Do I really need tropical line in the tropics?

[khao-sok]

Living at latitude 8, I've been told that I should use tropical fly line on all of my reels. I've heard that the softness/subtleness of regular line won't cast as well in hotter climates.

But, it sure does get hot in Virginia (where I'm from) and I've never had problems with line going through the ferrules.

Thanks,
Dave

[Jack Hise]

khoa-sok;
Nor I here in South Central Tennessee. I do have SA SharkSkin line on both my ZXL Sage 3 wt. and Z Axis Sage 5 wt.. Love 'em! Some say that they are noisy going through the guides but I'm usually so keyed in on where I want the cast to go that I don't even hear it!

[J Castwell]

The 'core' is stiffer on tropical lines. It does help. These lines were developed for hot water and still stay proper.

[CoachBob]

South Louisiana counts as tropics.
No special line required here.

[khao-sok]

Thanks for all of your speedy replies.

What I'm thinking about is getting a 3 wt outfit to catch some of the more unique creek/river fish here in Thailand. It would be fun on a light rod. Any suggestions for a relatively inexpensive outfit would be appreciated too.

[J Castwell]

They are not special, they are just designed for the tropics. I suppose you could fish with just about anything.

[khao-sok]

They are not special, they are just designed for the tropics. I suppose you could fish with just about anything.

It's my understanding that tropical lines are bit stiffer. Hmm, I don't see a tropical 3 wt, so I reckon I should try the normal stuff.

Thanks,
Dave

[Jed]

I have fished "Northern" lines in "Southern" waters and found that they do become like spaghetti. I tropical line will cast better. I think anything will work, buty some better than others. Use what you have and when it comes time to replace look for a tropical line. They are available at the same price so why not!

jed

[bazakwardz]

If it works, why worry about it? You should be able to tell if a line is getting too soft and sticky.

[Flyfish Dog]

The bad thing I found when using normal stuff in extreme hot climate is it knots up much easily than a tropical line or vice versa. Can be a problem when making long casts but if you are staying within 30 feets then you be fine.