Running line question

[Jon Borcherding]

OK, I want to use a full sink line for rockfish and maybe lingcod if I get lucky. I'm using an 8wt. What, in your opinion, is the best choice of running line, and what is the best method of connecting the running line to the full sink line? Thanks in advance for your help.
JonB

[alpinetrout]

A full sink line doesn't require running line because it's a full length fly line. I assume you're talking about a fast sinking shooting head? The intermediate running lines handle the easiest and you can attach the heads with a loop to loop connection. Mono running lines allow the head to sink faster, but can be a challenge to handle without some sort of line management system, especially if the wind comes up.

[Salty Fly]

JonB,

This is a full spectrum question. There are full sinking lines with intergrated running line currently on the market. 250 - 300 grain 32 ft sinking section with clear intermediate running line is what I use on my 8wt for Neah Bay or Sekiu. At the other end, if you already have sinking line look to some of your older lines to create your own system by connecting the sink tip to the old line by loop connectors.

I would also suggest before you do either take your ideas to Anil or Clark at PSFC both are passionate about the subject of Lings and Rocks. They can help you with either solution.

Strip pause strip

[Jon Borcherding]

Thanks guys! My ignorance is showing again:o :beathead:
I guess this must be a shooting head since it's only about 60ft long?? I bought it on ebay and threw it on a spare spool with just the backing and found out in pretty short order that I can fling the whole thing into the backing in 2 or 3 casts.:o
Go ahead... laugh your ass off. I deserve it.:rolleyes:
JonB

[Salty Fly]

JonB,

It sound like it will already work. You are typically not making long cast for either Lings or Rocks, unless you are using poppers. You are more interested in getting to the particular depth the Rocks are holding or near the hideout for the Ling.

Strip pause strip

[alpinetrout]

60 feet is a strange length for that type of line. It's definitely not a shooting head (30' is normal), but probably a full length line that someone cut back for whatever reason.

[Jon Borcherding]

I just measured the line. It's 54 ft., .035" at the leader end, tapering sharply to .050 at about 5 or 6ft. and back to .035" at about 30'. It is gray in color. I don't remember the grain weight and the box that it came in disappeared durring a marathon shop cleaning session.:confused:
JonB

[Matt Burke]

That sounds like a regular line. Shooting heads typically run about 30 to 45 feet depending what you want. I splice mono or flat mono straight to the core of the head in a folded piece of paper fashion, secured with wraped thread and super glue. Over the top of that I put a couple a inchs of braided mono to smooth out the throw as it goes through the guides. Always use a stripping basket for the running line.

[Porter]

That sounds like a regular line.

iagree ...as mentioned before most heads are in the 30 feet (plus/minus a few). You might have received a line with the last 30 feet or so chopped off..as Alpine mentioned.

[Jon Borcherding]

So, it looks like I have a "chopped off" full sink line. Can I just leave it the way it is, nail knotted to the backing and fish it like that for lings and rockies? Any reason why I shouldn't?
JonB

[Matt Burke]

You really should look at a real head like the outbound. It's designed as a shooting head and comes in different types of sinking and using the backing as running line isn't going to work. Either mono or one or the PVC running lines. You could get away with marking off say 35 foot, then using the last 20 feet as running line, but when you hit the nail knot going out the guides, it isn't going to be pretty. Plus, you really need to be able to throw more than 54 feet. With a 35 foot head attached to running line, all of the head will be out with say a half a foot of running line just out the tip. It will be a rocket on an 8 wt rod.

[ibn]

JonB -

Rio striper lines are perfect for fishing for lingcod and rockfish. This is coming from someone who has done _a lot_ of fishing for rockfish and lingcod, and we've tried a lot of different lines, their are others that work, but none seem to work as well display the same durability as a striper line.

If you're serious about it, it's going to cost you around 60$ to get one. For an 8t, the 350 grain version is perfect. I know puget sound fly co. carries them in stock, other shops might have them as well, or they can usually order one for you.

http://www.rioproducts.com/product.php?recKey=46

[Jon Borcherding]

Thanks everybody, for all the good advice. I just got off the phone w/ Clark at Puget Sound Fly Co. I'm gonna go ahead and buy the Rio Striper. 60 bucks sounds kinda steep for a line but I like the idea of having a full line instead of something that I buttoned together with my currently limited skills. I am interested in learning more about putting together different shooting head systems. I just don't feel that I have the experience or knowledge yet. I definitely don't want to hook a big ugly ling and have my homemade line concoction come unraveled at the seams, so to speak.
JonB

[ibn]

Right on Jon, the season opener is just around the corner, some of the bigger fish will be coming up to spawn. Good luck! They're a cool fish to catch and fish for.

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[Matt Burke]

This is a sweet shot. How much weight total is that yer tossin'? I have shooting heads I toss from the beach but they're all intermediates. I've always wondered how far I could toss just T-14 and with that bullet you tied to that rig...I'll almost bet I could break 150 feet with a 15 foot rod. But you have to take me out there in yer pirate ship to see it...ARRRRGG!
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