Scandi line for Big D summer run

K

Kado

Steelhead
I'd like to make a concerted effort at a Big D steelhead this year with a surface fly. I'm very comfortable casting a skagit head but Scandi casting is really new. I have a 13' 7wt ACR that I really enjoy. I have an inquiry to Gary Anderson but would also like to hear what the forum has to say. I realize the lines can be very individualized, but my casting would be at the newbie stage and I have to start somewhere.
I also have a 10' 6" 3wt bamboo rod I built a few years ago that I would love to also learn scandi casting on. Ironically I caught a Rogue steelhead on it while targeting trout with an integrated head I use for src on the sound. That wasn't really 'touch and go' casting though. I'm thinking pinks on the surface this summer with a scandi line.
Any input is appreciated.
Mark
 
If it is true that your ACR is similar to Winston 7133-4 then underhand line in 440-480 grain range would be the best fit.

***

I don't have 7wt rod. I have lighter size rods.
One think perhaps to consider is to have spool or reel with underhand integrated line, and then intentionally forget at home, reels with sustained anchor head (s). :) This forced me to cast underhand only and not have choices for switch to sustained. I struggle with underhand cast. I am still not happy.
 
I love Nextcasts FF35 (it’s been redesigned and now called the Undertaker 35) for its turnover of surface flies. That line is especially nice when the wind kicks up, compared to the finer taper of some Scadi lines on the market. I’d advise against the bamboo 3wt only bc the wind. I’d rather have a 10’ single hand 7wt than a light Spey/switch.

That said, my favorite line for that river is a Nextcast FF45 with a 13-14’ rod. It’s got the power to punch through those winds with pretty tight loops.

If you really want to get a fish on the surface, it’s as simple as tying one on and keeping it on. It will make you a better steelhead fisherman.
 
Yard Sale said:
Airflo is coming out with the Compact Scandi again. Supposedly the same taper as the old one just with a different coating. Best Scandi line ever built IMHO
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That is great news! My friend always talk about that line. I’ve never cast it.
 
I just wish Airflo Skandi compact line will start at 180 grains or 210 grains. They will be able to cover new trout spey market.
Old one was starting from 240 grains.
 
Yard Sale said:
Airflo is coming out with the Compact Scandi again. Supposedly the same taper as the old one just with a different coating. Best Scandi line ever built IMHO.
Click to expand...
Any guesstimate as to how far out the release date might be. I'll have a lot of practicing I'll need to do : )
 
Yard Sale said:
Airflo is coming out with the Compact Scandi again. Supposedly the same taper as the old one just with a different coating. Best Scandi line ever built IMHO.
Click to expand...
Yeah I always liked it way better than the RAGE
 
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Yard Sale said:
Agreed. It always felt like the back half of a skagit and the front half of a scandi. They have a following but I ain't one of them.
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I agree, I’m real quirky about presentation and the rage and lines like Wulffs triangle taper seemed too clunky. I’ve caught fish with them, but I ended up making these ridiculously long mono leaders to compensate for clunky line, and they don’t cast well (for me) like that.
 
I did really like Airflo’s Scandi compact with a fast action rod. I don’t have one, but I had a couple of buddies that ran the Deathstar with a Scadi compact….crazy line speed with that setup.
 
Kado said:
I'd like to make a concerted effort at a Big D steelhead this year with a surface fly. I'm very comfortable casting a skagit head but Scandi casting is really new. I have a 13' 7wt ACR that I really enjoy. I have an inquiry to Gary Anderson but would also like to hear what the forum has to say. I realize the lines can be very individualized, but my casting would be at the newbie stage and I have to start somewhere.
I also have a 10' 6" 3wt bamboo rod I built a few years ago that I would love to also learn scandi casting on. Ironically I caught a Rogue steelhead on it while targeting trout with an integrated head I use for src on the sound. That wasn't really 'touch and go' casting though. I'm thinking pinks on the surface this summer with a scandi line.
Any input is appreciated.
Mark
Click to expand...
Contact Steve Godshall. He knows ACR well, has built me some lines for a couple ACRs I have. Haven’t bought a line from him in awhile but his lines were usually cheaper than the usual ones on the market.
 
Kado said:
I'd like to make a concerted effort at a Big D steelhead this year with a surface fly. I'm very comfortable casting a skagit head but Scandi casting is really new. I have a 13' 7wt ACR that I really enjoy. I have an inquiry to Gary Anderson but would also like to hear what the forum has to say. I realize the lines can be very individualized, but my casting would be at the newbie stage and I have to start somewhere.
I also have a 10' 6" 3wt bamboo rod I built a few years ago that I would love to also learn scandi casting on. Ironically I caught a Rogue steelhead on it while targeting trout with an integrated head I use for src on the sound. That wasn't really 'touch and go' casting though. I'm thinking pinks on the surface this summer with a scandi line.
Any input is appreciated.
Mark
Click to expand...
Tried this new line on my Buelah 12'7" 7/8 and it rocked with the 575 grain line! I will buy the line soon!

Lines go from 300 grains to 650 grains. Here is the website with the spec's and they are available at Emerald Waters in West Seattle.

pnwspeylines.com

PNW Spey Lines

pnwspeylines.com pnwspeylines.com

Todd is a friend of mine, and know his lines, casting and so much more!

Cheers
 
Those PNW lines are long. I struggle with long lines due to lack of skills and my Spey rods are mostly shorter in length and around 12ft. I try to keep rods in the same length but of course different weight.
 
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Steve Godshall was kind enough to get back in touch with me. I'm going to have him build a scandi line for both my ACR 7wt and my Loop 6wt.
Thanks for all the input everyone. I'll let you know how my casting goes. Hopefully I'll get a couple chances to try it out on the Deschutes this fall.
 
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