Joined
·
562 Posts
I've used the RIO Aqualux and Aqualux II lines and to me they seem very similar. The Aqualux II may be a bit stiffer, but it is a very subtle difference. I've also tried the Cabela's clear intermediate line and to me it is too stiff and coils too much, although it is cheaper in price; I like the Aqualux lines better, for sure. The Aqualux lines also lasted a very long time for me; the Aqualux II is too new to know, but I'd guess it will also last a long time before cracking. I haven't tried the other lines you mention, so I have no opinion on those.
I believe the clear line is definitely beneficial. Even though I'm sure the fish can still see the clear line, I think it doesn't spook them as much as a brightly colored fly line or even a dull colored fly line. Also, the floating line (or floating portion of a sink tip line) creates wakes or chevrons in the water surface when retrieving your fly, and I think that water disturbance also spooks fish. I specifically remember one outing where a friend was using a floating line with a long leader and I was using the Aqualux line, both of us using the same fly and same retrieve, and I was catching way more fish. The lake was very shallow, so it wasn't like I was fishing a different depth than he was, and I've experienced similar situations a number of times on other lakes as well.
Rex
I believe the clear line is definitely beneficial. Even though I'm sure the fish can still see the clear line, I think it doesn't spook them as much as a brightly colored fly line or even a dull colored fly line. Also, the floating line (or floating portion of a sink tip line) creates wakes or chevrons in the water surface when retrieving your fly, and I think that water disturbance also spooks fish. I specifically remember one outing where a friend was using a floating line with a long leader and I was using the Aqualux line, both of us using the same fly and same retrieve, and I was catching way more fish. The lake was very shallow, so it wasn't like I was fishing a different depth than he was, and I've experienced similar situations a number of times on other lakes as well.
Rex