Terenzio Fly Line
Blake Swadling examines an
artificial silk fly-line from Italy.
Silk lines and bamboo rods go hand in hand like… well, like silk lines and bamboo rods. Together they epitomise the essence of the fly fishing tradition, so when I was offered the opportunity to try out a line that reputedly had the performance of traditional silk without the associated maintenance overhead, I jumped at the chance. I found myself in possession of a Terenzio Artificial Silk Fly Line, hand crafted in Italy by Mr Terenzio Zandri (www.silkflylines.net), a maker of silk fly lines for almost 20 years.
These artificial silk lines are not solely the domain of bamboo aficionados and have been created with modern graphite rods in mind. Like the traditional version these lines are braided, however, rather than using silk, Mr Zandri has used synthetic fibres. The new material means that it is no longer necessary to remove the line from your reel and dry it at the end of each day—a great bonus if, like me, you are a little on the lazy side. The artificial silk lines do need to be dressed if you want them to float, though this isn’t mandatory. The tip can be left undressed if you require a sink tip, or simply leave the entire line undressed if an intermediate sink-rate is what you are after. Like their silk counterparts, these lines are reputed to last in excess of 20 years if cared for properly.
On the water, this line is an absolute pleasure to use and there are a couple of things to notice right away. Firstly, there is the distinctive zipping sound as the line runs through the guides; the texture from the braided construction makes it really sing. Secondly, the line retains almost zero memory and it lays out straight every time, even in cool weather. Like traditional silk lines, it has a slightly higher density, thus is smaller in diameter. Running a micrometer over the 4-weight DT version shows that it is approximately 25% finer than an SA XPS line of the same weight—a real bonus when presenting to wary fish in those small, clear creeks. An added advantage is that the thinner line makes it a little easier to cut through any breeze.
After I’d used the line for a few weeks, I thought I’d try some ‘real world’ treatment, and set out to see how it performed without being re-dressed after every session. I continued to use it for another four days without any additional treatment and it continued to float perfectly, and didn’t lose any of its suppleness (actually becoming more supple), and even after fishing for long periods in slightly dirty water it continued to shoot well.
These lines retail for $180, a little more than a modern plastic line, but the price difference is more than offset by the high level of performance and longevity of the line. If you are after a low memory, low maintenance line with the ability to deliver small flies with superior precision and delicacy, then this line should be at the top of your list.
Terenzio lines are superbly presented in an antique style box, and come with two braided silk leaders and a container of dressing. They are available in line weights from DT0 to DT6, as well as fractional weights (half and quarter weights) if so desired.
For more information on Terenzio silk lines, contact Nick Taransky on 02 6297 5134. www.taranskybamboo.com.au