Currently I am using single hand rods of CTS 10 weights using 425 gr OB short to throw large striper flies in the surf. They will easily throw 400+gr of t-14.After long days with them, I get tuckered out. So, I started using a 9/10 weight CTS two handed rod with the SA Skagit Extreme in 560 gr line and a 130 gr tip that allows me to throw as large flies as I want with much less effort and never worry about the wind.
A friend is using the VXP 7 Weight, 13ft 3in . to throw large, heavily weighted crab patterns 100'+ which is farther than I can with the SH CTS 10 weights.
So, to have a single TH rod that can throw both weighted lines and intermediate lines I an either look to line the CTS 9/10 weight with(?) 30 ' of T-20 or line a VXP 7 weight with an appropriate intermediate line.
What I am hearing is that a #9 OB/Sniper is the "best" I can expect with the 7 weight Vxp. So, maybe looking at 30' of T-20 for the CTS TH rod.
I hope I've clarified my motivation.
There are a few more variables that require further definition:
- casting distance
- fly size
- what length VXP
I would agree that for most overhead applications either the RIO Outbound or Airflo Sniper would be a good option. If you intend on fishing large flies then the skagit becomes a better choice. I primarily fish musky these days and I use short two handers (9' 9") with skagit heads. They are very powerful casting tools and cast large flies with ease. The SA intermediate Skagit Extreme is my go to line at the moment. The Airflo Compact Skagit is great too but the intermediate version has a floating rear which doesn't work for what I'm doing. As I'm using a short rod and do not need to cast over 80' the skagits work for me. The Sniper works for "smaller" flies but doesn't turn over big musky bugs as well as the more compact skagit head. Good luck with your search. If at all possible try to get your hands on the rod and line you are considering and give it a test run before purchasing.
