Jottings from a Speybum Note Book

Mar 24, 2005

Introduction of Skagit Lines 2005

Introduction of Skagit Lines 2005

New for 2005 Rio proudly introduces the Skagit Spey Lines. After extensive field-testing by noted casters Mike McCune, Scott O’Donnell and Ed Ward along with others in the spey community, the new Skagit Lines are ready for the market place. Available in 450 grains 7/8, 550 grains 8/9, 650 grains 9/10 and 750 grains 10/11.

Based on the McCune-O’Donnell formula, Rod/Line match ups work out as follows:

7-weight rod matched with a 450 (7/8) Skagit line.

Rod length 13’6’’ or under go with straight Skagit 450 (no cheaters).

Rod length 14’ formula = 450 Skagit plus 5 (5 foot cheater).

Rod length 15’ formula = 450 Skagit plus 10 (10 foot cheater).

8-weight rod matched with 550 (8/9) Skagit line.

Rod length 13’6’’ or under go with straight Skagit 550 (no cheaters).

Rod length 14’ formula = 550 Skagit plus 5 (5 foot cheater).

Rod length 15’ formula = 550 Skagit plus 10 (10 foot cheater).

9-weight rod matched with 650 (9/10) Skagit line.

Rod length 13’6’’ or under go with straight Skagit 650 (no cheaters).

Rod length 14’ formula = 650 Skagit plus 5 (5 foot cheater).

Rod length 15’ formula = 650 Skagit plus 10 (10 foot cheater).

As you can see from the above the basic Skagit line/rod formula will depend on rod length with the enhanced use of the Skagit Cheaters (cheaters of matching size). The cheaters will come in both 5’ and 10’ lengths, both in floating and compensator (intermediate) formats round out the formula. When selecting the appropriate set of cheaters follow the Skagit number, for example a 550 Skagit is a 8/9, use a 8/9/10 Skagit Cheater.

Below you will find a run down of Sage Rods with appropriate Skagit Line match-ups;

6126-3 Skagit 7/8 450 grain or WindCutter 9/10/11 off the back loop (23’, 320 grains).

7141-4 (this one doesn’t follow the standard format) Skagit 8/9 550 grain + 5’ 8/9/10 cheater.

8136-4 Skagit 8/9 550grain

9140-4 (another one that doesn’t follow the per-se chart) Skagit 8/9 550 grain + 5’cheater

9141-4 Skagit 9/10 650 grain + 5’ cheater (the “teacher’s” pet is awesome with this!)

9150-4 two choices here (1) Skagit 8/9 550 grain with 10’ cheater. (2) Skagit 9/10 650 grain with 5’ cheater.

10150-4 TCR Skagit 10/11 750 grain +10’ cheater (10/11/12 Cheaters).

As you can see form doesn’t necessary follow function. In that rod/line weight can be adjusted based on rod action, see 7141 above. Although not an exact science the above charts are generally user friendly with some exceptions as noted above. No doubt other rod companies will have these same non-match up/match ups.

Skagit Lines are purely a design for use with sink-tips. To be sure most fishing will be with type 6,8 and T-14 tips in 9,11,13,15 foot lengths. With 15’ being the standard sink tip length. Aqualux as well as type 3 tips can and will apply depending on strategy or seasonality.

The Skagit Lines are new and are proving to be an effective tool in the art of spey casting. The idiosyncrasy of rod to line match ups will continues to emerge in the coming months as spey casters give these lines a try.

George Cook

Eric Neufeld

Anglers Rendezvous

River Run Anglers 2004