Rio Skagit head choice for 13' 7wt ACR explorer?

[Steelie-Stalker]

Can anyone help me out? i'm trying to match up a rio skagit shooting head with the 13'1" 7wt Anderson Custom Rod explorer series?

I think a 525 would work out?

Thanks!
Ryder

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

500-550 grains

[SPG]

Unless you are trying to cast T-14 tips to deliver a massive fly, please consider the Scandi line/head ( 32.5 feet @ 446 grains) developed specifically for that rod by Gary Anderson. It can be setup to cast T-11 or ZINC 10 and has much more finesse. I believe in the right tool for the right job and It is my oppinion that Skagit is rarely the right tool for Oregon and Calif. steve

[Rick J]

If you think about it, a scandi line comes with a taper so it would seem it would have more finesse and a lighter presentation but if using a floating line you will be adding a floating tip to a skagit line and I would submit that will have a similar taper. I have two Vision ACE scandi lines for my little Fisher converted switches but the belly on these lines are every bit as big as a similar skagit line. So a tapered floating tip on a skgit system will give you a similar "delicate" presentation as a scandi line.

If going with sink tips you may still get tapered tips unless you are using the T stuff that is level - in that case the skagit system would not have as much finesse but you will need to use the sinking leaders out there with the scandi system that will not turn over bigger flies as easily as a true sink tip.

My thoughts are a skagit system is more versitle than a scandi system as you can use it to either throw big heavy stuff more easily and can set it up so it can do a functional job as a floater with smaller flies.

Regarding your original post I would think the 525 grain would be a nice fit though I have not cast that particular rod - On my Scott 1287 I throw a 550 most of the time but also throw a cut back 650 which comes in around 575 grains for bigger flies and heavier tips

[Steelie-Stalker]

Thanks for the help! I think im gonna go with the 525...the rod comes with Gary's scandi line and i'll just cut the head and running line and get some welded loops done so i have kind of an interchangeable scandi/skagit, depending on where and how i'm fishing.

Jeez, after all these questions you would wonder if i'm ever actually getting a spey setup...

This week!!!

Thanks again,
Ryder

[Rick J]

the best of both worlds if you can have both lines to cover a multitude of situations!! Have fun!!!!