I fish a large loch with small (2 per lb average) broonies from the bank. It's quite an exposed place, so a minimum of a 5wt is required due to the possibility of a stiff breeze.

I currently use Pitsford Pirate's "Worcestershire" floaters on my #6 and #7 rods and am happy with them, but I need to replace my old Air Cel DT5F for my 5wt setup and am looking to go WF this time.

I'm currently weighing up the options between:

ME Arrowhead (Made by Shakespeare)
Pirate's floaters (Made by Shakespeare? ;-) )
Barrio floater (Made by Shakespeare)
Kinnelle Premium floater (Made by Shakespeare)

As, from what I can tell, all these lines offer great value for money price isn't a factor.

What other things should I take into consideration here, and what are your recommendations?

__________________
Move over, Rover. And let Jimi take over!

I like the RIO Selective Trout (II) lines for 4/5 weights.
They are supple, slick, and cast long, though the drop of the GBP against the USD means that you can't get the bargains you once were able to by buying fdirect rom O/S.
The ST is at the top end of the allowable range, but it is not a half-weight line. What sort of rod will you be using for this line?

I bought a WF5,floating fly line from "Impact Flies" I use it on a 9ft,#5,weight rod, mostly fished on the river Usk!

The line comes with a welded loop (cut it off) I tried it with the loop and the tip kept sinking, so I cut the welded loop off, and fitted a braided one; it floats now!!! I like the line very much, especially since I've replaced the welded loop, it sails through the rod-rings with ease, and sits nicely on the water, lift off is also excellent!

I'm not quite sure who makes these lines for "Impact flies" But I suspect it could be Shh you know who?

Anyhow I like them, in-fact I've just recently acquired another line from them, a DT#4,floater, only used it once so far; and it seems to perform as well as the WF5, line.

Not a bad price either, it's worth a look, I'm pleased with mine!

Don't want to blow smoke up my own a**e, but the link below may be of assistance. Some criticised it as it was just my opinion but all reviews are anyway, so take it or leave it as applicable!

Reviews - WF5F Trout Lines

Anyway, my current fave it the Greys Platinum.

Happy shopping!

Why not try one of the new "memory free" Airflo lines.

Let us all know how you get on........

If its a very windy place you are fishing, I wouldnt recommend the ME line or the Barrio. They have very fine tips and won't be much use in a stiff breeze. The ME twin line is a bit more powerful at the front end, but his single colour floater has a very fine tapered tip.

Presumably the Kinelle line would be similar to Pirates line ,as they are from the same factory.

I would be considering something with a beefier front taper, if you're fishing in the wind.

Avoid the snowbee xs at the moment, i've just had to return another one, which was so rough, it felt like a sharkskin line.

__________________
www.paypalsucks.com

If you want to hammer the line through the wind overline the rod.
If not the Mastery GPX is 0.5 heavier than the standard but still very fishable. Get something with an angry taper, you could but one of PPs lines and cut maybe 8''' off the front, that will aid casting into the wind.

Out of interest, what rod make, model and rating?

Tightlines!

The Pirate.

__________________
Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates - No pressure, just pleasure! Pip pip!

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/trade-cla...e-bonanza.html

http://www.soniksports.com/

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-lines...unkistbob.html

I found that with the Barrio Line so I cut about 9" off..it's fine now.

__________________
Roy

I'll be using a Bloke XL50 9' #5

Incidentally; although the wind can fair get up here, I'm not on the lookout for a "wind specific" fly line as I am quite happy to chuck out a #6 if needs be.

I'm looking for a good all round WF5F that can cast a team of 3 wets in the size range 12-16 using 12' of 3-5lb fluorocarbon tippet.

__________________
Move over, Rover. And let Jimi take over!

Do you find the very short head on the Barrio restrictive?

__________________
Move over, Rover. And let Jimi take over!