Hi everyone I'm new to this site and am looking for any advice on which spey line to use this season. I'm new to salmon fishing having progressed from brownies and sea trout. I'm kitted out with a 15' Sharpes gordon and a hardy swift #10/11 reel. Lines that have drawn my attention are the Ian Gordon Spey and the Rio Windcutter. Anyone have experience with either? Thanks

I started off with a Rio Windcutter paired with a Greys GRX double hander. This worked really well and I was able to get a basic understanding of casting and a decent line going out.

I then upgraded the rod to a Loop Grey Line #10 and the Rio line wouldn't load the rod properly. I upgraded the line to a Snowbee 2D and haven't looked back yet. When this line wears out, I'll have no qualms replacing it with the same again.

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welcome to the forum staggie.i just bought a mastery tri tip.really great .

jim

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It really depends on the size of the rivers you intend to fish. The Ian Gordon 10/11 in the 65ft head works very well on the Sharpes Gordon 15ft rod, but if you are fishing smaller rivers you may wish to fish a shorter bellied line. Try clicking on the link below, there are a number of guys on there who fish in the highlands and will be able to advise you on the most appropriate line for the rivers you fish.

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I'll mainly be fishing the River Conon, it's a medium sized river, Although If i'm fishing smaller rivers I tend to use my 11'3 sharpes. So its only really for fishing the lower stretches of the Conon.

The IG 65ft head lines should be ideal for the Conon. You will probably find the Windcutter to be a little too short in the head length for there.

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Cheers I'll keep that in mind. I've heard good things about the IG's.

The long taper Snowbees are pretty good lines - for the expert caster.
I agree with musical bloke, the 2D is a far better bet for the average caster. Even in a big river, it is best to use a line you can reasonably handle, than get yourself into a knot with a line that takes quite a lot of experience to get the best from.

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I've been using the Snowbee 1D and 2D lines last year.

Great lines. Cast well and have no memory.

Used them on a Guideline Lpxe 12ft 6 for an 8/9.

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I've got and use the windcutter, Snowbee 2D & Ian Gordon 65' lines amongst others.

If you are new to DH rods and spey casting then the windcutter with its short head will load your rod easily and will shoot well for distance, it is quite possible to throw it 35 yards despite the shortness of the head. It will also better than the other two if you want to use sinking polyleaders or large heavy flies due to the short head and steeper front taper, the downside to this is that the line can feel a bit unrefined and clunky when using it for more delicate tasks. The snowbee is a very nice line but not so good with heavy stuff on the end, the Ian Gordon is also a nice line, I find I can throw the Snowbee further but both are smooth easy casting lines, don't think you'd be disappointed with either.

I'd make the choice based on casting room, river width and leader / fly requirements, wincutter multitip is a good buy as you only need one spool and for use as a full floater you can add a floating polyleader to smooth it out a bit.

Cheers

Ben