John has provided an excellent answer, to which I would add that when new they can be saturated with materials that help water proof them if the little bit of sink is a problem. If so treated, they will need to be periodically 'dressed'; not unlike a silk fly line. I use Guetermann polyester thread for my leaders. Like John said, they tend to sink slightly ("ride just below the surface"). I do not find this to be a problem.
Cheers!
MUCILIN RED....http://www.riverbum.com/Mucilin-Fly-Dressing/
Easy to carry, easy to apply.
MUCILIN GREEN should work just as well. The concerns about the silicon in the Green 'tin' is unfounded; especially if you use glass or graphite rods. The concern is VALID if you are talking about bamboo BEFORE the varnish is applied! Silicon on any surface to be painted or varnished can cause "fish eyes" in the coating material; as the auto makers found out some years ago. It should NOT harm the dried finish on a bamboo rod. Thus, the recommendation of Red Label is apparently based on a partial truth.
I venture that Mink Oil will work just as well! I have used Barbour's THORNPROOF DRESSING with good results. Any fly line dressing will also work.
Cheers!
Last edited by aged_sage; 05-24-2012 at 09:19 PM.
True Sage on the Mucilin, but there is a choice and don't have to worry bought the red. Great stuff.
and there is always Albolene