Sinking Fly Line Question

[bass or bass?]

I'm looking to expand my fly fishing horizons. I have floating line on both my fly reels but I'd like to get an extra spool for my Ross reel and load sinking line on it. How much more difficult is it to pick up sinking line compared to floating line? shrug

[JoeW]

My Humble Opinions- and there are others I'm sure that will post other thoughts, but...

Using a sinking line has many drawbacks- especially if you use a full sinking. You might as well put a 2 oz sinker on in front of your fly.

Yes-- much more difficult to pick up out of the water! And it really puts a load on the fly rod!
It puts drag on your line when a fish is on, less "feel" for the fish and sometimes will put out the little hook.
Not as pleasurable to use.
Whatever depth you get "comfortably" with a sinking line can be gotten with a lightly weighted fly or a split shot ahead of it. If you need more weight than that- switch to spinning or casting tackle! I laugh on the steelhead rivers when i see a guy "delicately" using a little steelhead fly loaded down with a pound of split shot, float, swivels, etc! That method is called "Chuck and Duck" around here! LOL! That's NOT fly fishing!

If you insist on fishing with a sinking line, here's a trick I learned a while back to make your own "sink tips"! Find some "lead core trolling line"- might be tough to do that. Cut it into lengths from 6 inches to 3 feet. Put a loop onto each end. Put a loop on the end of your leader, and another loop at the beginning of your tippet. To use, just connect the lead core line to the end of your leader, add the tippet to the other end- and Presto!
Actually works better than a sinking line! You've got the weight down near the fly where you want it, it spreads the wgt out more so than a split shot, you don't need to switch spools to get the weight, and is easily changed to adapt to the different water you're on! I still don't like the system and I don't use it often, but it works for me!
Eh, hope this helps you out. Best----- JoeW

[sharps4590]

Joe's points should be well taken!

I've never used a full sink line but I can imagine what trying to "lift it off the water" would be like. I would imagine you would have to strip most of the line in and start your casting over and it has to load the rod greatly. I do have two sink tip lines. Personally if I used them much I'd shorten the tips, whip a loop in them and use them probably more than I do. They certainly have their place.

There is available sinking leaders which is essentially the same thing Joe has described building. If I didn't already have the sink tip lines that's what I would do. I do believe the sink tip lines and sinking leaders work better than loading up your leader or tippet with spit shot. I'm inclined to agree....that ain't fly fishin'!

[bass or bass?]

Thanks guys, guess I'll save the money instead of buying a new spool and line. I was thinking in terms of striper fishing here in our deep reservoirs where the fish can be 30 to 40 feet deep. Guess I'll just stick with baitcast and spinning for that application. I do like the idea of the lead core line for getting down maybe 15 feet when the bass and crappie are holding there. Thanks again. Probably saved me not just money but headaches as well. Happy Fishing!