FIELD TEST RESULTS Back in January of this year we were paid a visit by former Orvis and Lamson product design engineer, John Harder. John has a storied history of introducing revolutionary ideas to the fly fishing industry, and, is probably one of the most respected individuals among fly tackle dealers nationwide. It seems that he had once again been faced with a fork-in-the-road regarding his career path and elected to pursue an opportunity that RIO Products had offered him and move his family to Idaho. Anyone that has developed a relationship with John over the years knows him for his honest, no BS demeanor and willingness to listen to the comments of retailers, whether positive or constructive. After an hour or so of friendly banter, I was posed with the question, "How can RIO best serve your individual needs?" It didn’t take long to express my concern that RIO address the requirements of the Northeast inshore fly fisherman, and develop an intermediate, clear, fly line specifically designed to perform under the conditions we encounter in the North Atlantic. John was in total agreement and pledged to forward a prototype as soon as they became available. A few months passed and our initial conversation was just a distant memory when a manila enveloped arrived, and in it, a WF-9-I, RIO Striped Bass, AquaLux fly line. Until this point, I personally, was an ardent champion of SA’s Coldwater, Clear, Striper Line, and had been totally satisfied with all aspects of performance, but one, it’s reluctance to accept a diversity of knots, both fore and aft. Now traditionally I commence my season the first week of May and continue with vigor until the swamp maples turn scarlet in October, often facing a variety of fishing situations, but more importantly, a variety of water temperatures which is the true test for mono clear fly lines of this nature. After field testing this product throughout the entire 2000 season I am issuing the following report: Product: RIO WF-9-I, Striped Bass, Clear
AquaLux Fly Line
As you can detect from the field testers report I was totally enamored with this product. Since I am reluctant to use a shooting basket, I am prone to impart memory into the fly line, particularly on warm, arid days. The AquaLux Line was reluctant to sustain noticeable coiling and maintained it’s consistent texture throughout the season. Another important feature of this line worth mentioning is, since the core is bonded to the coating, backing to fly line and fly line to butt section attachments are a breeze using only conventional knot configurations. If the need should arise for a premium, intermediate fly line during the 2001 season, you would do yourself a service to consider the RIO AquaLux, Striper Line. You won’t be disappointed. JB |
Coiling/Memory:
9