New Rio Skagit Short lines

[Jasonh]

For those of you that were able to attend Mike McCune's clinic on the American a few weeks ago know that Mike is a big fan of these lines and one of his favorite set ups is a Sage Z-Axis 5126-4 with a 375 grain Rio Skagit Short and a 10' sink tip. I have been able to play around with this set-up in the last week and it is a dream to cast. Very effortless and fun to fish from trout to smaller steelhead.

I have also played around with a of these lines on a variety of switch rods and they match up very well. A good all around setup for these lines are 10' tips of T-8, T-11, T-14, or for those that like type3,6,8 tips simply cut them back to 12'.

Give us a call at the shop if you have any questions about the new Rio Skagit Shorts or would like us to dial one in for you favorite switch or spey rod.

Jason Hartwick

[steelie4me]

Hi, Jason:

Good to hear this advice. I regularly fish a ZAxis 6126 with a windcutter, and it fishes ok, but I seem to run out of steam casting it. Looking for an easier casting line for this.

Also, what do you recommend for a ZAxis 1106 switch rod? I just purchased one and now am looking for a line for it. Rio claims to have a nice line Skagit Short, but what weight? How long should I be looking at for tips?

I also use these rods for long distance indicator nymphing occasionally, so a floating tip and probably T-8, 11 and 14 will do.

Thanks for your help.

[Jasonh]

Hi Steelie4me,

A good choice for the 6126 would be a Rio Skagit Short 475. This will allow you to throw heavy tips and larger flies with ease. These lines are also very easy to cast and take a lot of work out of casting. If you are looking at a little longer head that is still easy to cast, Airflo's Compact Skagit 450 is a perfect match for that rod. It measures at 23' and 450 grains.

For you 1106 switch I would recommend the Rio Skagit short 375. I have cast this set up a couple of times and it's great. Match it up with any 10' sink or floating tip and you are ready to go.

Rick J put up some great info on the Rio Skagit shorts in the spey section with a little feedback as well on the 6126. Also if you have any questions, please fell free to contact us at the shop.

Jason Hartwick