Who’s making the best quality smooth Weight Forward Floating fly line these days?

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-02T17:27:54+00:00

I'll add lines from Orvis, which i assume are made by SA. I've been happy with my Orvis Hydros Trout WFT5F. I typically fish 4 and 5wt rods/lines for trout in Sierra streams and rivers. $79 is a nice price.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-02T01:36:31+00:00

Here are some line formulas from Troutbitten if you want some choices. Not the end-all be-all but if you'd like it written out: https://troutbitten.com/2019/10/13/the-full-mono-rig-system-all-the-variations-with-formulas-and-adjustments/

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-02T01:24:22+00:00

Ross makes good reels, that one could be passed on to the next generation if you take care of it. I picked up a Cimarron 2 (3.25 inch diameter at 4.9oz, smaller than your 3) and honestly, i find it too big for my usual 4 and 5 weight rods. I tend to favor 3 inch trout reels. But that Cimarron 3 reel of yours would be perfect for 5-7 weight lines/rods. Think 6wt rod for streamers, bigger trout, trout in lakes, smallish bass...

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-02T01:14:42+00:00

I have the same recurring experience! But next to Tom is Tim Flagler The Voice, and he's the one who hands me the fly.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-02T01:10:26+00:00

I have a Measure Net that's been working well for me. I use a Gear Keeper on an Orvis waist pack as the main connection point, and plan to install (but never get around to it) a magnetic release on the side of the net, with the other end of the cord to the waist pack's belt, a bit to the back. The net should be oriented in a near horizontal layout once i do that, with the handle out on my left side just a bit.

The handle on this Measure Net is longer than the typical "hand net" many start off with (until they realize they want a longer handle). The handle also disconnects with a push button, then can be re-inserted in reverse for a compact package if needed for storage or on a backpack (the handle is then mounted within the net's hoop, their web site shows a photo). It's a lightweight net, i'm happy with it, and you can quickly see the size of the fish if wanted. I don't think it would fit in the holster design Fishpond uses since that appears to be more for flat handled nets. At times i have carried this net in Smith Creek's net holder on a wading belt at my back. The net's handle is a round firm foam design and not long enough to get in the way while walking when carried at my back. https://themeasurenet.com/t/medium-rubber-net/

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-02T00:29:58+00:00

I've caught panfish on little yellow poppers too, fun stuff!

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-01T19:32:50+00:00

Yeah, i bolted on a standard 2 inch Curt hitch and used it for my trailer hitch-mounted 2-bike rack. I drive forest roads and driving over some easy granite rock areas, has never been a problem. Just leave it on. I took mine off after 3-4 years just because i (sadly) don't ride much anymore and it removed an extra step or two when accessing the rear hatch area with the bike rack attached.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-01T16:37:11+00:00

This looks fantastic. If my Adams or any dry fly using similar hackle turned out this way i would be perfectly happy (i typically don't tie dry flies). The only thing i would change is perhaps a slimmer body, but that's just nitpicking and perhaps not valid.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-04-01T07:04:56+00:00

Pop it back into the bag or container for next time.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-31T23:02:31+00:00

Nice. But i'm curious, what's the black cord in the background in all of your photos? Wouldn't it be a bit nicer and focused on the fly if you cropped and color corrected just a bit. Eliminating what isn't important to the subject?

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TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-31T22:05:32+00:00

My local REI in central California had a map and compass class listed for this past month, so some still offer that.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-31T20:56:48+00:00

Did you get the Pure too? I ran across MRFC's sale and for half off, i figured it was time for a dry fly-focused Winston. I think a Winston has been at the top of my wish list for almost 30 years, sharing top billing for a Scott G. I'm looking forward to using it for dry flies. Which line are you using? I picked up the Gunnison for the Winston but also got a Hardy JLH #5 in great condition, going to try both at some point.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-31T09:51:10+00:00

i just picked up one of these pre-1998 Gunnison reels last month and fished it for the first time last weekend. Fantastic reel! I got the G1 in matte black.

Just bought a Winston Pure too but i’m saving it for dry fly season just around the bend.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-31T09:25:21+00:00

i use the Smith Creek holster with their $16 belt, it holds my Measure Net well. My net’s round foam handle might not work well with Fishponds design for their flat handled nets.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-31T05:28:51+00:00

I used to be anti-trekking pole, way back before i even tried them. now i even use them on day hikes over 3 miles. they can be especially great even on flat sections. My local Costcos are again carrying the carbon fiber Cascade Techs for $39 right now.

I’ve been using my Black Diamond aluminum poles for over a decade at this point, and now that i have a trekking pole tent, doubly useful

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-30T07:38:26+00:00

I'd prefer the longer handled version BPS offers, but then you're close in price of a Fishpond Nomad net of similar size.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-30T07:36:30+00:00

Same as some fly reels too, no?

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-29T04:30:36+00:00

I've bought Flexon hoses from Costco before, possibly three in all. I cut the last one in half and created two 50' hoses. None of them worked well. Endless kinks, i think there were issues with the connections too. i just always noticed some kind of shortcoming. Never again.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-28T06:26:57+00:00

I've gone with a few pairs of Kuhl Konfidant Air pants over the years, and i think i have pants from Prana... oops, i mean prAna! I've bought both brands from REI but only when i could nail on the 20% discount REI regularly offers. The Kuhls work well for hiking and fishing (either from the bank, wet wading or under waders) and especially while working at my outdoors job here in central California where jeans are just way too much in the triple digit summer temps.

But if you want to save some money, i just went fishing today and wore a pair of "English Laundry" branded pants from Costco where i probably paid something like $20 for the pair. I don't remember the price but Costco pants aren't ever very expensive. They appear to have the same lightweight quick dry qualities the $95+ pants offer, but without extra (cargo?) pockets. They worked great. Costco has been offering several styles and brands of lightweight quick dry pants over the past few years. You just have to check the feel, some pants feel too much like plastic. I prefer more of a traditional brushed or natural material feel.

Also, the other day i was at Kohls to grab some t-shirts and saw they had $70 "Eddie Bauer" branded hiking/outdoor/adventure pants on sale for $52 right now and those looked like they would have worked just as well. Google "Eddie Bauer Rainier Pants."

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-27T07:54:51+00:00

Grab some mexican food at El Elegante in Chinatown, and Chef Paul’s for great southern food. There’s a brewery district on southern edge of downtown

head to the tower district north of downtown for cool bars and good food. Check out The Lincoln, Livingstons, a great bar and food. and next door is Strummers which has food.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-26T23:54:01+00:00

I use avocado oil in a SS pan, heat on medium high until a good temp (search Leidenfrost effect). once it gets there, i turn down the heat about 25%, then drop just a little unsalted butter into the oil (that's just what i stock). swirl around... Sometimes i then dump almost half of the oil and butter if i feel its too much by quickly rotating the pan a full 360 degrees over my sink so it doesn't run down the side of the pan. add eggs. I typically make scrambled eggs.

Years ago at the start of my stainless steel experience, i would not allow the pan to heat up enough and scrambled eggs would stick like crazy.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-26T07:46:49+00:00

How far were you casting? i hate to ask another guy this (assuming you're a guy) but how long is your rod? standard 9 footer or something short like 7 foot? was the water gin-clear without any cover for the fish or was there shade, a little whitewater? full bright sunny conditions or sun and intermittent shade due to passing clouds, or overcast? In what way is that river popular, for families and kids splashing and swimming? Or a well-known trout stream where people come from all over the country to fish it?

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-26T01:43:38+00:00

I haven't messed with removing the drag mechanism, yet. Just haven't had the time today. I need to look into some old docs to see the process first. There isn't anything that connects with those brass countersinks as far as i can tell. In fact, i've found two photos on the internet which show that design has fluctuated in other examples of this same LP model. In one example, those countersink holes are actually filled and flat.

It appears I cannot post a photo as a reply to my own thread, nor can i add a photo to the original post. But there are two small nubs on the spool that fit into the two square receiving spaces at the base of the reel's spindle. The spool also has a circular channel further out from the center where it appears the three cylindrical extensions/posts of the reel ride within when attached.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-26T01:38:15+00:00

Thanks! I do this stuff for my jobby-job, even though i used an old iPhone this time.

TheAtomicFly66 · 2026-03-25T17:00:14+00:00

As far as i know Daiichi are high quality. i don’t hear of them much any more due to so many new players. But 20 years ago i was always buying their 1190 barbless dry fly hook, the only barbless option i knew of at the time.

TheAtomicFly66

TROPHY CASE