cheap line vs quality line

[Hendrik84]

Hi all

Great forum this and I have a question for the more experienced hands regarding casting distance. My first rod was a entry level xplorer 5/6 wt 904 combo with a prespooled reel. Although my casting can definitely still improve I only manage to cast the flyline about 16m (excl leader). Now casting far is not everything and while I have been mostly nymphing it out there will be scenarios where a long line will definitely be needed.

I spent more on my heavier/saltwater setup going for a xplorer classic 2 8/9 wt 904 and again for "cheaper" line as the 9wt floating elbe line was the only saltwater line that I could urgently lay my hands on. I doubt at a price of R115 it will qualify as premium flyline. With this setup i can cast up to 17/18m (again from the tip of the rod to where leader starts) at best.

Now as i have mentioned i am still trying to improve my casting and obviously devouring all the content on this forum in the process but i still want to ask whether anyone thinks by upgrading my line i will immediately add a few meters to my casting? And which lines will suffice as "good enough" in your opinion?

Regards and thanks!

[Andre]

It sounds a bit like its a combination of two things, your cheap line which plays a lesser factor, and your casting, which needs some looking at. I suggest that you go for some casting instruction before you lay out on an expensive line.

[DJR]

An hour of help from a good casting instructor and then a little bit of daily practice to lay the newly learnt movement down permanently, will probably make a much bigger difference than an expensive flyline alone.

[Hendrik84]

Thanks guys, very helpful

I'm watching a lot of youtube and reading on the web and then obviously going to the park and practicing what ive seen/read

[Sam_981]

Hendrik,
I'm a novice myself and have been fly fishing for about a year. Good advice given by Andre and else. Go for instruction but keep it short. I've been to two different instructors (and paid a lot of money) only to find that they wanted me to cast the way THEY do. I'm left handed and my stance is with the left foot forward which to them is not right and wanted me to change my stance, which to me was uncomfortable. I've kept the basics shown to me by them and PRACTICED. Many hours of it, my OWN style and not theirs. I still do. With enough practice you will find your own rhythm, which is very important. Start with the basic 11 o'clock, STOP, 1 o,clock, STOP, sequence. Just remember that the STOPS must abrupt and the forward and backward false casting be smooth and not yerky. Build on it from there. To me, a new, more expensive line made a hell of a differance. Today I can cast a full line WITHOUT single and or double hauling. Practice with your cheap line and then go for the more expensive one. You won't be sorry. Casting a fly line is not easy but with enough practice you will be there throwing a great line. All the best to you.

[Booger Rose]

Never buy a cheap line!

[core fly]

Sam that is impressive to cast a full line without hauling.I have never really tried it as hauling assist getting the line out quicker.What rod and line are you using?

[Sam_981]

G'day,

I use a 4 weight, 10' Sage One with a 5 weight Scientific Anglers Mastery Series, Uniform Sink +, Type II, Weight Forward, 90' line. It can be done, it just take a lot of practice and that is what I do.

[Andre]

I have to disagree. Theres nothing worse than a cheap sinking line that doesn't sink according to the DI.

Unless it is a sinking line.

[Gerrit Viljoen]

Put some distance in your cast buy Airflo.