Scientific Anglers Sharkskin Lines
Scott Mitchell tests a saltwater range.
I know these lines are not so new and most of you would have heard about them and the claims that came with them when released back in 2008. What I find interesting is the general lack of feedback and acceptance from the wider fly fishing community of what is truly a significant advance in fly-line technology.
I know fly anglers are a traditional lot having operated a specialist fly-fishing store for more than 15 years. I will also clarify up-front that I’ve built a long term relationship with SA after fishing with most fly-line brands over many years.
So is all the hype warranted? After fishing extensively with a number of the saltwater Sharkskin tapers over the last 12 to 18 months it is a resounding, yes.
I know the textured finish has its detractors. 3M’s proprietary microreplication technology is a radical move away from a typically smooth-surfaced line finish. Its micro textured surface decreases contact with the rod guides and the water surface. It also traps air to improve line shooting and floatation, while eliminating line flash and reducing friction. All of this comes with added durability, allowing the line to last up to twice as long. Because of the increased surface area, the lines sit higher in the water, offering less drag and easier mending, roll casting and pick-ups with less water spray.
One thing I did notice with this reduced friction was a feeling of being ‘underlined’ when fishing with the weight rated for my rod (the new G.Loomis NRX series). This was also noticeable when picking up off the water or ‘water hauling’. I have now gone up one line weight on each of my rods to balance this effect and to suit my casting style, and I could not be happier with the effortless casting these lines provide.
These lines benefit those of us who enjoy the demands of sight-fishing, and anglers looking for the ultimate in line control. Having a more pronounced tactile feel than a smooth line gives you a better sense of how much line slips through your fingers while false casting. Line control is critical on the water, and these lines provide anglers with no less than three (visual, audio and tactile) indicators for tracking it. I have also noted that Sharkskin lines require less cleaning to keep them slick.
If you intend to do a lot of blind-casting and prospecting, you may have an issue with the line’s abrasiveness on your stripping fingers. This is easily resolved with any sort of finger protection/stall. I have found the Fulling Mill fingerstalls are excellent, and use three to spread the wear.
The Sharkskin lines I’ve fished include the Saltwater Clear Tip, which is my favourite flats-fishing line with its 16-ft intermediate sinking head section and high floating belly and running line. The ‘Magnum Tropic’ full floating taper is my go-to line for fishing shallow water or when using surface flies. This line is half a line-weight heavier than the stated rating which aids again in balancing the reduced friction of the Sharkskin finish.
However, I still run one line weight over on the G.Loomis NRX’s for personal performance. This line loads fast up-short, making it ideal for both sight fishing or fishing short around structure like snags.
The new Sharkskin Intermediate Tarpon Taper is a great line ideally suited to many applications with a tropical finish to handle the heat. I have used this line in a #12 for chasing longtail tuna around Hervey Bay, and on local rivers for barra. The line performs just like any other intermediate and is ideal for accurate presentations, while maintaining great shootabilty for distance as well, making it a very versatile saltwater line.
If you have not tried Scientific Anglers’ Sharkskin series of lines I can strongly suggest you do. I’m confident you won’t be disappointed. And if you are still concerned about the finish, SA has released a new milder ‘Textured Series’ as well—check them out!
Enquiries to Mayfly Tackle Pty Ltd on (03) 9899 0034.