“Frankenstein Lines” | Fly line logic
I have put off this entry for several years now because fly line innovation is a topic that changes from season to season, with fly lines and their ever-changing tapers, line logic, and often mind-numbing combinations. The substrates, additives, applications, and newer fly rods are now all key factors in the development of the most modern fly lines. It's a topic that sometimes outdates itself in days, not years. Fly lines back when I started fly fishing in the 80s consisted of a limited number of taper configurations. Most of the Cortland line that I used, the Classic 444 lines, were great lines that did precisely what they were designed to do. There were Double Taper and Weight Forward lines for different-weight rods. Many of us were loading the Cortland 444 Peach colored lines through bamboo with excellent results. As a matter of fact, I primarily use the Peach 444 DT line, which has an 8-foot taper, to this day. I started using Terenzio DT silk lines from Italy in the late 90s. These are the two go-to line types I test all my rod tapers with, using this line as a basic control group.
Stepping aside from the line classics for a bit and talking strictly about the lines currently being developed, we see trends taking strange twists and turns. This is driven by marketing and product development. One example is the “creek” rod phenomenon, primarily slower-action graphite or ultralights. The newer lines are pretty much what I call “Frankenstein Tapers.” For example, “Creek” lines are designed much like DT lines, with a 5' to 8' tapered head section, but with shorter bodies with a relatively short taper on the rear reminiscent of a shooting line. Additionally, these lines are sometimes one weight heavier, or maybe 25% heavier, to make it even more convoluted. Overloading rods for the sake of creating “ultralight shootability” for lack of a better description is one perspective, but I'm not sold on it.
Now manufacturers are putting their fingers on the trigger after the whole fiberglass craze has slowed down a bit. Pushing and developing slower graphite is a terrific and current venture. Unfortunately, which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Are the rods driving the lines, or are the lines driving the rods? Your guess is as good as mine. I do, however, see a light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that the slower graphite rods are being carefully engineered for a larger, very receptive audience. There are numerous rod manufacturers, not only in the United States but also in South Korea, that have made their mark in this category. I have cast many of the Korean counterparts' rods, specifically the “moderate” action blanks, and they are superb casting tools. Set aside political or socio-economic differences and look at the product itself. Better yet, do a blind fold test and cast the rods with your buddies. Yeah, a real eye opener. Especially when considering running lines through 1k rods next to $400.00 rods with jaw-dropping results. But I digress: the fly line engineers are clearly creating specialty tapers for all types of rods and fly fishers, with a myriad of applications. Because the rods have become specialized, creating more specialty lines is a bit of a no-brainer. I have cast many of these lines, and I test new lines every week. Most of these lines are wonderful for the correct applications. But if you pair the wrong line with the wrong rod when lines get this specific, things can go haywire quick. I do believe that these “moderate” action graphite rods are very forgiving and work really well with a multitude of these specialty lines.
In general, the engineering and quality of these lines are excellent. Scientific Anglers, Rio, Cortland, and Airflo, to name a few, are mainstream lines that all offer excellent, high-quality products. The problem I see across the board is in the copywriting, specifically for each individual line. The line logic needs to be sorted out and filtered. When lines like Rio Creek are paired with specific rods like Sage, because of a purposeful mutual design decision to overline a rod, you're diluting your brand line logic. Scientific Anglers did the same thing with their GP lines, making them one-quarter heavy. Splitting hairs can erode the brand's strength. Novices to the sport have been asking me about these lines, and unfortunately, I cannot make sense of them myself because the benefits don't outweigh the confusion they have caused. There is no narrative component in the point-of-sale collateral regarding its worth or legitimacy.
Many of these lines are game changers for their specific design intent. Again, where it gets tricky is the writing and marketing behind these ever-changing products. I will use some concrete examples, so bear with me. If you read the copy for Cortland fly lines, specifically the trout line category, much of what I currently read is very line-specific. They do not mention the intended rod to pair with the lines, ie, glass bamboo, “slower action graphite”, moderate action, etc. This is actually an intelligent tactic because it intentionally aims to be inclusive of a wide array of rod types. Kudos to Cortland's copywriters.
If line manufacturers are trying to chase a specific target audience for “Creek” rods, then explain it directly and simply so doubt does not creep back into your existing product lines.
Cortland does a great job explaining their “Headwaters” line. It's concise, simple, and highly believable, especially when considering their new true-to-weight tapers. They make no rod action recommendations in the feature and benefits copy. This line literally can work wonderfully for many types of rods, not just a select niche group. The copywriters did their jobs. They expressed the copy in a manner that opens the door for many end users, such as glass, bamboo, and graphite fly fishers.
Most of my fellow fly fishers are purchasing these new Cortland lines simply because they make sense. Making your product understandable and purposeful makes it believable. The written design intent needs to accompany these lines in the same way Cortland has postured it in the example above. Let's face it, a lot of these newer lines work well in many types of rods. Trying to cubbyhole these specialty lines is futile; instead, all of them should be open to interpretation. Using the Cortland Headwaters line as an example, I have tested this line through cane, graphite, and glass, all with excellent results. Now, if Cortland said “made for moderate to slow action fly rods,” you have just limited your sales incredibly. So you get my gist here from a copy standpoint.
Most of the aforementioned fly line brands have exceptional products, but many need to rethink their marketing tactics for everyone's sake. This entry prompts readers to experiment with these new lines with an open mind and to consult with their local fly shops as well. Ultimately, they are the ones who are stewards for the sport and can give you an informed recommendation based on the rods you are using and the types of water you are fishing. Your casting style also determines your choices. These specialty “Frankenstein Lines,” as I like to call them, are here to stay, but as we all know, Frankenstein wasn't a bad guy, just a bit misunderstood.
Thanks for letting me share, Clint Bova cbova@columbus.rr.com www.cjbovarods.com
