Skagit lines...

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norm289
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2009/08/05 21:06:08 (permalink)

Skagit lines...

Does anybody have any experience with Skagit lines, especially the compact skagits? I am looking to get one for my switch rod(grain window 350-550). I have been doing some research on the subject and now would like to hear some kind of personal feedback. Thanks!
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    Loomis
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 11:44:14 (permalink)
    Talk to KJH or Swinger
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    norm289
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 12:40:36 (permalink)
    Thanks Loomis. I figured one of them two would post something, but also hoping for some more feedback from others.
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    KJH807
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 12:42:59 (permalink)
    i have the SA skagit deluxe system and a homemade "comact"
     
    we've talked specifics...  don't know anything about commercial compacts... but here good thing
     
    speypages.com
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    Plum Bob
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 12:48:31 (permalink)
    What brand, length, line wt. rod do you have?
     
    I have a 11 1/2 ft, Beulah 6/7 wt that casts very well with a 420 grain airflo compact skagit.  If you have a 10 1/2 ft switch rated 6/7, 390 or 420 grains may be best for your rod.
     
    Search Red Shed fly shop - spey lines - rod/line compatibility charts, You might find the answer to you question here.
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    KJH807
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 12:52:16 (permalink)
    another option to a new line is to use cheaters on you skagit
     
    loose the 15'tip for a 5 or 3 foot cheater
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    norm289
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 15:49:00 (permalink)
    Plum Bob, I have a TFO Deer Creek Switch 11' 7wt.

    I have already checked out alot of compatibility charts. Just looking for comments from people who use them to help me narrow down which line I am going to go with.

    I plan on fishing big flies and heavy tips.

    Thanks guys!
    #7
    Plum Bob
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 20:53:49 (permalink)
    Red Shed fly shop website: Simon's Rio rod/line chart recommends a 425 grain Rio skagit for the TFO 11' 7 wt. Deer creek switch rod.  Problem with Rio compact skagits is you have to buy the whole line, can't buy just the head, about $100.  An Airflo 420 grain compact skagit head costs, I believe $48.95 and IMO would be a very good choice for your rod assuming you already have the running line.  Your rod requires no skagit cheater, just a sink tip, perhaps 5 to 10 ft of Rio t-8 or something similar.
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    norm289
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/06 22:23:38 (permalink)
    Thanks Plum Bob. I emailed the guys at Red Shed. I do not have a running line so I will either have to get one of them or one of the integrated lines.
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    KJH807
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/07 01:35:54 (permalink)
    running line is cheap... like $20

    i don't like mono
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    swinger
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/08 08:10:58 (permalink)
    I dont like mono either.
     
    Norm,
     
        Before you go buying any lines talk to Poppy at Red Shed and have him send you out a couple of test lines. When you read what line is recommended for  a rod it is exactly what it says a general recommendation. You may prefer a higher or lower grain wt than the recommended line. The wrong line on any rod nomatter the brand name is not fun to fish. Swinging flies can get expensive so I try and limit the amount of mistake purchases and try before I buy. IMO I would say about 420 would be right for ya.

    Quality over quantity

    I am reality

    I>U

    JC Rules!!!!!!!
    #11
    norm289
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/08 10:10:37 (permalink)
    Thanks Swinger,

    I have been talking to Poppy for the past couple of days. He said that the RIO Skagit Short 475 grain would be perfect for what I want to do. I asked him about the 3-3.5X ratio and he told me that alot of people are using a 2-2.5X ratio and a heavier head for the switch rods now. I agree with the lines being expensive that's why I'm looking for all the advice I can get so I can avoid getting a mistake line. I have a great overhead line for it but it's on the small side of the grain window. Great for double hauling long distances but I want something better for the spey casting.

    Thanks to all for your replies!
    #12
    Plum Bob
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    RE: Skagit lines... 2009/08/08 11:23:45 (permalink)
    The rod/line ratio of 3x-3.5x is based on the length of a skagit head plus the length of your sink tip.  Example: 23 ft skagit head plus 10 ft sink tip =33 ft, exactly 3:1. for an 11 ft rod.
     
    Best thing to do is to listen to Poppy, not me or anyone else on this board. You would do well to get a couple compact skagits from red shed on a test/ trial basis. Perhaps a 475 grain like Poppy recommends  and a lighter 420 grain. Test them in moving water with a 10 ft sink tip, 4-5 ft mono leader and fairly large fly  that you would swing for erie sthd.
     
    Rio T-8 is great stuff for making sink tips for erie sthd. The number after the T is the grain wt. per foot of sink tip.  5 ft tip=40 grains, 10 ft=80 grains. Rio also has this sink tip material in heavier wts, 11, 14, 17, grains per foot.  The T-8 has a sink rate of about 7" inches per second and IMO is ideal for big water erie sthd. The T-11 or T-14 is not needed  and for most water conditions on big water, ex. Cattaraugus creek in NY. 5-6 ft of T-8 is ideal
     
    Get the lines from Poppy, test them, go with what feels best to you.
     
    #13
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