I'm looking to possibly build a fly rod this winter. My waters are deep and wondering do any of you use fully sinking fly lines? are they harder to cast? I prefer fiberglass just because you can abuse and neglect them and they still perform. I would probably use two spools one with full sinking line, then one with leadcore line for trolling.

The problem I see is that most modern glass rods load under their own weight, and the makers intent is to make an easy casting "sweet action" rod to be used with floating lines. That said some sink tips and integrated heads can work- I use Teeny 250 on my 1970's vintage Curt Gowdy 8'6" glass, and that rod has a stiffer tip and semi- parabolic action.

But I gotta ask when you want to get below 10 depth why not go to conventional tackle? That's what I would do. But heck do it and report back what you think.

Les

Well, the stuff I do, not even conventional tackle is enough. I handline almost all the time:


My waters are deep and fairly clear, where 20 ft deep is shallow fishing. I've ,moved to leadcore, eight ounce sinkers, droppers off the shank like walleye handlininers do up on the Detroit River.

I have enough parts to build a fly rod other than a blank, but my fishing has gone in a totally different direction than rod-&-reel.I was just kicking around the idea, but the more I think about the more I'm like you.

Then look at the TFO 5/6 glass blank - more of a 7 weight and it might work. Call TFO to see if there are any blanks still around. Or peruse eBay for 9/10 weight Garcia conolons - strip 'em down and build 'em back to your specs. These backs lack the soul of some glass out there but you could haul in a truck with the power they have...

and by the way I really like your video. I like the unconventional approach to fishing.

Les

Nice video! I've never tried hand line fishing, it looks like fun.

IMO, glass and a sinking line = a long day. Glass was built long before sinking fly lines, and is way too slow. You would probably have to underline significantly. I would advise against.

i will not use glass rod for sinking line
that will be pain in the a to cast, hard to set the hook, hard to reel in big fish quickly.