Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Fly Line for Shad

Agree with Dan's advice.

For the two handed guys a 10'- 12' 6" tip of T11 or T14 is also an option. I generally use a lot of 12' T11 on my skagit lines.

 John

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 25, 2013, at 9:11 AM, Brian Ibanez <brian.ibanez@gmail.com> wrote:

Awesome information.  Thanks Dan!

On Monday, March 25, 2013 8:10:05 AM UTC-4, Dan Davala - Founder/President wrote:

While there are many add-ons that will increase your chances, in the Potomac, there really is no substitute for a full sinking line in the fastest sink-rate your rod (and you) can handle.  Sink rate is not wholly dependant on the grain weight of the line.   While heavier lines will sink a little faster, grain weight is more the determining factor of what rod will throw the line most comfortably, and how large of a fly can be thrown efficiently.  Heavier lines will throw heavier/bulkier flies as a rule, whether the line sinks or not.  As a ball park, consider 200 grain lines for a five-weight, 250 grains for a 6-7 weight, 300 grains for 8-9 weights, and 350 or 400 grains for a 10-weight.  

 

While sinking lines in general cost quite a bit, consider the overall cost/travel expense required to make one or two trips to your favorite Trout stream, which is generally an all day affair.  Factor in gas, meals, tolls if any, etc, and depending on what kind of vehicle you drive that trip to the hills can cost upwards of $60 or more.  Now, drop $60-$90 on a good sinking line for your favorite rod, and you can be into way more fish on your local river, even making short trips before or after work which can and does add up to a lot more time on the water.  Sinking lines are not only for the Shad run either.  We use sinking lines throughout the year on the Tidal Potomac for resident Stripers, Catfish, Smallmouth, Perch, Crappie, etc.

 

One last argument for the cost effectiveness of a sinking line - all you need is 2'-3' of level tippet material for a leader.  Rather than many different tapered leader sizes and configurations which cost a lot of $$$$$, you can get by with a spool or two of nylon or fluorocarbon which couldn't be cheaper or more simple.  Add a pocket full of Clousers, and you are good to go.

 

Dan Davala

 

An exception for the Spey crew, we regularly cover the Shad Run with fast sinking tips (type 8) off of a floating Skagit head.  With the longer rods, we can hit a distant seam and mend/steer the head so it gets sucked under.  Still this takes a little bit longer to get down than a fast - full sinking line would, but there is no other way to hit those seams from the rocks.  This year, I added an intermediate sinking Skagit head to my arsenal and it does get down quite a bit faster.  Bad news for the fish!  

On Sun, Mar 24, 2013 at 3:07 PM, Brian Ibanez <brian....@gmail.com> wrote:

I have a 9 weight clear intermediate line and am looking to get into shad.

Are there any sink tip add ons that I can add with a loop to loop that you would recommend?  Specifics would be great!

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 9:05:52 AM UTC-4, Paul Kennington wrote:

What weight provides the best opportunity around Fletcher's?  I have a 250 but I'm thinking a DC will be more effective in this area. Any thoughts/suggestions?

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