Forty-Plus Striper Intermediate
This summer I tired out a fly line from Air Flo. It is called a 40+ Striper Intermediate. This particular line has a 90 foot, aqua blue floating running line. To it is permanently attached to a clear intermediate mono head that sinks at 1.5 inches a second. The head is 30 feet long making the entire line 120 feet in length. And it is intended for cold saltwater use, and available in size 8-10.
What's in a Name?
Why is this line called a 40+? Good question. At first I assumed that it had a 40+ foot weight-forward taper, but obvious that was not the case; the head is 30 feet. So that sent me to Air Flo's marketing material to do some reading. There I learned that 40+ refers to the 40 plus years that have passed since the system for rating fly line was created. Still a bit confused? The claim is that the old system is becoming outdated...ummmm, let me cut right to the chase. Here's the basic concept: It's easier for many caster to achieve distance by using a line heavier that their rod is rated for. OK some truth there, especially for inexperienced casters using very stiff action rods. But 40+ is a confusing, and even misleading, name for this product. A much clearer moniker would have been "Distance-Plus"
How much heavier is a 40+? The line I tested was a 9-weight. Now the first 30 feet of a nine should weight in at 280 grains. Using a gain scale, I learned that the first 30 feet actually weighted close to 380 grains, making it in reality a 12-weight. Is that OK? In the salt, angler regularly cast sinking fly lines considerably heavier that the rod is rated for. In fact it is common business to throw a 450 grain head on a 10-weight rod, even though a 10-weight is rated at 290 grains. So there is precedent for these "overloading" lines, and personally I have never seen them cause a problem. Which is, likely, a testament to fine fly rods being produced today.
How did it Perform?
I fished it on a few different rods in various line weights. My 10-weight (moderately fast action) was comfortable with it. And it worked reasonably well on a 12-weight, as you might guess. So it was a fairly versatile line. Obviously you have to treat this line as a shooting head, so false casting is a no-no. Get the head out and let her rip! It shot well and didn't tangle very much, both of which were highly appreciated. The factory connection between the running line and head showed no wear during the season, still only time will reveal how tough it really is. I connected my leader to the mono head with a nail knot; it held nicely. Compared to a conventional fly line, this puppy proved to have very little stretch in either the running line or the head. That produced positive hook sets. Although if you fish with ultra light tippets are you're warned; no buffer here.
Lastly let me interject a thought. Since this line overloads the rod, it is even more imperative that you properly seat the ferrules. And you should also check them from time to time during the day. To do otherwise is asking for trouble.
Conclusion
Over the years I have taught a good many fly caster, and I know all too well that many folks have trouble properly loading "fast" action rods, particularly in the larger line weights. Frankly that problem not only decreases these anglers enjoyment of the sport, it may even lead to arm or shoulder injuries. If that sounds like you, this line could be a considerable help. You'll feel the rod load and be able to deliver the fly quickly to the target.
In addition, the low stretch properties of this line will undoubtedly help anglers set the hook. And frankly that's good news. Many fly rodders regularly miss fish for one reason or the other. This line should reduce that, which means more fish, and more fun. All told I have used Air Flo lines - especially their clear intermediates- for many, many seasons. And they have- in generally- shown fine quality. This line appears to be no exception, but..... I still don't like the name!
