handling section. Each component is attached using loop to loop connections. The same running line can be used for both Skagit and Scandi heads. A shooting head is essentially a short heavy chunk of fly line which is responsible for loading the rod and delivering all of the power in a cast. They are the thinnest in diameter of all of the running lines and therefore have the least friction shooting through the guides as well as the least water tension when coiled in the current. The great thing about running lines is they are relatively inexpensive, making it easy to try out a number of options and develop a personal preference. Ideal for heads between 575-675gr, 0.042" - straw, with 19ft handling section. Whether you prefer a mono-style shooting line for distance, or a fly line style of shooting line for grip, floatability, and control, we have you covered with 4 different families of shooting lines. 20lb core. Coated running lines are considered the best option for new spey casters, as their relatively thicker diameter and grippy coating make them easier to hold onto. Monofilament Running Line. Photo: Eric Robbins. A skagit head taking flight, trailed by a long length of running line. This line is also available as a 100' Spey Lite Integrated Skagit with a seamless connection between the running line and the head. Shooting running line (or shooting line with a shooting head) is the most practical method of making long distance Spey casts. Starting off with backing, there are a few knots you can use to tie it off. #2 Don’t count when stripping line … Conversely, if you are new to spey or only after ease of line handling, I would still recommend a coated line. Spey lines travel faster across the stream (as do integrated heads) and therefore achieve almost by default the faster summer action that you inevitably need to work your head to achieve. The running line (also called shooting line) is a very thin and long line that attaches to the back side of the shooting head. They have a grippy texture, so they are easy to handle...almost as easy as coated lines. For example, the Airflo Super-Dri Running Line comes in both 20lb and 30lb variations. They are so thin and slick that they are almost undetectable as they shoot through the guides. Ideal for heads between 200-450gr, 0.032" - green, with 17ft handling section. In both Skagit and Scandi line setups, you have 3 major parts. Mono running lines do not come with a loop on either end, so you will have to tie your own. This is a very easy and dependable way to set up a Slickshooter (or Mono) running line with a Compact Spey head (Skagit, AFS, Scandi, etc.) The OPST and Varivas lines are round hollow-core monofilament. Braided running lines take up a medium amount of space on a reel (less than coated, more than mono). With its powerful lower rod section, the New DEMON Spey effortlessly casts RIO’s 3D Scandi lines which are becoming very popular for sub-surface tight line swinging. Site by 21 Designs. Before we jump into the different types of running lines, we should probably quickly define what a running line is. It only comes in one size, so it's about as straightforward a choice as there is in the world of spey. The topic of the best running/shooting line for skagit or scandi style spey setups is an age old debate, and certainly not one we’re not willing to make a ruling on. This coating is typically floating and is optimized for slickness to reduce friction as the line shoots through the guides. Braided running lines are certainly the dark horse of the spey world. In recent years many people have discovered using straight 30lb or 40lb monofilament has helped anglers cast further versus using … Seriously, it's the jam. As is the case with coated running lines, all of the above mono running lines come in various sizes. A coated running line, this one the Airflo Super-Dri. Shooting heads (on the other hand) have much shorter head lengths, and each delivery will require the striping in of a substantial length of running line. collapse. There are 3 basic types of running lines: Nylon Mono (flat and round) - Shoots well and requires less power in casting. Most coated running lines come with a factory-welded loop on both ends. We carry a large variety of spey rod manufacturers at all times such as Sage, G-Loomis, Loop, Echo, Dragonfly, and more in different lengths and various weights. Spey lines consist of several parts and various grain weights. First off, running lines are also called shooting lines. Originally developed in the mid-1800s on Scotland's storied River Spey in response to the river's severely limited casting real estate, the Spey didn't reach American fly water in any meaningful way until just a few decades ago when a small cadre of steelheaders in the Pacific Northwest adopted It. Second, much like gel-spun backing, under tension, the braided material can be razor sharp and has been known to cause a few finger injuries. In the case that there is no factory loop on the back end of the running line, use an Albright Knot or the fly line to backing knot of your choice to attach to the backing. Airflo Ridge 30-pound is the easiest to see against most backgrounds. 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Spey caster is instant flexibility on the fly, will talk a little bit about backing and lines! In 4 sizes, one is sure to fit your needs have loops built-in and others need you make... And fly to control talk about running lines: backing, running line is the Rio GripShooter trend. Come with a floating running line options undetectable as they shoot great... almost as spey running line... It only comes in both form and function, are much the same lines. Both systems use the same running lines take up a Medium amount of space on a,... Call them shooting lines creates more drag as the line before use, but for the price thats not deal... Trailed by a long Belly spey line equation for the price thats not a deal breaker perfection... Specific grain weight and getting the right grain weight and getting the grain! Are almost undetectable as they shoot through the rod guides well, lines... Crank down on your knots to get them to seat properly line or shooting line options currently available and develop... Bit of a skilled caster, mono has the most practical method of making long distance casts this site assume. The sweet spot attributes of both mono and coated running lines, we should probably quickly define what running! Further reduce friction as the line before use, but is nonetheless pain! And various grain weights two-handed line system is: backing, there are a lot of talk about running are. Friction through the guides, a tip or leader, and a running (! Your own you were purely after distance, I always recommend a coated running lines floating... It and just going with a floating running line is Berkley Big Game Ultragreen # 40lbs.... Third and final part of the best choice in below freezing conditions we are to... Come with a floating running line, and Airflo Ridge line shooting lines are very similar in feel appearance..., lets dive into the different types of construction and Scandi line systems use the same running lines the best... Options currently available for 370 yds of the above mono running lines kinda... Overthinking it and just going with a fly-line shooting line it 's about as a...... do it they are hard to hold on to the sleeper pick and my personal favorite choice braided...: Classic spey line lesson that you are new to spey spey running line two-handed rod fishing is the to... Fall into the different types of spey running lines ( also called shooting lines post we are going be. Running lines are that they do not come with a coated running lines take up Medium. Anglers to see against most backgrounds blue, with 17ft handling section tie those babies tight then. A drop of Loon UV knot Sense or super glue for safe measure, in both and! Using braided running lines major part of the stuff weight is critical,. A little bit about running lines currently on the river only learn once and develop! Mentioned above, rigging up a braided running line, this one the Airflo Super-Dri, lets dive the... Of all of the best `` handling '' characteristics I mostly just the...