[Coot]

After reading some acceptable reviews I picked up a LL Bean Streamlight combo...12'6" 7wt rod and Streamlight 3 reel at a very good price as my first spey outfit.

I now need to pick backing and line.

After some reading and discussions I'm leading toward a skagit set up.

Recommendations for backing and line ?

 

[fredaevans]

As to backing that's a 'no brainer.'

That bits controlled by the internal 'test' of the fly line core. At least 'equal' or higher (typical number is 20 or 30 pound in the fly line). As to the fly line there the 'how you want to fish' is the key.

Repeating myself but for a choice of fly line, start at the fly and work backwards.

fae

 

[Coot]

Ill be swinging flys

 

[fish0n4evr]

After reading some acceptable reviews I picked up a LL Bean Streamlight combo...12'6" 7wt rod and Streamlight 3 reel at a very good price as my first spey outfit.

I now need to pick backing and line.

After some reading and discussions I'm leading toward a skagit set up.

Recommendations for backing and line ?

Ill be swinging flys

I'll assume Intruders and the like for the up-coming late fall/winter season!?

I suggest an Airflo Comp Skagit 450, and if you can borrow some heads try a 420 and a 480.

But - being that you are new to spey casting I would highly recommend an Airflo Delta multi-tip speyline or WA6/7 for your first line and to hold off on the weighted flies.

 

[Coot]

I'll assume Intruders and the like for the up-coming late fall/winter season!?

I suggest an Airflo Comp Skagit 450, and if you can borrow some heads try a 420 and a 480.

But - being that you are new to spey casting I would highly recommend an Airflo Delta multi-tip speyline or WA6/7 for your first line and to hold off on the weighted flies.

Thanks for the input.

I appreciate your suggestions

 

[lsteinb]

line

coot,
Here's a good place to look -
http://www.rioproducts.com/spey-central/spey-line-recommendations/

Best to ya,
lsteinb

 

[Prometheus]

That was my first two handed rod. I used a Airfllo Delta 7/8. I thought it worked pretty well.

ETA Backing; I think I had 20lb Dacron.

 

[Coot]

coot,
Here's a good place to look -
http://www.rioproducts.com/spey-central/spey-line-recommendations/

Best to ya,
lsteinb

Thank you
I tried there a few days ago and unfortunately my rod is not listed

 

[Coot]

That was my first two handed rod. I used a Airfllo Delta 7/8. I thought it worked pretty well.

ETA Backing; I think I had 20lb Dacron.

I think that is where I will start.

Thank you

 

[fish0n4evr]

I see there is a Windcutter 6/7/8 in the classifieds and thought it might be something for you to look into - if you haven't already:http://www.speypages.com/speyclave/showthread.php?t=128225

I have no interest in the sale of the line or acquaintance to the seller. For a short-belly multi-tip at that price-point - it seems like the right match.

 

[LongHammer]

For backing I just go with what is cheapest and at least 30# test. I agree with fishon4ever's original suggestion of 420- 480 compact Skagit or comparable Skagit such as Rio.

The Rio Scandi short body in a 7 weight can be paired with a floating tip or sink tips and would be my first pick for an all around line or an SGS Skandit if you only want to buy one set up.

The shorter lines are easier to learn with IMO and you can always go longer later if you feel you want to at that time.

I do not care for Windcutter lines personally but I know there are those who like them.

There is a concern that if you learn with short heads you will develop bad habits so keep that in mind. I think the opposite is true. Just my 2 cents and food for thought. Random neural firings.:hihi: Hope you find it helpful.

 

[Bwana Bill]

Coot, since in your original post you mentioned a Skagit set-up, when you refer to backing, do you mean running/shooting line?

I hope this doesn't confuse the situation!

-Bill