Hello,
What are some good single hander lines out there that can be used with indicators and throw polyleaders for swinging effectively? This will be for my 5wt switch for swinging/indicator for trout and bass. I was thinking maybe a 7-8wt Rio Steelhead & Atlantic salmon line? Thanks!
Look at an 8 wt. nymph line like the Airflo Super-Dri Mend for when you want to indicator fish. When swinging wets and Spey casting, hook a 10' Polyleader on the end of the Mend to effectively extend the front taper into something that is Spey-like, then cast and swing away.
I have a Loomis 5 wt. PRO-4X switch and do exactly this. For swinging only on the end of a Spey cast, the Airflo 40+ lines are ideal as they have a taper that looks like a small Spey line so they Spey cast beautifully.
I'd stay away from the 55'-65' lines in an 8 wt. for as Flytyer has pointed out, they could overwhelm your rod. They also have long front tapers that impair their ability to turn over a lot of weight and drag at short ranges. I do use an Airflo Distance Pro on mine, but it's a 6 wt. not an 8. While it's a great long bellied line for my rod, it isn't a junk chucker, so I don't use it for indicator fishing.