Full sinking line recommendations?

Buzzy

Buzzy

I prefer to call them strike indicators.
Forum Supporter
My Airflo Sixth Sense WF6/7 - Sink 7 has given up the ghost:

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I discovered this yesterday while fishing; on the right is a repaired section of the fly line where I stretched the fly line and wound tying thread over the coating gap then coated it with thin UV resin. If the three new sections of exposed braid are any indication, there are more just waiting to happen.

This fly line has been very durable (I think this line must be about ten years old with LOTS of use). It has three hang markers (orange on black), I REALLY like hang markers if for no other reason, to know when my fly is getting close to the rod tip.

I'm looking for recommendations from other lake anglers on a replacement fly line (type-6 or type-7), full sink (WF6S). With hang markers (and still available). (A WF6/7 will work.)
 
Buzzy said:
My Airflo Sixth Sense WF6/7 - Sink 7 has given up the ghost:

View attachment 159793

I discovered this yesterday while fishing; on the right is a repaired section of the fly line where I stretched the fly line and wound tying thread over the coating gap then coated it with thin UV resin. If the three new sections of exposed braid are any indication, there are more just waiting to happen.

This fly line has been very durable (I think this line must be about ten years old with LOTS of use). It has three hang markers (orange on black), I REALLY like hang markers if for no other reason, to know when my fly is getting close to the rod tip.

I'm looking for recommendations from other lake anglers on a replacement fly line (type-6 or type-7), full sink (WF6S). With hang markers (and still available). (A WF6/7 will work.)
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Have you considered one of Cortland's "Washing Lines?"
 
Ron McNeal said:
Have you considered one of Cortland's "Washing Lines?"
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Ron - I don't find "washing line" in their website. My understanding of a washing line is an intermediate line with a buoyant fly with trailing flies such as midges (I have two Cortland intermediates). Am I missing your intent? Thanks/Pat
 
The Cortland Competition sinking lines are superb. Durable, no memory even in cold conditions, and two larger very visible hang markers (at 14' and 24'). Like them so much I stocked up on spares.

Sorry...doesn't seem that Cortland makes these anymore....which I why I always stock up on stuff that works. Everything good gets discontinued.
 
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krusty said:
The Cortland Competition sinking lines are superb. Durable, no memory even in cold conditions, and two larger very visible hang markers (at 14' and 24'). Like them so much I stocked up on spares.

Sorry...doesn't seem that Cortland makes these anymore....which I why I always stock up on stuff that works. Everything good gets discontinued.
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Yeah. I wish I had foreseen Cortland discontinuing their Competition sinking line series. I have one in a type-3, the hang markers STAND OUT and the line casts well. Airflo is "out of stock" of a similar line to the one that needs replacement. SA doesn't seem to manufacture hang marker sinking lines. Rio..............

Want to part with a WF6S sink 6 or sink 7?
 
Pat:
You might consider Fly Shack factory over-run lines. Can't beat $24.99.
No hang markers, but I bet you can figure something out.
It's what I use.
 
Buzzy said:
Yeah. I wish I had foreseen Cortland discontinuing their Competition sinking line series. I have one in a type-3, the hang markers STAND OUT and the line casts well. Airflo is "out of stock" of a similar line to the one that needs replacement. SA doesn't seem to manufacture hang marker sinking lines. Rio..............

Want to part with a WF6S sink 6 or sink 7?
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Wish I'd purchased more of them.

Don't worry....in a few years they'll trot out their new 'innovative industry-leading' sinking lines that incorporate markers like they're the greatest thing since sliced bread.

I'm surprised they still market their venerable Peach 444.

In a similar vein, I really like 10' TFO 5wt rods, and possess quite a collection of their now retired BVK product line.

I feel fortunate that my experience with a Sage flyrod was so dismal that I have no desire to build a 'backup Sage inventory'...which would have been pricey.
 
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Buzzy said:
Ron - I don't find "washing line" in their website. My understanding of a washing line is an intermediate line with a buoyant fly with trailing flies such as midges (I have two Cortland intermediates). Am I missing your intent? Thanks/Pat
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You're correct. Apparently they've been "dropped" from their product line-up. Sorry about that. FWIW, I've got two (types 3 & 6) & I like them a lot.
 
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I’ve been using a Cortland Flo-Tech type 7 bought from the warehouse. I like it as it’s easy to cast, sinks quickly and seems durable. Black 40’ head w/yellow int. running line. The int. works well. You don’t have to haul up this long full sink. I just paint on a marker a 20’.
 
Wetswinger said:
I’ve been using a Cortland Flo-Tech type 7 bought from the warehouse. I like it as it’s easy to cast, sinks quickly and seems durable. Black 40’ head w/yellow int. running line. The int. works well. You don’t have to haul up this long full sink. I just paint on a marker a 20’.
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Hi, Dan -
I ordered an Airflo Sixth Sense2 to replace my worn out (heavily used) Sixth Sense. So for now I'm good to go.

I messed around with adding hang markers to my black SA type-5 full sink. I remember some dialog on this forum about adding hang markers and someone suggested painting on "correction fluid"; that's what I did. That was a MISTAKE. The fluid cured with inconsistent smoothness, it flaked off in places (I cleaned the line with denatured alcohol before application), and then flakes started sticking to the line where they didn't belong. Hahaha. I ended up trying to remove the correction fluid (cotton rag soaked with denatured alcohol) which basically removed the loose flakes. Through a lot of use, most of the hang markers have worn off.............. so when I fish the type-5 anymore, it's just a black full sink..... //Pat
 
The SA Sonar full sink lines have a textured patch at ~20’ that is fairly subtle, but can serve as a hang marker. On a real quiet day I hear when that part of the line contacts the tip-top guide. Or notice it in my hand when retrieving. I really like how that line fishes.
 
troutpocket said:
The SA Sonar full sink lines have a textured patch at ~20’ that is fairly subtle, but can serve as a hang marker. On a real quiet day I hear when that part of the line contacts the tip-top guide. Or notice it in my hand when retrieving. I really like how that line fishes.
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Rod -
That's interesting, I hadn't seen that in my limited look at a replacement line.

btw - the full sinkin' line technique, regardless of count down or retrieve rate, was fruitless (and fishless) day before yesterday on that lake you, Ira and I have fished. So odd. Two sections I can usually fool a fish or two with using the sinking line were a total blank. The "Bucket" was the best but not great. I picked up four more on the east shore about midway up the lake (where the old homestead house used to stand).

Off to E'burg and the Farmers Market./Pat
 
I have several Airflo sinking lines and really appreciate the non-stretch. Especially for slow presentation like with a hover line. My type 7 is the best casting fast sink line I have ever owned. Easy to cast, minimal tangles and gets down and stays down.

I like 'em!
 
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