True 4wt Line

Tinker

Tinker

Smolt
I'm looking for a line that meets the AFFTA standards for a 4wt line. I've searched the catalogues of the major players and it's not just hard to find a 4wt - or a 3wt - line, they're offers are over the 4wt standard.

Are there other manufacturers I should be looking at?
 
First, I'm impressed you found a 4wt rod that's actually a 4wt. Second, what companies were you searching the catalogues of?

A quick search for 120 grain lines (the AFTTA "ideal target") found the following for me:

Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Tactical Taper is bang-on 120 grains, as is the Superflo Ridge 2.0 Super Trout.

Cortland Ultralight is 120, as is the 444 Peach and the Spring Creek.

Orvis Pro Trout Textured, Hydros Superfine, and Hydros Trout Double Taper are all 120.

Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Trout Standard, Amplitude Textured Trout Standard, Amplitude Textured Trout, Amplitude Smooth Trout, Mastery Trout, and Air Cel are all 120.

I didn't search RIO, but I'm sure even they have a 120 grain 4wt.
 
Jake Watrous said:
First, I'm impressed you found a 4wt rod that's actually a 4wt. Second, what companies were you searching the catalogues of?

A quick search for 120 grain lines (the AFTTA "ideal target") found the following for me:

Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Tactical Taper is bang-on 120 grains, as is the Superflo Ridge 2.0 Super Trout.

Cortland Ultralight is 120, as is the 444 Peach and the Spring Creek.

Orvis Pro Trout Textured, Hydros Superfine, and Hydros Trout Double Taper are all 120.

Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Trout Standard, Amplitude Textured Trout Standard, Amplitude Textured Trout, Amplitude Smooth Trout, Mastery Trout, and Air Cel are all 120.

I didn't search RIO, but I'm sure even they have a 120 grain 4wt.
Click to expand...

Hi, Jake. It's a Winston B2T 8'6" 4wt. I reckon it could throw an overweight line, but I don't care to risk it on this rod.

The Cortland 444 lines caught my attention - I use them on 5wt's. I don't like any of the SA tapers and am not a fan of textured lines I use on heavier rods. They're not bad lines, I just don't like the sound of the texture passing through the guides. I don't know why I never look at Orvis lines; I just don't. Aren't they Orvis branded SA lines?

It appears I didn't dig deep enough into the catalogs - and I should have done the same search you did. DUH! And thank you.
 
Tinker said:
Hi, Jake. It's a Winston B2T 8'6" 4wt. I reckon it could throw an overweight line, but I don't care to risk it on this rod.

The Cortland 444 lines caught my attention - I use them on 5wt's. I don't like any of the SA tapers and am not a fan of textured lines I use on heavier rods. They're not bad lines, I just don't like the sound of the texture passing through the guides. I don't know why I never look at Orvis lines; I just don't. Aren't they Orvis branded SA lines?

It appears I didn't dig deep enough into the catalogs - and I should have done the same search you did. DUH! And thank you.
Click to expand...
I imagine you would want a true-to-line-weight on a short Winston.

Searching for lines and cutting through all the marketing crap can be hard. I looked for trout lines that the marketing indicated weren't "power" or for big flies which would seem to indicate an overweight line.

SA is owned by Orvis and there is definitely some overlap, but each does have unique-to-them tapers and lines.

A second, or third, or 10th set of eyes on the same search can often find more things quicker. I can't find anything on the front and center shelf of my fridge and I'm the one that put it there.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Zak
That ProTrout - Smooth resembles a Wulff Triangle taper. There, Wulff that is, lighter lines ran pretty close to AFTMA specs but not sure where they sit since the business was sold. Always liked their 3-5 weights and so did my original Scott G’s.
 
mcswny said:
Also, don't discount a 4wt DT line. SA, 406 and Cortland all make fantastic DT's.
Click to expand...
So I'm told, and I have no objection to DT lines. I've had this rod for a very (very) long time and never used it after I learned what it is and how some folks revere it. I thought I'd start with a weight-forward line before trying a DT line.
 
VAGABOND said:
That ProTrout - Smooth resembles a Wulff Triangle taper. There, Wulff that is, lighter lines ran pretty close to AFTMA specs but not sure where they sit since the business was sold. Always liked their 3-5 weights and so did my original Scott G’s.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I like Wulff lines - at least those made before the company was sold. I haven't picked up a more recent one.
 
Jake Watrous said:
I imagine you would want a true-to-line-weight on a short Winston.

Searching for lines and cutting through all the marketing crap can be hard. I looked for trout lines that the marketing indicated weren't "power" or for big flies which would seem to indicate an overweight line.

SA is owned by Orvis and there is definitely some overlap, but each does have unique-to-them tapers and lines.

A second, or third, or 10th set of eyes on the same search can often find more things quicker. I can't find anything on the front and center shelf of my fridge and I'm the one that put it there.
Click to expand...
I have a couple of lines - not 4wt lines - that aren't to manufacturer's claims. One is lighter than claimed; the other is more than a bit heavier. Yes, it's hard to sort through the catalog offerings, and everyone here has been very helpful in pointing me in good directions.

Thank you and thanks to all.
 
I believe the Cortland Sylk is true to standards and come sin DT and WF for $70. I use them and like them, very supple and comes of the reel uncoiled.
 
Tinker said:
It's a Winston B2T 8'6" 4wt.
Click to expand...
You could reach out to Winston and pick their brain. The Staff of Moses is very sought after rod that has a cult following - there's gotta be someone at Winston that can point you in the right direction.
 
Long_Rod_Silvers said:
You could reach out to Winston and pick their brain. The Staff of Moses is very sought after rod that has a cult following - there's gotta be someone at Winston that can point you in the right direction.
Click to expand...
I could... but three weeks ago I reached out to find the original MSRP of the rod so I could fill in the blank on my new insurance policy and haven't heard a peep. I'll try, but I was surprised about the crickets I got back from my first question.

Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe it'll work out better this time.
 
Lake flyer said:
I believe the Cortland Sylk is true to standards and come sin DT and WF for $70. I use them and like them, very supple and comes of the reel uncoiled.
Click to expand...
I thought about the Sylk but there some folks who bad-mouth them in reviews and wandered away. I appreciate hearing from someone who for sure has used them. Thank you
 
mcswny said:
Have you casted it? What lines have you can casted with it?
Click to expand...
No, I have not. I've been afraid of the combination of me and the rod, But I figure either I use it or I should sell it. It's doing no one any good in my closet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top