I’ve been looking at switching to a new flyline and a friend reccomended GPX by Scientific Anglers. I did some reasearch and this is what S A says about GPX…
“The best all purpose floating fly line; designed to be one-half line weight heavier than marked.”
Why make it a little heavier? I spent over $200 for a fast fly rod, why would I want to bog it down with heavier line?
I thought maybe they think people will step down 1 wt with the line to help with longer cast but then you suffer when you put on a heavy bass bug.
I have been using the GPX line for years and like it.Its a little heavier than other WF lines but its not like your going up a line weight.It casts relly well and wont slow your fast rod down.Try it out before you buy it if you can.
An extra 1/2 line weight isn’t going to “bog” down your rod. The change in the load on the rod isn’t much different than having about 2-5 feet of additional line outside the rod tip when making the cast, depending on line size. It will help some when making shorter casts.
I have been using a WF 6wt GPX on my Sage RPL+ 6wt for 7 years and it is a great line.
jargo432…
The reasoning behind GPX line is that most people are casting short for accuracy. A cast under 30 will not load the rod but if GPX is used the short casts will be made with a fully loaded rod.
This is the line you will normally use when testing rods at a fly shop or a show. That way the rods preform on both accuracy and long distance casting.
DickM
What happens when you cast 50 feet. Does the rod bend/flex more than the maker of the rod meant for it to flex for that length of cast and therefore not perform as well?
P.S. I went to the S A site and read all they had to offer. Also I should note that at the casting clinic that I went to I cast a CCI’s rod and line and just fell in love with the line. It was so much softer and easier to cast. I asked him what kind of line it was and he told me it was XXD. I was about to run out and buy it for my 7wt when I heard about GPX. Hopefully this friday when I go to the fly shop they will have some of each on a reel and will be able to cast each.
[This message has been edited by jargo432 (edited 18 April 2006).]
Just bought a WF5 SA GPX line last Friday and fished it for three straight days for trout here in PA. I’m using it with my Winston BIIx 9’ 5 weight rod. The GPX line works great. I was casting weighted nymphs, buggers, and small dry flies and the line worked great. In my opinion the line does not feel heavy or overload the rod at all. Casts real nice!
???What happens when you cast 50 feet. Does the rod bend/flex more than the maker of the rod meant for it to flex for that length of cast and therefore not perform as well???
It???s not even a problem at 90 feet. All rods can take one line size up. Often they can handle 2 or 3 line sizes up depending on the rod rating.
If i go to my fly shop, and say i need 6 wt line. They instaly grab the GPX, and on it goes, i use nothing else. If they are out, i will take ultra 4, if they are out of that to, i say ill come back (has happened once). Of course they called when it came in.
Another sponsor here seems to be making a mighty fine fly line. If you haven’t tried the Cortland Dyna-Tip, give it a whirl. I’ve had two of them for a month now and like everything about them. From tip sections that really float to tapers that work, the lack of coiling issues and also colors that are well thought out.
I think Cortland has a winner on their hands!
I am resurecting an old post because I have some additional questions about GPX. I have a 8’ 4wt elkhorn traveler rod which has a medium fast action. I am looking for a general fly line to fish small streams both with nymphs and drys. The GPX sounds like the right line however it says it is made for fast action rods. Can anyone comment to how the line performs with medium action rods? I am still somewhat of a beginner and almost wonder if the extra half line weight will help my casting.
The extra weight should help you feel the line better. I had that problem on my 4wt and the GPX helped that problem and its a real plesure to cast now before i hated it.
Beware of rod manufacturers descriptions, they sure aren’t uniform. Elkhorn’s medium-fast may be someone else?s idea of fast. Fast to me may be slow to you; you get the idea…
If you are going to be casting short distances, (20-40 feet) on small streams like you say; I think you may like the GPX since it will load the rod faster and enable you to shoot the line better. You may feel your casting has improved with a heavier line but I’ll leave the analysis to the experts. Just as a point of reference though, in the 4 weight range all of my rods would have an action described by the manufacturer as medium to medium fast. On those rods I use regular tapered lines in regular weight with excellent results at all distances with all fly types. I prefer double tapers lines like the Rio Classic, Cortland 444, Sci Anglers Mastery Trout or XPS.
Two things I recently discovered in my quest for a line for two stubborn rods is line taper can be EVERYTHING! The funny thing is; just this morning I was remembering when my choices were 444 or 333; DT or WF, floating, sinking or sink tip. Why those 444 lines worked GREAT with every rod I owned back then still perplexes me when I peruse the catalogs today and see 12 zillion available fly lines to choose from.
BUT, don’t run out and buy a new line figuring it will solve all of your problems, IF you have any problems to begin with. New and improved isn?t always an improvement. While I’m DEFINITELY not the ultimate authority on that rod and the GPX line; what line are you using on it now? Do you like your present line? If not, what do you feel are the shortcomings? Also, you mentioned you are a beginner. If you are having performance issues with the rod; have you asked any of you fly fishing friends with more experience to cast the rod and give you their opinion? While other opinions are just that, opinions; if you feel you need a new line because of castability issues, you may want a better caster to take the rod for a spin.
I hope this drivel has helped. Fly lines are expensive so experimenting can be a costly adventure.
Actually I have yet to cast with this rod. I have a cheap fiberglass 7wt I have been using. It has a cheap WF line on it and I have seen my casting improve quite a bit with practice. Do I still have casting flaws yes?..do I expect a line to fix them No. I am still getting the hang of it.
JC…I am glad you mentioned the “Lefty” line I saw it at Bass Pro shops and was curious. I haven’t seen it too many other places…I am not even sure there is a description at Scientific Anglers. How would you compare it their Headstart or Concept?
