Fly Line Question

[jgrb]

I've been using WF TROUT WONDERLINE ADVANTAGE for my TFO 3wt. The problem I'm having is with the memory. It comes off the reel like a slinky, even after I stretch it. I emailed Ovis about this and they responded very quickly with the following:

"Thank you for your email. I have encountered this problem personally. When the line is new it will get memory in it very bad, just like you are saying. What I did was to get my buddy to take all the line out of the reel and walk away from me until all the line is between us in the air. He, then takes a couple of steps back and stretches the entire line at one time. Over time of doing this the line will stretch out. Mine is now straight just like you are talking about. You strip line off and the it shoots and lies perfectly on the water."

Does it take time and regular stretching like he says to correct this or is it the nature of Wonderline Advantage and/or a 3wt line? I notice their ads don't say anything about memory. SA does in their lines' ads. I don't recall having this problem with my lines from Cabela's and Cortline for my other rods - 2 6wts and an 8wt.

I'm also looking for a good WF floating line for my new TFO TiCrX 5wt.
Thanks for any advice you can give.

[merganser]

I have a 4 wt DT that I fish on my 7-6 3 wt TFO. I found it a little problematic when fishing it in cold weather, but not terrible. I make sure that the reel is up in the cab of my truck on the way to the river and does not get cold and hard before I fish. That seems to help a lot and it does not " re-kink " as I go through the day, even if it's cold out.

Wonderline does seem to have a reputation for memory, though. SA Mastery series seems to get a lot of recommendations on this board.

[NickelCigar]

I have in the past used Orvis Hi-Float lines that were decent, didn't last very long but casted ok and didn't coil much. Seems that Wonderline has a hard coating that tends to coil, I had a 8wt line that has been streched repeatedly and still coiled.

Try some SA XPS on the 3 and SA GPX on the 5. I pulled a couple of reels with XPS out that I have have not used in years , no coils, leaders are like pig tails though.

[GUTHOOKED]

Over time it will loosen up - right about the time that the tip starts to sink. I'd recommend replacing it with a Cortland 444 or either of the SA lines that NC mentioned. So far, the only good thing I can find about Wonderline is that it makes great impromptu stringers when cut up in 2-3' pieces.

[fishnpreacher]

It works pretty good to tie up tomato vines too. Almost as good as some of those lines that come in the $49.99 Walmart kits ;)

[chrisfish]

The advice already given is more experienced than I can give. I would have to give two thumbs up to the SA mastery series. I have not used many lines, but once I got the SA I didn't see the need to try anthing else!

[jgrb]

Thanks for the advice and comments. I will try the SA lines mentioned. At least I do grow tomatos every summer.

[Josh Barnett]

For your four weight rod, may I suggest using either the SA AST Lines such as the Trout or GPX. They're really good because of all their outstanding characteristics. With AST, you'll never have to worry about the "coating" coming off. AST is a so-called "coat" that is embedded into the line, rather than being "painted" on like most other, less expensive, lines.

If you're interested in something a little "neater" I would suggest some of the Sage lines. They just came out with a new line for 2005. They may not have it on the Web yet, but check www.sageflyfish.com anyways. You can find them in the 2005 Sage Catalog if you can et your hands on one.

Don't be discouraged, though, Orvis makes an excelent line. Just need to be "broke in" sometimes. God Bless.

Joshua Barnett

[Drifter]

Orvis Wonderline has taken a lot of heat lately. At one time, you could get it on Ebay for about $20 a roll. "Memory" was always mentioned as its shortcoming.

I'd suggest Cortland 444 or SA Mastery Series.