Last Shout - Posted by: Kettlefisher - Sunday, 01 August 2010 19:20
Going to the river....some days I sits and fishes, somedays I sits and thinks, some days I sits
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Sceintific Anglers Fly Line review, 5 wt floating lines
Scientific Anglers Fly Line 5 Weight Floating
This is a review for four of Scientific Anglers quality Fly Lines; Sharkskin GPX, Sharkskin Magnum, Mastery Series GPX and Mastery Series Nymph . I was extremely lucky to be asked to test these lines by Al Belhumeur of Proline Sports who is the distributor for Scientific Angler for Western Canada. Al was browsing the internet and saw one of my posts at Fly B.C. asking other members recommendations about high quality 5 weight floating lines and he asked me if I was interested in testing some lines. I was really excited about the opportunity as I am just a regular guy who likes to Fly Fish just like the majority of the avid people involved our great sport. All lines tested were in a stillwater application using a 5wt Amundson Wind Warrior Stillwater and a 5wt Sage Launch.
Let’s get on with the reviews...................
Scientific Anglers Mastery Series GPX
Specifications: -Weight Forward 5 Weight Floating -90ft-27m -Optic Green -AST Coated (Advanced Shooting Technology) -Dry Tip Technology
This is a awesome all purpose fly line for stillwater applications. I used it primarily for indicator fishing, tossing a nymph and casting a emerger and drys. Because this line is made a half-size heavier it handles the stiff Interior winds and casting a indicator set-up without a any problems. The GPX is soft and supple with little memory retention and lays out nicely for chironomiding. The Optic Green color makes it easy to spot and it floats high on the water. The AST coating seems to help shoot the line effortlessly from your guides and it also helps to keep the line clean from of the algae bloom in some Interior lakes.
Strengths: -ability to load a fast action rod -shoots better (AST) -floats high in the water -highly visible -stays cleaner -welded loop
Weaknesses: -none for me -could overload a lighter weight rod or a medium action rod.
This line does exactly what it is advertised to do, turns over heavy, bulky flies and indicators. I intentionally used it with an indicator and large bead head leeches and it shoots with authority. I found the orange indicator tip useful as it detected strike activity visually. This line also roll casts very well, I'm assuming this was because of the powerful front taper. I have not had an opportunity to use this line in moving water but the floatability and tip visibility would be a great asset. The Nymph Taper also exhibited very low memory and laid out extremely straight aiding in strike detection when chironomiding. Also when fishing naked with a c-mid or nymph the orange tip enabled me see a strike as well as feel it (two senses have to be better than one).
Strengths: -turns over large flies, swivels, lead and indicators -easy to see, highly visible -shoots well (AST) -floatability -good for windy applications -welded loop
Weaknesses: -did not float as high in the water as the GPX -highly visible to fish in clear shallow water -dedicated to it's application not all purpose
Scientific Anglers Sharkskin GPX Taper
Specifications: -Weight Forward 5 Weight Floating -95ft-29m -Optic Green -AST Coated (Advanced Shooting Technology) -Dry Tip Technology -Sharkskin Technology (pebbled pattern finish rather than smooth)
Wow, this line has become my ultimate go-to favorite line in the bag. It casts so easily that it makes me feel that one day I might become a competant caster. The Sharkskin GPX shoots out of the guides like a rocket giving me longer more accurate casts. The first time you use it you are stunned by the distance and by the noise the line creates. The textured line makes a distinct noise, at first it's a perplexing sound but you soon get used to it and miss the sound when casting other lines. The sound adds a third sense to fishing along with feel and sight. If you get a rush when your drag screams when that big bow is taking it's first run you will love the additional sound of your line rushing through the guides, it actually enhances the excitement level. This line seems to float above the water, and easily lifts out of the water when roll casting. It has little if no memory and is excellent for chironomiding. Sharkskin GPX is made a half-size heavier and excels in the wind or throwing large flies and indicator setups. Although I don't have a full season on this line is remains in fantastic condition and is holding up to Scientific Anglers claim of up to 3 times the life of a normal line, only time will tell. I have become an avid fan of the Sharkskin GPX and will have no hesitation replacing it when it finally wears out.
Strengths: -shootability, shootabilty, shootability -less friction -high flotation -cleanability -potential improved life of line -less memory if any -added third sense of noise -welded loop
Weaknesses: -initial price tag (but if the life is actually 3X longer it will be less expensive in the long run, jury is still out on this one) -sharkskin finish might cut your finger when continually stripping
Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Magnum Taper
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Specifications: -Weight Forward 5 Weight Floating -100ft-30.5m -Mist Green -AST Coated (Advanced Shooting Technology) -Dry Tip Technology -Sharkskin Technology (pebbled rather than smooth)
The Sharkskin Magnum Taper was designed for fast action rods, big flies and windy conditions. Most of the B.C. Interior fly fishers fit into this category with their graphite fast action rods and proven chironomid fishing techniques. If you fish the Interior lakes you are usually guaranteed that at one point in the day you will be casting into heavy winds. The powerful front taper loaded both of my fast action rods extremely well and combined with the Advanced Shooting technology allowed me to shoot the line for maximum distance. This line easily shoots a indicator setup into the wind. Once again I loved the noise caused by the pebbled finish as it added to my fishing experience. As I stated in my last review when casting a normal line I know think there is a problem because of the lack of noise when casting. The Sharkskin line cleaned very easily with only a damp cloth, and came out supple and fresh. Once again extremely low line memory and it floated higher in the water than a conventional line. I was really impressed with this line. Now when indicator fishing I have one rod lined with the Sharkskin GPX and one with the Sharkskin Magnum Taper, both perform better than any other lines that I have had experience with.
Strengths: -shootability, shootabilty -powerful front taper for indicator fishing -less friction -high flotation -cleanability -potential improved life of line -less memory if any -added third sense of noise -welded loop
Weaknesses: -initial price tag (but if the life is actually 3X longer it will be less expensive in the long run, jury is still out on this one) -sharkskin finish might cut your finger when continually stripping
