Sharkskin Ultimate Trout Taper
Chris Beech gets his teeth into the latest line from Scientific Anglers.
By now, most fly fishers would have heard of the ‘Sharkskin’ fly line that was released by Scientific Anglers last September. Like many people, I was a little sceptical about some of the claims; but having used Scientific Anglers lines for most of my fly fishing life, I had some faith in the advertising. Testing this line over some months has proven an interesting task, and dispelled some of the Internet chat-room myths.
The major difference that everybody will notice is the textured finish or, micro-repeating structures. SA has invested a great deal of R&D into the new finish (as well as the name). The revolutionary texture of the Sharkskin fly line is said to reduce guide friction, improve floatation and reduce glare. Water is repelled better due to the surface texture of the fly line, and SA claims that the coating integrity and durability is enhanced. In other words, they say it will last longer. In fact, three times longer.
The surface texture of the line also enhances floatability. Coupled with the non-glare finish you would think that most dry fly fishers’ dreams had come true. But wait—there’s more! The surface finish of the line aids casting in a number of ways. Line friction is greatly reduced, which increases ‘shootability’.
It also seems to gain an aerodynamic effect which causes the line to float in the air and land lightly on the water. Water shedding is also improved. The lines feature Dry Tip Technology and seamless Streamlined Loops. Oh, I almost forgot—they have no memory!
That’s enough about the new finish. The new taper design is outstanding! Dubbed the Ultimate Trout Taper, I think they got the name right. I have had some one-on-one time with this line coupled to the new Scott S4 and it seems a match made in heaven. Casts of any distance are effortless whether it’s 10-ft off the tip or leaning back into a 100-ft long shot (well, it’s a long shot for me to pull one off!).
Now, to dispel a few myths... Yes, the textured finish can be felt by your finger tips. Will it tear your fingers up after a day’s fishing? Hardly! To my hands, it is little different to the intermediate Striped Bass, Bonefish and Tarpon lines most saltwater fly fishers use. Is the line noisy through the guides? In the park, it certainly is. On the water it’s a different matter. A wet line is always much quieter than a dry one and on the water I didn’t even notice it until I thought about it afterwards.
Does the water that is shed on the pick-up spook fish? No—it’s a very fine drizzle and is a long way from the fish when it’s picked up. It’s gone by the first back-cast. Does the line pick up dirt? No, it doesn’t. I deliberately set out several times in very dirty water to check this out, and it didn’t happen. The textured surface actually seems to shed dirt as you cast—eliminating build-up. Does it last three times as long? We’ll have to find that one out together.
The big question is: does this line live up the price tag? I will say this—Scientific Anglers has introduced us to a superb floating fly line. The taper is fantastic, and if you’re looking for a no memory, low glare, high floating, low maintenance, cast-any-distance, durable and long lasting floating fly line, you won’t have to look any further. Given it should last three times as long, it becomes the economical choice.
Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Ultimate Trout Taper fly lines are available in weight-forward line weights #3 to #8 in chartreuse or blue heron (light grey) for rrp $149.95. Trade enquiries to Mayfly Tackle 03 9899 0034