Shooting Heads

[StriperSniper]

Everyone,
I'd like to get feedback on shooting heads..I've never used them before but I hear that they can resolve some distance issues ?

Any opinion is appreciated either good or bad

Thanks,
StriperSniper :confused:

[flyslinger]

i'm trying it this year. i've only been out once & forgot my strippimg basket, which made it difficult to shoot the line. in my yard i have gained about 20 to 30 feet distance. one thing i did notice already is that the mono shooting line gets awfully hot on your fingers really quick if the line or your fingers are not wet. also i have heard that this line will slice your water logged fingers wide open if you do latch on to something that takes line very quickly. i really don't have enough experience at this point to have formed my own opinion.




dan

[mwlgencon]

I've been using shooting heads for many years, I think they have many advantages for certain kinds of fishing, for example
first ease of casting when fishing blind, just pick it up 1 or 2 false cast and shoot, also being able to cast long distances, or not so long cast into the wind, an intermediate for stripers is uasually the best choice but when you need to go deeper its easily changed.I like a 30ft head for night time stripers you uasually dont have to cast far, but in the dark a 30ft head with a 10 ft leader is invaluble when casting to laid up breaking fish. Its fairly easy to measure your cast when you cant see. Sometimes you need to swim your fly directly over their heads knowing how much line you have out is critical. Ive tried all types of running lines from mono to intermedate to braided running lines. Some guys swear by mono. For me I prefer braided lines you give up a little distance but they rarley tangel, its easy to feel on cold nights and they last a long time.Of course you need to use a shooting basket and also need to learn how to load your basket. Which will take practice.If you load it properly it will rarely tangel. Hope this helps. Good luck Michael

[StriperSniper]

Micheal,
Thanks for the advice I think I'm gonna change over due to ease of head change and the increased distance,

Thanks Again,
Striper

[maxg]

Have a look at my "stuffed up" post re a integrated gsp and braided mono running line. It is geared foir shooting heads, the result of 30 years of casting the things. It has no knots, no stretch, is thin and really goes. The outside is Gudebrod braided monofilament so it is a little rough on fingers. If you use braided mono or monofilament running lines you should get a Spectra butchers glove, the light ones, to save your fingers.
There are a few things about heads, like use the "up weight" system. If you use a 10# rod fit a 12# head and do not false cast the head. Just cast it back and give it a little haul and let it go.
You do need a shooting basket, but at times, like fishing off rocks a panel of prawn net works well. Just lay the prawn net out and drop the line on it.
Lead core heads, like LC13's and LC15's if you can get them increase distance, sink like rockets and are not expensive.
Using heads cuts down on casting effort, you use less energy per fishing day, which is handy.
On the 9th day he made a shooting head. Max

[Quicksilver]

Casting 60- 70 feet with the same effort as falling off a log.

[fraserj1]

Anyone have opinions on the Rio Striper line - which is a shooting head system with (I think three or four heads - floating and three sinking)?