Favorite spring line?

[David Churbuck]

When I started SWFF in 1988 I fished an intermediate Cortland line almost exclusively. Now, many years and lines later, I more inclined to use a 350 grain sink tip, especially in the spring when I want to get big herring and squid patterns down deep fast.

Now I am starting to second guess myself. Should I go back to the intermediate? Thoughts? I am a lazy line changer, so I am looking for a go-to line, one that will be a utility infielder so when I see a bluefish swirl I can get a popper on and still be in the game fast.

[Ray]

Dave,

Split the difference. I use a 200 grain full sink line frequently when fishing from shore in the spring. I use an 8-weight rod and carry an extra spool with intermediate line too.

I still throw a 350 grain line for getting big flies out there or when I'm on a boat.

[maineguideman]

In spring you can encounter alot in one outing schoolies on top big bass in a rip suspended fish under bait fish hanging on a drop off next to a flat? if you on foot its tough I like the 200 grain suggestion. In the boat I keep four rods rigged and ready flaoting, clear intermidiate, a 350 grain, and a homemade shooting line with 30' of T-14. I almost always end up with the 9 wt 350 grain setup

[Dumpcast]

Like Maineguideman, I have other rigs with other lines but typically use the 350-grain, 9-weight setup, to the point where I don't even carry a floater anymore unless I expect to encounter bluefish on top. Once in a while -- over shallow structure, say -- the heavy sink tip turns out to be the wrong line for the job, but in general it's proved to be the right go-to line.