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Z-Axis Line Which one do you use?

1335 Views 16 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  Jason Decker
Which line do you use on your z-axis? I have the 590-4 and feel like the 5wt line is too light. I'm having issues loading it. I'm sure a lot has to do with ability level and I'll keep practicing but in the mean time any line suggestions would be great. I have the SA Sharkskin Trout taper wf5-f.
Thanks!
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I have a 5110 and 586 and both seem to cast my sharkskin 5f, airflo ridge 5f, DT5, clear camo 5I, type III and type IV sinking lines well. The shorter 586 is faster but needs a few more feet of line out to feel loaded. The 5110 roll casts and single handed spey casts the DT very well. If you want me to try out your 590 I'd be more than happy to take one for the team!
Thanks Ed, I'll keep working on it.
I guess I should have also asked a question...how far are the cast you are trying to make? The sharkskin does not cast as well in close, say inside 25' or so. In closer than that I've had success roll casting that line nicely though.
I 'd say 30+ range, I'm going to get some instruction from a friend before i swap lines.
Love the Sharkskin on my 590 Z. Match made in heaven, doesnt need a line up in my opinion.
Which line do you use on your z-axis? I have the 590-4 and feel like the 5wt line is too light. I'm having issues loading it. I'm sure a lot has to do with ability level and I'll keep practicing but in the mean time any line suggestions would be great. I have the SA Sharkskin Trout taper wf5-f.
Thanks!
The standard GPX or the Sharkskin GPX would be perfect for that rod.
I was afraid as much, my mind told me its me, my pride says its the effin line! Thanks guys I'll work out the kinks.
I was afraid as much, my mind told me its me, my pride says its the effin line! Thanks guys I'll work out the kinks.
Don't be bashful in lining up - no matter what the old sages of expertise say on this board.

Everyone has a different casting style. Buy the line that works for your stroke. A lot of the people with z-axis rods are fine with the rod=line weight being the same because we like to really muscle the rods (myself included). However, if you have a more "finessed" stroke, lining up would make a lot of sense. Don't be shy in trying out a bunch of different lines until you get one that works for YOU. Hell, you spend a grip of money on that rod - make sure it's working for you before you get any more frustrated.
I have used rio gold on these rods and the line worked really well.
I used to have Sharkskin WF on my Z-Axis and it felt to light of a line for me too and I had problems loading the rod. I talked to some guys at a fly shop and they suggested the Rio Grand and this line has made the difference for me; it makes the rod feel better/easier to cast.
I'm a big fan of the Airflo Ridge and have corresponding line weights on my 4 and 6 weight Z-Axi.
I have a 5110 and use a variety of lines; Outbound in 6 wt., Scandi 330 gr., Skagit with heads, 350 gr., 40+ in 7 wt. depending on what I'm doing
RIO Grand or SA GPX... that 1/2 weight upgrade really helps load the Z's!!!
Thanks Gents!
on my 5wt 9-6 i use the orvis power taper which is a .5 over line, casts great!
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