What to replace to first?

[Cam]

I have but a few dollars to spend on some fly-fishing gear and want some input on what to replace. I have a rod and reel that I like. The floating line that I have is 4 years old and was cheap stuff when I bought it. I also have some cheap wading boots, but they still have felt and still do the job. I guess the question is, how long does fly line last and would I see a difference? When I do fish dries it seems to float ok, but I have never known anything else. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance. -Cam

[Wyoming 2]

I have never been really picky when it comes to tackle...so, my opinion may not be very good. However, if you ask me, if it isn't broke don't fix (replace) it. In fact, if you have extra dough save it for a time when something does break...or, better yet, save your money for a trip to Alaska!

[1fly]

In my opinion a 4 year old line needs to be replaced. Unless you have been storing it in a sealed vault, it probably has cracks and no coating. With a new line, you will be able to get line out quicker and cast further. You will love it!

[Cam]

It seems the consensus is get new line. I have been at this seriously about a year, and get out a couple times a month average. I would say I use an even mix of nymphs and dries. I have a 9ft 5/6 wt rod.
What do I look for in a floating line? The line I have now is a tapered weight-forward I think?
Thanks again! -Cam

[shazerblaze]

Get another floating weight forward line. I have Scientific Anglers and Cortland. For my small rod (3 wt) the Lazerline floating rocket taper is phenomenal -- it throws everything from clousers to 22 midges. But, my SA line has done wonderfully for the last couple of years. It has never been able to shoot as well as the lazerline, but, the two rods are different (black and white, really). Most of the floating lines out do much of the same (to me at least). All of them have some kind of internal lubricant, or something to make it run well. It's all seems the same. Lastly, I would always look for a subdued color, but definitely one you can see. Good luck

[Ouzel]

Two points: Wy2 is right; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Even a line with four year old technology will last for years. I have and use lines that are more then ten (10) years old. Take care of them and they will last.
The business end is the fly; if you have a few extra bucks burning a hole in your pocket you might think about replacing flies used up either by buying more material if you tie or outright purchase if you don't. You may also want to enlarge your inventory.
As mentioned you may want to save the money for a fishing trip and then you will certainly want extra money for local killer patterns.

[Larry S.]

I go along with the others to the extent of if it works OK. However a wise fellow once told me long ago that there is one thing not to cheap out on and that is your line. Buy the best you can afford and if you can't afford it save a few bucks till you can. You won't go wrong with the high end stuff especially if you take care of them.

[Don]

Rio makes a line called windcutter that casts very easily and floats well. I enjoy it plus if you ever notice any cracks in it they will replace it. I know from experience.

In my opinion your line makes a huge difference. It's all the small things that make the difference. Casting becomes easier, the line will enable better presentations which all equals more fish. Even the most exact pattern presented sloppy will not catch fish. I have found it is a lot easier to present a better patern, and get a good natural drift when my line is floating versus hanging a foot uner the water.

Cortland just came out with a new 555 line that has me interested. Has anyone used this line yet?

I've used cheap old line, and I've used more expensive higher quality line, in my opinion it was worth every penny.

[RAW]

Being the cheap person I am, I buy a double taper line and then after 3 or 4 seasons I turn it around and use the other end that hasn't seen much use. Never practice casting where your line will be dragged across cement or asphalt as this ruins them. If you practice cast use a lawn. Keep the line clean after each use if possible. There are some real dog, cheap lines out there; stay away from them. Some moderately priced Cortland lines are good if on a budget. My 2.

[Crosby]

I deal with my line as RAW does----- double taper on everything but my 5wt SP. My SP is my hopper, stimulator rod-- long casts to the bank . A double taper would be defeating the primary use of my SP. Longer casts---- otherwise all my rods have DT line and maybe a 30 foot cast is a long one. So basically--- look at how you fish and what it requires of you.

[Indylab]

First of all, you get quality lines on EBAY for cheap. Secondly, I have used the same Cortland 444 WF-6 for ten years. It still works awesome. I know it sounds crazy, but I am not going to replace it until I need to.

[gware]

I must agree with most of the replys. If is not broke don'f fix it. I have been using Cortland 444 lines for about 8 years, they have served me well and I expect to get a few more good years out of them. I must add another twist to the mix, if you do not tie your own flys, maybe this is a good time to learn and to purchase some basic tools and material. I have been tying since I was 13 and have enjoyed every minuite of it. It is a thrill to catch a willey trout on a fly that you have tied. Plus it is quite a bit cheaper once you get into it. I also must tell the ones who started and maintain this site that I think it is great. I just found it the other day by accident and am glad I did. I have read alot of very interesting posts and lots of good info. I think this site has a lot of potential. Thanks and keep up the good work.

gware