Hi Chaps,

I know there are several threads on shooting heads but I just wanted to ask how best to gauge the correct length of the fly line?

Is it the point at which the line loads the rod?

A guy at the fishing club made me a shooting head a while ago and I seem to remember that he had me false casting on the grass, but I can't remember what he was measuring in order to know where to cut the line..


Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Your rod should be loading with the head just out of the tip ring.

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Rules of thumb in no logical order -

i) Longer the head the further you can fly it -
ii) 11 Yards ( or 10m) is about the longest you want for boat fishing - ( otherwise you'll whack your lure on the thwarts a fair bit plus it takes an extra false cast in the sequence )
iii) If the rod is say an 8/9 use a 10 at 11m as a start point .
iv) The heavier the head - the easier it is to make distance (air resistance)
v) Probably a waste of time - any system much below a 9# outfit
vi) Don't use braided loops as connector between head and running line - strip to core , sew and whipped loops last - braided loops don't .
vii) Get yourself a decent line tray or raft !

Best wishes

Steve P

Jim and Steve,

Thanks for the advice on the shooting head!

That's cleared things up a lot.

Best,

Matt

Steve, and others,

Steve you mention it's not really worth making a head much below a 9# outfit. So are you saying that would need an 8# rod?

I dont want to buy another rod, but would like to try a S/H this winter on my 8#. Is it worth it, or am I better staying with a normal line. If yes; what do you suggest to buy: What line and what backing would you suggest please, off the peg or what?

Didn't Arthur Cove use a 6# at times, Steve?

Thanks mate.

Richard.