I just picked up an XP 9’ 4wt. I’m trying to decide which line to get for it. I seem to be torn between Rio Grand, Rio Selective Trout, SA Trout, or SA XPS. The reasons I purchased this fast action rod was for longer casting with delicacy. I’ve always used DT’s, but I figure a WF would be the way to go, taper wise. As to the delicacy issue, I will be primarily using this rod for longer distance dry fly fishing over spooky fish, so this makes me wonder about the heavier Rio Grand taper.
There is no fly shop nearby for me to take the rod and practice cast the different types of lines. Any experience and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
30’ to 40’ across varying currents. The 9’ will give me better line control and reach. I know the longer the cast, the lower the “hook-up” rate, but the streams I plan on using this rod are larger and longer casting is needed to reach some of the feeding lanes.
I’ve tried all those lines, and really liked the Rio Selective Trout. They were on med action rods though. The Rio Grand might be better for the stiffer XP.
I vote for the Rio Grand 4wt also. I use it on a Scott STS 4wt (pretty fast), and can cast it 50’ with no problem. Very delicate also. My second choice would be the SA Trout taper.
Of the lines you listed, the Rio Grand will be the better performer on a fast rod like the XP. It’s actually a half line size bigger than stated to help load the rod a little quicker. I haven’t noticed that the extra weight in the line hurts my dry fly presentations any. If anything, it slows the rod down just a little which helps my accuracy somewhat. Hope that helps.
I use SA GPX on my XP…it works very well for me. I have been considering buying a Rio line since I do need a new line. Either way I don’t think you can go wrong and you will really enjoy your XP.
After listening to everyone and checking out the taper lengths, it came down to SA Expert Distance or Rio Grand. I’ve owned primarily SA lines my whole life and tend to prefer them, but I think I’ll give the Rio Grand a try. To all, thanks for your input.