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breamfisher
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I know this is on-topic, but... recomend a fly line?

This is the only place it seems where folks still post, so...
I need to get some new fly line. My fly rod is a Cortland CL Graphite 5/6 wt. I had been using Cortland 333+ fly line in 6wt., WF floating. I need something of similar quality to replace the old fly line. It has mildew spots so I'm afraid the line's no good. Also it's kinda old, say 10+ years, and admittedly hasn't been treated well. Been about 5 years since I last fished it. So I'm not looking for something top-end. I'm hoping to get back into fishing this summer, as I have a bit of leave built up. Right now I've just been practicing my casting. It's embarrassing, but I'm quite rusty.
I'll be using it for panfish, maybe small bass, casting poppers, buggers, streamers, etc. with commercial tapered leaders. I'll be fishing FL waters in creeks, lakes, and ponds. "Cold" water will be 72 degrees F at the coldest. Up to 85 or so at the warmest.
So... what do you gents recommend?
I need to get some new fly line. My fly rod is a Cortland CL Graphite 5/6 wt. I had been using Cortland 333+ fly line in 6wt., WF floating. I need something of similar quality to replace the old fly line. It has mildew spots so I'm afraid the line's no good. Also it's kinda old, say 10+ years, and admittedly hasn't been treated well. Been about 5 years since I last fished it. So I'm not looking for something top-end. I'm hoping to get back into fishing this summer, as I have a bit of leave built up. Right now I've just been practicing my casting. It's embarrassing, but I'm quite rusty.
I'll be using it for panfish, maybe small bass, casting poppers, buggers, streamers, etc. with commercial tapered leaders. I'll be fishing FL waters in creeks, lakes, and ponds. "Cold" water will be 72 degrees F at the coldest. Up to 85 or so at the warmest.
So... what do you gents recommend?
Replies
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BTW, why am I having a hard time finding a decent bait and tackle shop on the Middle St. Johns River?
http://store.hookhack.com/HH-Weight-Forward-Lines/products/714/ (free shipping)
This is a Cortland 444 line. Buy the WF6, then cut 5' off the front and you have a "bass taper" suitable for poppers and other large or bulky flies. A dab of epoxy or Zap-a-Gap will seal the line and keep it floating. They offer a 10% discount on your first order of the year. If you are a vet there is a 20% discount at any time. This a very reliable company.
Mike
https://www.breambugs.com/peck-s-popper-7016-2-chartreuse-black-chartreuse.html
Of course I could just use their fly line without trimming it...
If I throw a large popper I have a G Loomis GL3 in 8 wt.
Mike
Yes. The H&H lines have served me well for trout and bass for many years.
I'm a fan of SA lines myself after trying RIO, Cortland and Orvis.
They have lasted me the longest of any lines but are pricey.
Price divided by usage comes out to about $10/year and I fish a lot.
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Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll keep them in mind when I really replace the fly line.
Oh, should I use tippet rings when I start replacing the tippet section of the leader?
Mike
I bought a SA Sharkskin that the local shop had on clearance. I have to say I'm impressed just had to get used to the noise and feel. I stick to my Cortland 444DT for my stream stuff and use the Sharkskin for distance..
Mike
It used to be that SA and Cortland made all the private label stuff but that has changed. I recently noticed that Cabela's discontinued most of its lines (SA?) and replaced them with what look like Rio products.
I think all the line manufacturers have gone crazy with trying to sell us a different line for every time we change the size of the dry fly or want a sinking one to ride 6" up or down in the stream or the wind changes. It's 95% marketing hype.
But when I saw a manufacturer had a "panfish" line... That's a level of specialization I find spurious.
Sighhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
It's a Cortland rod with Cortland 333 replacing abused Cortland 333+. Actually I like Cortland.
BTW - The sigh was for my beloved Yankees, nothing to do with you.
Made some observations...
A. Need to get back in shape for paddling my boat. Got tired a little too easily. And I need to work on my technique. Less arm more torso.
B. Boat needs to be trimmed properly. I think that it was weather-cocking because the bow was too high.
C. The area I was fishing in really lends itself more to either poppers/surface lures or weedless bottom lures. Shallow with weeds.
D. I had too much stuff with me.
E. As my fly fishing teacher said, when you go out and fly fish, just take a fly rod. Maybe 2. Otherwise you have too much stuff.
F. Need to get something mounted on the bow of the boat to tuck the rod tips into and keep them from hanging up on stuff. Got and idea of how to mount it, just figure out how to make it.