Cheaters...

[Fats]

What size cheater would you be pairing up with a RIO 55O grn Skagit line? I've got an older 14' 9/10 wgt...

[BigOkieWhiteBoy916]

What size cheater would you be pairing up with a RIO 55O grn Skagit line? I've got an older 14' 9/10 wgt...

A Skagit line with a 27.5' head with a 15' leader would need a 8/9/10 5' cheater.

[Fats]

A Skagit line with a 27.5' head with a 15' leader would need a 8/9/10 5' cheater.

Ok... dumb question but I need to ask. When you are saying a 15' leader... is that one of the poly leaders or is that the 15' Tip section that RIO sells for the Skagit heads? Or... am I tying up my own 15' Fats style custom mono jobber!

Help a brother out!

[Rick J]

It depends on what length tips you are using. If you use the rule of 3 - total length should be around 42. Skagits are say 28' (can be a bit less) and a 15' tip would put you at the mark - no cheater. (Rule of 3.5 - you might want a 5' cheater).

If you are using T-14 in various shorter lengths you would likely want a 5' cheater.

I rarely use cheaters anymore and just adapt my cast to the shorter or longer line.

PS - I sent you a private message regarding an opportunity this weekend - Mike McCune will be on the river and this would be a great opportunity for you to try different line configurations and pick up some tips. I plan to make it over so give me a buzz if you can make it and we can hook up for a bit

Best regards,
Rick

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I see two 'Skagit' camps here:


1) Rule of 3 to 3.5 times the length of your rod for you total line length.

14 x 3 = 42'

Take your chosen Skagit line's length + tip you are using from 42' = cheater length.



2) Some are not using cheaters anymore.




PS: If you have a 14' #9/10 rod you might try some heavier Skagit lines on it.

[Fats]

It depends on what length tips you are using. If you use the rule of 3 - total length should be around 42. Skagits are say 28' (can be a bit less) and a 15' tip would put you at the mark - no cheater. (Rule of 3.5 - you might want a 5' cheater).

If you are using T-14 in various shorter lengths you would likely want a 5' cheater.

I rarely use cheaters anymore and just adapt my cast to the shorter or longer line.

PS - I sent you a private message regarding an opportunity this weekend - Mike McCune will be on the river and this would be a great opportunity for you to try different line configurations and pick up some tips. I plan to make it over so give me a buzz if you can make it and we can hook up for a bit

Best regards,
Rick


I got the PM and am seriously thinking about making the trip out... I can't commit just yet but... I'm really leaning that way.

[Fats]

I see two 'Skagit' camps here:


1) Rule of 3 to 3.5 times the length of your rod for you total line length.

14 x 3 = 42'

Take your chosen Skagit line's length + tip you are using from 42' = cheater length.



2) Some are not using cheaters anymore.




PS: If you have a 14' #9/10 rod you might try some heavier Skagit lines on it.


I got a really sweet deal in a 550 Grain Skagit that was used less than two hours... if it's not right for this rod (it may be on the light side) I'll look at getting my wife a Rod and outfit that does throw it well.

[Rick J]

Alan,
I plan to stop by Kiene's early in the AM - thye have ordered me a short skagit that I hope will be in. Will then head down to the river so should be there by 10 or even earlier. Not sure if you know the location but it is at the Watt Ave crossing - there is a charge to get into the park. You park just under the bridge and head down to the river.

I will have cheaters as well as a 650 grain skagit you can try on your rod. My cell is 707-355-1200

Best regards,
Rick

[Terry Thomas]

I don't know if there are really any "rules" in the two hand game of fishing. What works for some may not work for others. Simon Gawesworth was one of the first that I heard of that suggested a 3 to 3 1/2 "guideline" when it came to line lengths. Simon is now suggesting that you may even want to in crease that guideline to 3 to 4 1/2. There are many variables in fishing situations. How deep will you be wading? A person of average height may have different requirements in line length than a person who is on the tall side. I will introduce one other factor that hasn't been discussed with regard to "cheaters." Earlier this week I was testing the new Sage 8134 on the river. I was using a 5ft. cheater and the rod was performing great!. Jeff P. was down fishing with a friend and came by and also gave the rod a test. I was wondering how the rod might cast without the cheater. Jeff said that when casting heavy tips such as T-14, LC-13, or even some type 8 heads, you may get "dumping." A term used when the line does not turn over completely and just falls in a heap. I gave it a try and found that to be true in this situation. The added length helped to smooth out the turn over. I am not suggesting that this is the case in all situations. I would say that cheaters should be available to "tune" your rod with your stroke. The remmomendation that I would make is to take the time and get out there and CAST. See for yourself what works and don't be bound by "rules" set by others.

[Fats]

I'm going to try to be out on the River tomorrow. I'll take adavantage of any cheaters I can try... who knows, you may make a sale tomorrow depending on what works for me.

Rick I've got your cell phone in my Black Berry so I'll give you a call if I'm on my way. I'm looking forward to putting faces together with names.

Alan