Where To Get Running Line for a Shooting Head?

[Golden Rainbow]

I'm struggling to find running line to attach to my shooting head - none of the online fly shops seem to have them. Any suggestions on where I can get some or what materials can work to substitute some of the specialised running lines? Would be great to hear what you guys use for your running lines...

[Kevin James]

Hey mate,

The shooting head you are using, is it for salt or for fresh water?
Also what weight set up.

I have made up quite a few running lines over the years for specific situations.
Deep water dredging over reefs, fishing the Tongariro in New Zealand and general distance casting.

Perhaps a little bit more info and we can see what best suits the situation.

Your quickest fix at the moment and probably the easiest solution would be to get a level floating line and use that - most tackle shops should have one lying around. They aren't as popular as they used to be. Another alternative is using hollow core braid or dacron as a running line, but this is prone to tangling in windy conditions. Ideally you need to run a light but stiff mono up the guts and stretch to buggery. Whip finish both ends with a small loop and you're set.

[Korrie]

I know some guys that use to take the nylon braid, and thread thick mono thru it. Worked like a charm, but a bit of tedious work to do.

Another gentleman, took the nylon braid and pulled it thru wax, also worked well.

Remember this is not backing braid, but nylon braid used for making loops.

[Vlamgat]

I was in a pinch last year at St Francis with an empty reel and a 7/8Wt shooting head for my estuary setup.
I found reels of the hollow braid as per Korrie and Kevin above at Commercial Marine.
I used it as is from my boat as a shooting line and it is ok except noisy over the eyes.
Tangled now and again but I am still using it like that for big streamers on Vaal.

[Korrie]

You can also take the back section of an old fly line and splice it or loop to loop it with braid to the shooting head.
think I have a couple of fly lines if you require a back section.

[igfafly]

or just use mono - 30 or 50lb - loop on each end to attach to head and off you go...once head is outside the guides you know you are carrying the right weight and then shoot it.

Steve

[Korrie]

did you get running line.
Got some 50 pounds in a cupboard if you require

[Golden Rainbow]

Hey guys. Thanks I found an unused Rio Slick Shooter hiding at the bottom of one of fishing bags. Had memory like an elephant but I stretched it out overnight and it should work okay now.