Rio Skagit Vs. Windcutter on Loop blue line 14' 9wt.??

[mile2885]

Hi guys, I'm need some advice. I'm looking into switching line on my spey setup. Currently I have a Loop blue line 14' 9wt. with a Ross BG-8 and the windcutter 9/10/11 with the interchangeable tips. I'm fairly new to the spey game but have been able to pick up some fish with my current setup. I use the rod for winter steelhead only and throw (well try to throw) heavy flies. I was at a shop the other day and they said I'd probably be much happier with the Rio Skagit line setup. What grain line should I get? The guy first picked up the 550 grain, then changed his mind and said I should go 650 grains. Any ideas on what would work better with my setup? Dont want to drop $150 and then find out it's the wrong setup! Thanks!

[Red Shed]

Last year for your rod Simon recommended a 550 with a 5' cheater. Now that Rio has a 600 skagit he recommends that weight with a 5' cheater. I'd take the 600.

[mile2885]

Great! Thanks! Does the line cast a LOT different than the windcutter? I have my basic casts down but I'm in no way a great caster. I'm making fishable casts with sink tips now but maybe it's just the setup i'm struggeling with. It would be nice not have to learn how to cast all over again.

[TallFlyGuy]

Skagit lines are pretty nice. I've seen buddies come out and try the spey rod for the first time and by days end they are throwing 80' with ease. The shorter lines means less line to manage out of the water, less D loop problems etc.

Another Great thing about Skagit lines in my opinion is the ability to throw big heavy flies around. I've struggled at times when casting bigger heavier flies (lead eyes) and weighted line with my windcutter. I put on the skagit, and it took me a day or two to get use to it, and now it is a whole new world. I can cast the biggger flies with ease.

Justin

[Steve Buckner]

Does the line cast a LOT different than the windcutter?
The skagit head is 25-27 feet long, while the windcutter is 45-56 feet long. The short head of the skagit line has considerable mass, and once this mass gets moving, it has tons of kinetic energy available. In short, this kinetic energy will turn over big flies and heavy tips much easier than the windcutter. For winter fishing, you'll be much happier with the skagit line IMHO.

Because the head length is so much shorter with the skagit line, you're going to need to watch your anchor - if your casting stroke is big, it's easy to lose your anchor when setting up your d-loop if you're not watching. Remember the axiom "short line, short stroke". Also, because you're dealing with the mass in this short head, you're going to want to slow your stroke down.

[bconrad]

You should be able to use the tips of your Windcutter on the Skagit line, also. I'm using the tips from a 9/10/11 Windcutter on a 550 Skagit with no problems. You can throw a type 8 with a huge fly all day, and with way less effort than the Windcutter.

[mile2885]

Sweet! I'm looking forward to trying it out!

[bhudda]

id test the line out if you can first, i know aaron at riverunanglers had the 500, 550 and450 that i tested out , so maybe inquire.
jeffrey

[FlyShopKristin]

Exactly - as Bhudda said. Not sure where you are located - but, you are in the Puget Sound area, there is Saturday Spey Casting at River Run Anglers in Carnation, or Sunday Spey Casting at the Ben Howard Boat launch in Monroe.

I know that we've got the lines you are wondering about... you may want to try some of the new SA Skagit lines too... Either is a great option so you can test out what works best for you before spending the $ on a new line.

[thewaker]

Mile,
Red shed said it best for that set up as far as the Rio lines go. In winter, for throwing heavy flys and tips this set up is a no brainer. It will cast far and easy compared to anything else I've casted. A little more stripping in after the cast compared to the WC, but the ease at which it flys out make it a virtual non-issue.

Mark

[mile2885]

Ya, I went with the 600 grain, with the cheaters and picked up some T-14. It was free (gift certificate from best man in weddnig) so I think it will work great!! Thanks for all the help!ptyd

[Robert Easterday]

Mile,

What an awesome rod. I've been using an Airflo Skagit 8/9 with 15' tips on mine for some time--it seems to give a little tighter loop and a little better turnover than the Rio Skagit--fine and far off.

For a different application, consider a Vision floating head in 9/10. With the necessary long leader it won't deliver the really heavy flies that the Skagits will, but you won't believe the loops and how far you'll be able to cast.

Luck,

Bob

[Will Atlas]

I've heard really good stuff about the airflow skagit. The rio line is great but because of the mass, it casts a bit clunky. I personally havent used the airflow line, but would consider it as a good option.

Will