RIO TARPON LINES
Cameron Jones follows up on another new saltwater fly line.

Whether you frequent tropical locations or spend your time wading the flats of a coastal estuary most anglers would agree that a clear-tip fully intermediate fly line is one of the most versatile tools you could own. Over the past 10 years the demands for such lines has grown dramatically to the point where they are now standard issue for saltwater fly rodders. Some lines cast well but lack durability, while others become sticky in warmer conditions and restrict an angler’s ability to cast efficiently.

Rio’s Tarpon line is 110 ft (33.5 m) overall and has a total head length of around 36–40 feet. It is available as a floating line, or as a floating line with a 9ft AquaLux intermediate sinking tip or in the case of the line we tested (WF8/I), a full aqua intermediate line with a 9.5 ft clear AquaLux tip (1.5 ips 4 cm/s).

Continuing on from the many positive attributes of the Clouser lines described in FlyLife #35, the Tarpon Line has all the same features and benefits, plus the added bonus of being an intermediate line. With a hard, smooth coating on a stiff single strand monofilament core, the Tarpon fly line can carry heavy flies long distances with improved casting accur-acy being achieved by the same short forward taper as the Clouser. The back taper is also short to load a rod quickly.

I put the line through its paces during several trips on the flats targeting flathead and bream in Port Hacking and Swansea. Fishing was made more enjoyable due to the fact that the line doesn’t tangle up like other lines I currently own. The stiffer line sprang from on the deck of the boat or stripping basket, something even my mate Chris Beech agreed on during his brief experience with the line in Port Phillip and Western Port Bay. Only on the coolest of days (understandably) would this line get any minor line-memory, but pulling the line out in three-foot sections and giving it a good stretch easily corrected this. From then on it cast like the proverbial ‘cut snake.’

In close quarters on bream and bass it was deadly, something the guys up north are going to love when pursuing barra. The new Tarpon line is a huge plus, offering some impressive features that tropical guides are going to love, and I am sure they will be advising clients to follow suit.

For more information: www.rioproducts.com
Trade enquiries Clarkson Imports & Dist 03 9755 5377.