[Jonathan Kerr]

Hi guys,

How often do you change the fly line loops on your running lines (mainy thinking salmon shooting head setups here)?

I have a rio afs kit, now entering its third season and i'm thinking i should maybe make a new loop on the running line at least. I think i read somewhere that the welded ones can sometimes snap out of the blue...

[Rob Brownfield]

I have a shooting head set up for the pike (#10) which of course requires lots of double hauling on the shooting line/loop itself. So far, I have not has any issues with the loop...and thats about 7 years of use so far.

The running/shooting line was a prototype Hardy one with a long welded loop.

Unless it shows signs of damage I think I would leave alone.

[Hamish Young]

If it ain't broke.....

I tend to replace my running line(s) annually (mainly down to what I use and where I fish) so the fear of a factory pre-formed loop detonating on me isn't at the front of my mind, knots worry me more However, I can see you'd worry about that connection after three years.  Honestly I think it's more likely for a polyleader loop to break and that has happened to me at least twice; but only when I've been hooked on the bottom.

You could form your own loop, with a perfection knot or similar, to replace the factory loop in your existing running line if you're worried about it failing on you.
Or, more reasonably, replace the whole running line.

If it was a complete AFS kit you bought then chances are you have Rio Powerflex running line (yellow ) which I think was a mono-core ??? I stopped using it after serious cracking compromised its performance and when my 'fishing drug supplier' found me new addictions to try out 
But that Powerflex lasted (at least) two relatively hard seasons use and I don't recall any loop issue.

I have been experimenting with other running lines including RIO’s new ConnectCore which is new to the market for 2014. I tried it out for the first time on the Tay last month and I like it very much a lot with a cherry on top, I particularly like the handling line section which has a coating that differs from the rest of the running line.
I also use Mackenzie running line and have various spools of Varivas shooting line kicking around, each have their strengths and weaknesses but, on the whole, I've never considered the factory preformed loops to be an issue - even after time.

H

[Jonathan Kerr]

cheers.

It is the blue rio powerflex shooting line.  I normally would leave things if they don't show too many signs of wear, but given I caught no salmon last year, I'm keen to keep hold of one if i do get lucky this year! and would be mortified if my loop failed!

Plus I'd heard these mono rio cores have been susceptible to snapping at the loop. I think i will cut off the loop, fold and secure with a couple of whippings and aquasure.

J

[Rob Brownfield]

This is useful....



If you are worried about the weld not holding, just leave the shrink tube on. This is pretty much the way I used to loop lines before you could buy pre looped ones off the shelf. I used a hair drier set on hot.

[Liam Stephen]

Thanks for posting Rob. I'm going to give that a go 

Cheers
Liam

[Ben Dixon]

A new running line is a lot cheaper than a new running line and a replacement head.......

If whipping a new loop on it, use superglue (a little) under the aquasure and don't strip the coating first.  Use 4 whippings about 1/2" apart but, for what one costs I'd just replace it if there are any signs of wear at all.

Cheers

Ben

[Patrick Mcguigan]

Be careful with the rio powerflex running lines.  They have a mono core and I would not like to be heating it to perform a weld.

[Ben Dixon]

Be careful with the rio powerflex running lines.  They have a mono core and I would not like to be heating it to perform a weld.

Agreed 

[Jonathan Kerr]

what's a 'good' brand/model running line to buy these days? the front of my running line probably has seen better days. I'm thinking to either reverse it for the time being and makes some new loops, or get one ordered fairly quick before the season starts..  

its afs 8/9 floating head

[Ben Dixon]

Powerflex 0.030", Slickshooter 44lb, Varivas 47lb, Rio Connect core 0.037".  I'd not use the blue Powerflex with a 8/9 head, it's a little heavier than needed.  The new Connect Core is nice by pricey at £49.99.

Cheers

Ben

[Jonathan Kerr]

cheers ben,

just checked them out, would you say the slickshooter/varivas options you gave would be more suited to advanced casters looking for more distance? or are they also good everyday options for us mere mortals?!

I certainly like the price of the slickshooter...

Also thanks for mentioning the blue powerflex may be a little heavy, I'd just used it as that's what came with my head as part of the kit. If I go down that road i'll def try the 0.030.

J

[Ben Dixon]

For best turnover with any head you want to ping the reel, Varivas goes furthest IMO and has the advantage of floating better than Slickshooter but neither are as nice to handle as a coated running line.  You loose some stability with the mono stuff but if you ping the reel it turns fine and you can generally use a little less overhang.  Don't expect Varivas to last forever, it is hollow extruded mono and it will kink up, once it is kinked it will tangle but you get 110 yards on a spool for little over £20.  I just put on a whole spool and cut off the front from time to time when it is worn / kinked.  Varivas picks up really nice from loops on the water and once you have given it a little stretch it will stay straight until it goes back on the reel.


Cheers

Ben

[Jonathan Kerr]

cheers,

J
 

[Duncan Inglis]

Been using Ken Sawada running line and so far think it is the best I've tried. I've not had to replace loops yet but easily done using braid, not quite as nice as welded loops but no issue with over heating the line or them coming apart. Simply whip them and use anglers glue, never had a problem.

[Rob Brownfield]

Having never heard of a shooting head coming off, I was speaking to a group of anglers up from the North of england yesterday and lo and behold, one of them lost a sinking AFS yesterday when the running line loop broke!