To Larry's reply, it is true that the SA works quite well on short (LE 60')
casts, but for in close work I prefer the Orvis, which is also good in close.
The reason for this is the Sly line doesn't have the braided mono, so it's
nicer to strip, doesn't abrade my fingers, etc. To me the advantage of the SA
line is supposed to be in the area of long casts, so if I use it only for short
casts why use it at all ? The area I've fished most is a fairly flat beach,
which I often fish under bright sun in mid afternoon - not prime time, but it's
when I get to go :-< There is a deep dropoff 80-100' off depending on tide,
surf etc. (this is standing chest deep beyond the weeds and shore break). It's
a very consistent spot, but my casts are always 70-90' here, so I have a lot of
line in the basket, thus the problem.
To Mike, yeah I'm now giving thought to the Airflo, but wonder how different
it can be from the Orvis and the SA ? It it, like the SA, a head backed up with
braided mono or is it like the Sly Line, which is more like a traditional fly
line ? I honestly prefer the latter, as I find it more pleasant to fish with
and don't find I need help with distance from the line. How do you get the twist
out of yours ? After each outing I strip off all my line, wash it, then run it
through a sponge while reeling on. It seems pretty flat by this time. Perhaps
SA just develops twist quickly once you start using it ? And it is odd that
the problem disappears with the basket. Once I have it stretched (and the Orvis
is not easy to stretch out) I like the Sly line a lot better than the SA, but it
is hard to stretch and pretty much impossible in spring when the water's cold.
If the Airflo doesn't have the braided mono running line I think I might give
it a try.
jc