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SALTWATER LINES, BACKING, LEADERS ETC.

        


If you buy a reel, fly line and backing from us we will load the reel for you at no extra charge!


To jump straight to a section on this page, click a bonefish, then click your "BACK" button at any time to return to this menu


 

Fly Lines

 

Backing

 

Leaders

 

Tippet Material

 

Leader Accessories



FLY LINES

      When wade-fishing we generally use floating lines - they lift off the water easier than sinkers or sink tips and are less likely to snag. Please note that lines marked with an asterisk* are dedicated tropical lines and are unsuitable for use in temperate climates.



Rio "BONEFISH" Floating

Dedicated bonefishing lines suitable for warm & tropical waters only.
Overall length: 100ft.
Colour: blue running line with sand colour head
Sizes: see drop-down menu.  

A slightly more aggressive taper than its predecessor, but less aggressive (and designed for better presentation) than the Clouser tapers featured in the Rio "Saltwater", "Florida" and "Outbound" lines (see below). We field tested these lines in the Bahamas and are pleased to report  that they perform as well as Rio claim, if not better!

Price: £59.99   Select size

Apply Rio AgentX Fly Line Dressing regularly to keep this line performing perfectly.


Rio TARPON Floating with AgentX

Similar to the Rio Bonefish line, the Tarpon floating line features a long rear taper for smooth, controlled casts and is slightly heavier than the AFTMA standard to enable faster loading. With a tropical AgentX coating and a stiff Powerflex core it will not wilt in the heat. Supplied with a welded loop at each end for easy rigging.  

Suitable for warm & tropical waters only.
Overall length: 100ft.
Colour: sea grass or tan as available 

Price: £59.99   Select size

Apply Rio AgentX Fly Line Dressing regularly to keep this line performing perfectly.


Rio TARPON Sink Tip

This line features a 9½ ft clear intermediate tip, a more aggressive taper than the full floater, and is slightly heavier than the AFTMA standard to enable faster loading. A hard warmwater coating combined with a stiff Powerflex core ensures that it will not wilt in the heat. This is the line of choice for wary fish, windy conditions and deeper water. Supplied with a welded loop at each end for easy rigging.  

Suitable for warm & tropical waters only.
Overall length: 100ft.
Colour: sea grass or tan (as available) with clear Aqualux intermediate sinking tip

Price: £59.99   Select size

Apply Rio AgentX Fly Line Dressing to the floating section of this line for maximum performance.


Rio "SALTWATER" Floating with AgentX

The all-purpose saltwater line for bonefish, permit, striped bass, snook and redfish. Based on the Clouser taper with a quick loading head that will turn over big flies in any wind. This line is made on a braided multifilament core for suppleness with a hard AgentX saltwater coating. High floating - suitable for wading. Welded loops on both ends for easy rigging.

Suitable for temperate & warm waters.
Overall length: 100ft.
Colour: coral

RRP: £59.99

Special Offer Price £49.99 nett.  Select size

Apply Rio AgentX Fly Line Dressing regularly to keep this line performing perfectly.


Rio "MAINSTREAM SALTWATER" Floating

An economical "warm saltwater" floating line suitable for fly fishing in temperate-to-tropical conditions for all species. The line features a self-lubricating tropical coating on a multi-filament core which retains the casting loop in the tropics, yet has relatively low memory in temperate conditions. Based on Rio's Clouser design, the taper has a very short (36ft) quick-loading head incorporating a 4½ft bullet front taper to enable heavy or bulky flies to be cast in windy conditions. Available in sizes 8, 9, 10 and 12. Very versatile and exceptional value for money!

Suitable for use in most climates.
Overall length: 90ft.
Colour: blue

Price: £34.99   Select size

Apply Rio AgentX Fly Line Dressing regularly to keep this line performing perfectly.


Rio TROPICAL OUTBOUND™ Integrated Shooting Taper

Tropical Outbound features a 37½ ft head, designed to fully load a fast action rod with little or no false casting. A hard saltwater coating over RIO’s unique Powerflex core ensures the line will not wilt in extreme tropical heat. Available Floating or Intermediate, the 37½ft head is blended to a very long, very thin, high floating running line. A change of colour at the head enables you to instantly see when you have the head extended for casting extreme distances. Both lines have a welded loop at each end for easy rigging.

Suitable for warm & tropical waters only.
Overall length: 120ft.

Line Code: WF8F WF8F/I
Head Density: Floating Intermediate
Head Sink Rate: 0 ips 1½ - 2 ips
Head Colour:

Sky Blue

Mid Blue with 9½ft Clear Tip

Running Line Density: Floating Floating
Running Line Colour:

Tan

Sky Blue

Price: £49.99   Select size


Rio "STRIPED BASS" AQUALUX® Intermediate Saltwater

A purpose designed clear intermediate saltwater line suitable for use in sea temperatures of 70oF or lower. The water-clear AquaLux® is built on a single-strand Powerflex® mono core with a special saltwater coating, the special Clouser weight forward "bullet" taper enables big flies to be cast in windy conditions. These excellent lines also incorporate a LumaLux® luminescent running line that can be charged to glow in the dark. This enables the angler to see when the head is outside the rod tip for maximum casting performance when fishing at night. Designed for striper fishing in the USA but equally suitable for sea-trout and bass around Britain and Ireland. Sink rate 1.5 - 2.0 ips. Now with a welded loop at each end to facilitate easy rigging.

A coldwater line not suitable for tropical conditions.
Overall length: 100ft.
Colour: LumaLux® luminescent running line with Aqualux® clear head

AFTMA sizes:
WF8I, WF9I, WF10I

Price: £59.99   Select size


Rio DEEP-SEA LINES

A super-fast sinking fly line with a smooth tropical coating on a braided mono Powerflex core, with an intermediate sink running line and a DC 26 ft fast sinking density compensated head. Called the self-casting line, it was designed by Trey Combs and Jim Vincentto get down for sailfish and marlin as well as inshore species in tropical conditions. Also suitable for use in warm fresh water. Claimed to be the finest casting sink tip line in the world. Now with a welded loop at the front end to facilitate easy rigging.

Suitable for warm & tropical waters only.
Overall length: 100ft.
Availability: 300 grain normally available from stock, for other sizes please allow 3-6 weeks for delivery.

Head Weight:

300 grain (stock item)

400 grain (2-4 weeks del'y)

500 grain (2-4 weeks del'y)

AFTMA Rod Rating:

#8 or #9

#10 or #11

#11 or #12

Approximate Sink Rate:

6.7 ips

7.7 ips

8.5 ips

Running Line Colour:

Blue

Tan

Green

Price: £69.99   Select weight


Royal Wulff "BERMUDA TRIANGLE" TROPICAL SALTWATER LINES
Built to withstand the wilting heat of tropical flats and blistering decks, these lines continue to cast like a rocket when others have folded up.
Built around a 16 strand braided mono core that stays stiff to deliver blazing casts - even in the hottest climates.
All Triangle Taper lines have continuous taper heads so the tips can be customised.
Designed to withstand all tropical temperatures they works best at above 70°F but can also be used at lower temperatures.
Light, neutral colours "disappear" into the sea and sky for added stealth.
Overall length: 105ft with a 30ft taper and 75ft running line.
#8 & #9 2-Tone Floating lines normally available for immediate despatch. Other sizes and types approx 7 days.


BERMUDA TRIANGLE  2-Tone Floating     
With Joan Wulff's innovitive colour coding system for easier loading and casting...  the colour changes from a "sand" colour running line to "tropic blue" at the head to alert you to the optimum casting length... saves precious seconds by eliminating excess false casts. J3 coating makes Bermuda Triangle Taper floaters perform even better than before... shooting better, floating higher, repelling water and lasting longer.  

Suitable for warm & tropical saltwater only
Overall length: 105ft (30ft head + 75ft running line)
Colour: "tropic-blue" head with "sand" running line.
AFTMA sizes: WF7F, WF8F, WF9F, WF10F, WF11F, WF12F, WF13F

NB: WF8F & WF9F Bermuda lines are normally available for immediate despatch. Other sizes and types are usually delivered in about 7 days.

Probably the No.1 choice for bonefishing where an accurate and delicate presentation is your priority.

Price: £65.99 .  Select size

We strongly recommend regular treatment with Scientific Anglers™ Fly Line Dressing to keep this line floating well and performing perfectly.
 


Scientific Anglers MASTERY SERIES BONEFISH TAPER

The Mastery "Bonefish Taper" was one of the first dedicated bonefish lines and is still preferred by many experts, particularly when casting from a boat. It has a longer belly and longer rear taper than some other bonefish lines, enabling more line to be aerialised to extend casting distance. The longer front taper delivers flies more delicately to spooky fish. A redesigned belly, tapering out towards the front end enables improved casting in windy conditions without compromising delivery. A special hard coating, slick finish and stiff core aids shootability and prevents the line from softening in hot climates. This is probably the thinnest floating bonefish line on the market, enabling long, accurate casts in windy conditions - perfect when fishing from a skiff, but not so good when wading due to it's relatively low buoyancy.

Suitable for warm & tropical waters only
Overall length: 100ft 

Colour:pale blue.

AFTMA sizes: WF8F, WF9F
Click here for more info (364k PDF File)

Price: £49.99   Select size

We strongly recommend regular treatment with Scientific Anglers™ Fly Line Dressing to keep this line floating well and performing perfectly.


Lost or confused in the Bermuda Triangle? - phone Graham on 0871 288 REEL for unbiased advice on fly lines, backing, leaders, rods, reels, clothing, accessories, holidays... in fact anything to do with bonefishing!
 


BACKING

      It is important when bonefishing that your reel is loaded with at least 200yds of backing, preferably with no joins in it, and that the backing is significantly stronger than the leader tippet strength you intend to use. You should also ensure that the backing is securely attached to the fly-line and spool arbour or you could end up losing more than the fish in the event of a break!

      Don't forget, if ordering a reel, line and backing at the same time we will load the backing and fly-line onto the reel at no extra charge on request!


Rio DACRON Backing

Top quality, low diameter, low stretch, good knot strength, pleasant to handle, similar to Micron but hollow so can be blind-spliced, hi-viz yellow, 100yd linked spools, 20lb or 30lb. If ordering more than one spool, linked spools will be supplied up to a maximum of 6, enabling up to 600 yds to be fitted without knots. 

100yds 20lb
Price:
£6.50 (order #RFB20/100)


100yds 30lb
Price:
£6.99 (order #RFB30/100)


Rio POWERFLEX GSP Gel Spun Backing by the yard (only available when ordering a reel at the same time) 

Ultra-thin GSP (gel spun polyethylene) "super-braid" is slightly buoyant, virtually zero-stretch and even thinner than Micron, allowing you to load almost twice the length of backing.

Bulk 30lb GSP - only available if you are ordering a reel at the same time. We will install the backing onto your reel from our bulk drum using a measuring device.

Price: £0.10 per yard. Please select which hand you intend to wind your reel with


...and please don't forget to enter the desired quantity (yards) on the shopping cart page, and then click "update cart".  

If you prefer to load the backing yourself, see Orvis Gel Spun below...


Orvis Gel Spun Backing (GSP)

Similar to Rio Powerflex GSP but slightly stiffer and sold on individual 200, 300, 400 or 600 yard spools... 

200yds 35lb
Price:
£20.30

300yds 35lb
Price:
£29.00

400yds 35lb
Price:
£39.00

600yds 35lb
Price:
£59.00

Also available in other sizes and lengths to special order. Please phone for details
 


LEADERS

      There are many ways to rig a leader for bonefish (see Dick Brown's "Fly Fishing for Bonefish") and we've tried most of them! Most knotless leaders are a bit too short for bonefishing and need to be extended to about 12 - 15 feet depending on the location, conditions and the angler's casting ability. The system most anglers use is to have a loop at the end of the fly line with a 9ft or 10ft knotless tapered nylon or fluorocarbon leader looped to it, then a length of fluorocarbon tippet material attached to the end of the leader. However, your leader will only be as strong as it's weakest point (which is usually the knot you use to attach your tippet material) so check your knots thoroughly - a hastily tied knot will invariably lose you a fish.

       BfG's latest preferred method is to permanently attach a 4 or 5 foot "butt extension" of approx 0.020" or 0.022" diameter monofilament or fluorocarbon to the fly line using an Albright Knot  to which the fluorocarbon knotless tapered leader is attached using a Double Surgeon's Knot  - (knots are then coated with Knot Sense to help them pass through rod guides and pick up less debris) - the fly is then tied directly to the point of the leader without any tippet material being added. The main advantage of this method is that there are no weak links between fly-line and fly, thereby dramatically reducing breakages. Another advantage is the lack of any knots near the fly to pick up debris or snag on coral or other obstacles. The only drawback is that you will need to change leaders more often, because the leader will get a bit shorter each time you change the fly.


Rio FLUOROFLEX Fluorocarbon Tapered Leaders

9ft knotless tapered 100% premium grade fluorocarbon with a stiff butt section to aid turnover of heavy flies in windy conditions. Thinner and denser than nylon, virtually invisible in water, unaffected by sunlight, will not weaken when wet, highly abrasion resistant and with a high knot strength. You can use these 10ft leaders as they are, or with Fluoroflex tippet material added to extend their life and length. We recommend fluorocarbon for all line-shy species and where a fast sinking leader is required, but for safety suggest a minimum strength of 10lb when bonefishing.

6lb (2.7kg). Tip diameter: 0.008" (3X). Butt diameter: 0.021"
8lb (3.6kg). Tip diameter: 0.009" (2X). Butt diameter: 0.021"
10lb (4.5kg). Tip diameter: 0.010" (1X). Butt diameter:0.024"
12lb (5.5kg). Tip diameter: 0.011" (0X). Butt diameter: 0.024"

Unfortunately Rio Fluoroflex tapered leaders are no longer available in the UK, so we are now stocking the excellent Seaguar Saltwater leaders (see below) which have the advantage of being available in a more appropriate range of tip strengths. Please see the drop-down menu below for remaining stock sizes of Rio Fluoroflex leaders...

Price: £5.00  Select size


Seaguar SALTWATER IGFA Fluorocarbon Tapered Leaders

9ft knotless tapered IGFA leaders made from pure (100%) fluorocarbon by the inventors of fluorocarbon lines! Seaguar fluorocarbon has unique multi-directional polymer structure giving greater knot strength. Other benefits include invisibility in water, high strength-to-diameter ratio, high UV resistance, high abrasion resistance and high density for a fast sink rate making these the premier fluorocarbon leaders for all saltwater fishing. Approximate butt diameter 0.020".

Seaguar IGFA 10lb
. Tip diameter: 0.0085"
Seaguar IGFA 12lb. Tip diameter: 0.0105" 
Seaguar IGFA 16lb. Tip diameter: 0.013"
Seaguar IGFA 20lb. Tip diameter: 0.0145"

Please note that these excellent leaders are made from hard fluorocarbon for improved turnover and high abrasion resistance, but because they are IGFA Class rated they must break at under their stated strength. We therefore recommend that (unless fishing for an IGFA line class record) you buy a size higher than the strength you actually require. For example, if you think you need a 10lb leader, use a Seaguar IGFA 12lb leader to give you a good safety margin as well as a realistic strength-to-diameter ratio. If in doubt, contact Graham!

Price: £5.99  Select size


Rio BONEFISH / SALTWATER Tapered Hard Mono Leaders

10ft knotless tapered leaders in strengths to suit most inshore species. Made from Rio's Hard Saltwater Mono with a long stiff butt to turn over big flies in wind. You can use these 10ft leaders as they are, or extend them with fluorocarbon or Rio Hard Saltwater Mono tippet material (see below). Sold singly...

Bonefish 8.8lb (4kg). Tip diameter: 0.011", butt diameter: 0.027"  
Bonefish 10lb (4.6kg). Tip diameter: 0.012", butt diameter: 0.027"  
Bonefish 13.2lb (6kg). Tip diameter: 0.014", butt diameter: 0.027"  
Saltwater 16.0lb (7.2kg). Tip diameter: 0.015", butt diameter: 0.028"  
Saltwater 22lb (10kg). Tip diameter: 0.017", butt diameter: 0.029"

Price: £3.99  Select IGFA class


Rio TOOTHY CRITTER Leaders

7½ft overall consisting of 81" nylon tapering to 15lb fitted with 9" of 15lb nylon-coated stainless steel tippet fitted with small safety snap link to enable quick fly changes. Essential for toothy critters such as barracuda, bluefish, pike etc.

Price: £5.99 (order #TCL15)


Rio Hand Tied TARPON Leaders

4ft overall, super tough 22lb (10kg) IGFA approved ultra hard saltwater mono class tippet with 22" between the double biminis and hand-tied Huffnagle. The fluorocarbon shock tippet (bite tippet) will resist abrasion during the fight, sold singly...

Price each: £7.99  Select shock tippet strength


Also available in packs of 3 pre-straightened leaders.which include a 6ft looped butt section with each pack...

Pack of 3 (pre-straightened): £21.99  Select shock tippet strength


TIPPET MATERIAL

When attaching tippet material to extend the tip of your leader (eg. when bonefishing), we recommend you use a tippet strength similar to (but never greater than) the tip of the leader. Our preferred connection is the Double Surgeon's Knot  (aka "Two Turn Water Knot") but  be sure to lubricate it before tightening it up evenly, then be sure to test for strength before use. Keep practicing this knot until you can literally do it with your eyes shut! If you're not happy tying this knot you can play safe by using the loop-to-loop method which is easier to tie but leaves three bumps in your leader instead of one.

When attaching a relatively thick "shock tippet" or "bite tippet" to the end of your leader to avoid bite-offs (eg. when tarpon fishing) we suggest you tie Bimini Twists (or buy Hand Tied Tarpon Leaders), or if using light tackle for baby tarpon, jacks, snook etc., use a Blood Knot  but apply only 2 or 3 turns of the heavier line around the lighter line - this will be just as strong and much easier to "snug up" when completed.


SIGHTFREE Fluorocarbon Tippet Material

We've been using this brand of fluorocarbon for 10 years now and have never lost a fish through any fault of the line. It is also our tippet material of choice for salmon fishing. Tough, reliable, abrasion resistant, fast sinking, excellent knot strength, unaffected by sunlight or water and virtually invisible. Not the thinnest on the market but who cares? Also the most economical... 

110yd 8lb (0.25mm diam.) Price: £10.00


110yd 10lb (0.27mm diam.) Price: £10.00


55yd 12lb (0.30mm diam.) Price: £6.00


Rio FLUOROFLEX Fluorocarbon Tippet Material

Probably the world's best fluorocarbon for saltwater use. Similar to Sightfree (above) but slightly thinner and supplied on convenient lock-together "Tippetmaster" spools (the spools have elastic retainers for easy withdrawal and instant line identification). Stiffer, more abrasion resistant and with higher knot strength than most other fluorocarbons (not to be confused with Fluoroflex Plus which is even thinner and therefore less rugged). Stocked in the following sizes: 50yd 6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 12lb, 25yd 15lb, 20lb. Considering its virtual invisiblity we recommend you use a minimum of 8lb for bonefish, or 10lb if attaching tippet material to it.

Price: £8.99 each   Select size


Rio SALTWATER Hard Mono IGFA Tippet Material

Ultra hard stiff nylon for the ultimate in abrasion resistance and turnover. Use for building leaders, extension butts and class tippets for bonefish etc., as well as shock tippets for hard mouthed species such as tarpon, snookandbillfish. Guaranteed to break at slightly under the IGFA class rating. Easiest of all the hard monos to knot. Available in IGFA class sizes from 8.8lb to 44.0lb on convenient lock-together "Tippetmaster" spools (except 44lb) with elastic retainers printed with specification for easy identification. See drop down menu for more info...

Price: £4.99 each   Select


LEADER ACCESSORIES


New for 2010...
Loon "SHARK TOOTH"
TIPPET CUTTER

Spend more time fishing and less time getting ready with the all-new Shark Tooth, a highly functional and easy tippet cutter and retaining band. Simply slip elastic over your tippet spool and use the Tooth to cut tippet with precision. No more wasted time searching for nippers or using your teeth. The smooth cutting action leaves the perfect amount of tippet exposed and eliminates tippet waste. Reusable from spool to spool.

Small size fits most tippet spools from (but not limited to) Rio, Sightfree, Cabelas, Climax, Frog Hair (small) and Umpqua (wide).

Price:
£4.99


This innovative Modular Tippet Dispenser is easy to use, versatile and expandable. The pack consists of three precision moulded interlocking modules with built-in line cutters, two snap hooks for attaching to clothing or tackle belt, plus a set of labels to clearly identify the contents of each module.

Price:
£14.95


Loon UV KNOT SENSE


Ideal for waterside use.
Cures in seconds when exposed to direct sunlight or other UV light source.
Smooths and strengthens knots.
Repairs damaged flies.
Forms tough, durable, clear polymer.
Also for emergency wader repair.

Price: £4.99


Loon MINI UV LIGHT™

Sets UV Knot Sense and other UV products when the sun doesn't shine!
Miniature size.
Lightweight.
Complete with snap clip and 2 sets of batteries.

Price: £11.99


Rio BRAIDED LOOPS

Top quality large clear nylon braided loops for attaching backing to fly-line or fly-line to leader, ready for use with braid sleeve fitted. Easy to use. These loops are designed to match the core strengths of Rio saltwater and salmon lines AFTMA #7 to #12 and are superior to other braided loops we have used. We suggest that after fitting you apply a few drops of superglue and keep under tension until glue is hard. 4 per pack. Now available in a choice of 3 sizes to suit all applications...

REGULAR: designed for use with line sizes #3 to #6, also for those of you who like a tight fit on line sizes #7 to #9. (order #RBRT)
LARGE: designed for use with line sizes #7 to #12 - our most popular size. (order #RBRS)
EXTRA LARGE: designed for attaching shooting heads, Spey heads etc. (order #RBRXL)

Price: £4.99   Select size


Airflo BRAID SLEEVES

Slightly stretchy clear plastic tubing which can be cut to size for fitting (or re-fitting) braided loops or braided leaders to your line, or when splicing hollow braided backing onto fly lines. Ten 5" lengths per pack...

Price: £1.99 (order #J1324)


Riverge LEADER RINGS (aka Tippet Rings)

Riverge Leader Rings make tippet attachment easier and faster. Use your favourite knot to tie one of these seamless rings to the end of your leader, then tie your tippet to the ring. They enable regular renewal of tippet without shortening your main leader, allow you to connect dissimilar materials. Two sizes...
2mm 'Medium' (actual size: 2.25 mm O.D.)
3mm 'Large' (actual size: 3.0 mm O.D.)

Price: £1.99 (per pack of 10)   Select size


Vision TIPPET RINGS, 12kg (aka Leader Rings)

Slightly smaller, lighter and smoother than Riverge Leader Rings above, Vision silver tippet rings make light tackle tippet attachment easier, faster & safer. Use your favourite knot to tie one of these ultra-smooth 2mm O.D. rings to the end of your leader, then tie your tippet to the ring. They enable regular renewal of tippet without shortening your main leader, allow you to connect dissimilar materials, and because they weigh almost nothing they won’t affect your presentation.

Price: £4.50 (per pack of 10 supplied on snap hook)


New size for 2010...
Vision TIPPET RINGS, 20kg 
(aka Leader Rings)

Heavy duty version of the above. Designed for salmon, pike & saltwater use, 3mm O.D.

Price: £4.99 (per pack of 10 supplied on snap hook)


Fly-line cleaners, conditioners and other accessories... click here


To order items securely on-line, click "Add to cart".

When viewing your "Shopping cart" you can modify quantities but must click "Update cart" to save any changes before continuing.
UK Postage charges (if ordering less than £150.00 goods value) will be added automatically. Tax will not be added.

To order off-line you may find it helpful to proceed as above, print the shopping cart page, then contact us.
We are happy to discuss your requirements and payment options by phone at any time during office hours.

Non-UK customers should contact us before completing payment so that we can calculate shipping costs.


(Page last updated 19 February 2010)


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