Okay guy's - we just got the two reels in for my brother and
brother-in-law's birthdays and now I need to get some line and backing.

I'll describe the type of fishing they'll be doing with the rod/reel they're
getting as gifts:

1. 9', 9 wt rod for brother who likes to fish for steelheads and salmon in
northern NY and for large-mouth bass. Cold weather freak.....

2. 9', 8 wt rod for brother-in-law who likes to fish for bass, trout and may
go for steelheads now that he'll have a heavier rod/reel. More of a warm
weather fisherman - like me.

For #1 should this be floating or sinking -or- go with an interchangeable
line? He'll be fishing in cold weather too (snow and ice) and will probably
even try to use the new rig when he's ice fishing through a hole - just to
show off....;-)

For #2, he likes the streams, small lakes and rivers but does want to try
some bigger / faster waters for larger trout - hence the 8 wt outfit Wants
to make it out to Montana and Alaska next year for a dream trip. I hope to
be on that trip also.

Well aware that one line will not do it all but I'll get them started with a
good one to start at least....

This gives you some insight as to what they will be fishing for and what
their styles are. I have tested a few lines so far and I'm not to impressed
with the Cortland lines like the 555 or 333, they're okay and I have 2 spare
spools with those lines on but I prefer the 444 series for warm weather in
the lighter weights and softer rod.

Just got the wife's reel wound with some Orvis Wonderline Gen 3 (5wt) and
was out tossing it around in the backyard during some heavy winds Monday -
and I was very impressed. The TLS (8'6', 5wt, 4 pc rod) and this line
worked beautifully - and even as a novice, I could punch it out 50', and hit
a 30" target (well, most of the time) in an almost head-on, gusty wind. It
was so strong at times that the line literally dumped in front of me during
a gust - to give you an idea of how windy it was.

I have SA GPX line on my 8 wt rod and it's actually about a 8.5 wt and loads
up the St. Croix 8 wt rod (fast+) nicely and shoots it out there pretty
good. I've not tried Rio brand yet but have read some good reviews. The
major players in our area (upstate NY) seem to be Cortland, SA and Rio
lines.

Your comments and wisdom appreciated,

Bob S.