On Aug 13, 9:06 am, "BobS" wrote:

[snip]
Used my 9', 5wt, St. Croix Legend which is a fast+ rated rod and one I
really like. First line up to test was the Rio - and was I disappointed....
Could not for the life of me get any distance out of that line with a
head-on breeze. Line simply folded up in front of me and dropped to the
water like it had an anchor tied to it. Tried numerous times and 20' was
about all I could get.

Quickly changed to other spool with Orvis G3 5 wt line and first cast went
out an easy 50' on the water.

In spite of what was presented in another recent thread on fly lines,
welcome to the world of fly line to rod specialization. I too, would
be curious to know what Rio line that was used to test your rod. RIO
make six fly lines for freshwater fly fishing plus their specialty
lines. If it was the selective trout line that you tried, it would not
surprise me that it did not work for you but if it was the Grand, then
I would be concerned. Same as with the Orvis line you tested, it's
made for fast action rods and it would do better on that Legend. But
there's also a reason it's called G3, or Generation 3, the Wonderlines
have always been good casting lines but often have left something to
be desired when actually fishing with them in many cases.

Other more accomplished casters often poo-poo this line of thoughts
but for use mere mortals.......