C&F Line Pallet
Chris Bassano offers a solution
for wayward fly lines.
Line management is possibly the number one factor in determining how successful a fly fisher is. Whether it be managing line in the air, on the water or at your feet, total control is paramount. Two of these issues can be overcome by good casting and fishing practices, but there are times when controlling line at your feet is seemingly impossible.
Unfortunately, I have always disliked stripping baskets even more than unpicking my line from surrounding bushes. Firstly, they are awkward and cumbersome, and difficult to strip line into. They are hard to position and seem to get in the way, causing more trouble than they are worth. I have tried many makes and models and never been happy with their performance.
Recently I had the opportunity to try the new Line Pallet from C&F Design. I opted for the larger of the two designs as I am a rather violent stripper at times.
The base of the pallet is made from thick foam and in the case of the larger model (CFA 310), there are sixteen holes drilled out of it. Tapered, removable plastic spikes are then inserted into these holes to prevent the line from tangling. The entire pallet is extremely light and, being removable, the spikes can be taken out for ease of storage and transportation. The smaller version (CFA 300) has ten spikes. These push very tightly into the holes and at no point have I had them even suggest that they might come out while fishing. The spikes will float if dropped into the water and if you do mange to lose some, extras can be purchased. The number of spikes in both pallets is generous and I am sure there would be no adverse impact on the
effectiveness if some are misplaced.
The Line Pallets are a distinctive kidney shape in order for them to fit neatly around your upper thigh or waist. Two straps clip around your belt and a bungy cord goes around the upper thigh to keep it secure. By cleverly using foam to make the base, the bungy cord can be removed when wading in deep water and this will let the pallet float on the surface no matter what depth you are wading.
I recently waded some of the larger rivers of Tasmania’s north after heavy rain. Fishing a sinking line, I was able to wade out to drop-off's and cast without fear of the line sinking around my feet and getting tangled in all manner of obstacles. I have no doubt that those chasing fish species in the surf or in any wading and sinking line situation will find these invaluable.
Just when I thought it could not get any better, I decided to stick velcro on the underside of the pallet and stick it to the floor of my boat. On all but the windiest days it does a terrific job in preventing the line from blowing overboard. Why had I not tried this earlier?
If line management is an issue for you, these are worth the investment. Don’t disregard stripping aids until you have at least tried the C&F Line Pallet.
The RRP for the CFA 300 is $99.95 and the CFA 310 is $119.95.
Trade enquiries to Mayfly Tackle 03 9899 0034