The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

hello board. I have a sage SLT 9-0 4wt and was wondering what type and manufacture would be a good choice for this rod.

The SLT is a medium-fast rod so I would suggest a Rio Selective Trout or a SA Trout 4wt line. You may want to consider a double taper line so when you wear out one end you can reverse the line and use the other end.

Good luck

Jet

On the other hand, you may never wear out the double taper line, or it may be so funky that you chuck it when the first end wears out. If the rod is medium fast, I prefer a WF line, especially if I am going to be doing any small stream work, where a 30' cast is the exception.

I have no issues with Cortland 444 lines (do NOT buy a 555) or one of the lines that Jim Teeny developed for Gary LaFontaine. I REALLY like the Teeny WF.



standard disclaimer....

Buying line is a total pain in the butt and I'm always surprised how different they will cast. Plus, what casts well when you test it with a piece of yarn will fish very differently when nymphing. I would recommend borrowing a couple reels if you can or see if a shop has any reels strung up for demos. I've bought too many lines, only to find others that cast much much better.

If I had to pick...I usually go with a weight forward or ideally even heavier taper. They make nymphing more enjoyable and kick butt in the wind, but they make delicate presentations when dry fly fishing more difficult.

Good luck.