I have the standard basspro setup line on my 5 wt. I have noticed it has some memory and it seems like the end doesnt float quite as readily as it should.

So i was thinking about investing in a new line and wanted to get some ideas. I dont necessary need to spend $100 on a line, but I wanted to get some tips for an upgrade.

Thoughts?

Scooter_aggie,
There plenty of good lines out there. IMO- keeping 'em clean is the key to performance and longevity.
So that said, $25.00 Aircell will work and so will $40.00 Headstart (part of the SA Mastery series) You don't *need* to buy $60 or $70 lines to get performance.

Les

The headstart lines are a real deal. They are designed to load well on short casts and incorporate the best technology SA has. IMHO you can't go wrong with one unless you have some specialized needs in a line. Having said that...my personal favorite is the cortland classic series.

Orvis.com recently put several different lines in their clearance section. Some of the lines are only $24. I've heard mixed reviews on the Orvis lines, but I've had good luck with the Orvis lines I've used.

I've been using SA's GPX lines most of the time recently, but it runs in the $60 to $70 range.

Also, you can sometimes find a good deal on fly lines at Sierra Trading Post.

Have fun,
Rex

Scooter, I second the stress on keeping the line clean. The tip sinking is a classic sign that the line needs cleaning. Give that a shot before you replace the line, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Line manufacturer's keep tweaking with the tapers and coatings on their lines, so they are constantly discontinuing one version and bringing out a new one. That means there are lots of fly shops and online outfitters with good prices on clearance lines. Check there before you pay full dollar for a premium line.

sierra trading post is a liquidator for many fly fishing companies & often have good line cheap, discontinued line can often be found on eBay also, shops going out of bizzness (while a sad occasion) can have good deals too. You may want to get on email list for a few suppliers, I get emails every day from at least one of them with good deals on stuff (including line sometimes).

I hadnt looked in while & just went to eBay & bought Brand new SA Mastery Bass Line WF-9F (perfect for an 8 weight) for 29 bucks, I saw some other deals also.

What they said....I can't agree enough with keeping the line clean. Dish soap and a paper towel or washcloth, pulling the line through, you'll be slightly amazed at the gunk and yuck that comes off of your line.

Now, it's off to the internetz for fly lins shopping.

wind your line onto something larger off the reel; it will take the memory out of it if you let it stay overnight; I use this little cage i made with wooden dowels and some lumber scraps. I clean it; leave it on the cage; then buff the line with a cloth when i wind it back on the reel; it works; removes the memory caused by the small spool-p-

That is engineeringly inspirational.

Thanks for all the hints everyone. P that is definitely a very cool line de-memorizer. I will clean my line and start watchin for deals.