riverman wrote:

OK, as if this hasn't been all hashed out here before..but I think its time
to modify my fly line on my smaller rod, and I'd like a recommendation of
some lines to look at. I'm just getting to where I believe that different
lines might actually make a noticable difference. Call me a reformed cynic.

The rod is Hardy Gem Smuggler 5 piece-4 weight, is 8'5, quite soft, and I
use it in diverse conditions (open casting, and also with covering brush). I
don't like to cast it tremendously far out, as I can't seem to get a good
delivery, so I'd want something that loaded up pretty quick for intermediate
(30-40 foot) casts. I store my line on a small arbor reel, and all my
scientific angler Air Cel lines have developed memories that I cannot seem
to stretch out, so I want a line with a good reputation for no memory. I
usually fish dries, so a high-floating line is preferred. I only fish it in
freshwater, usually for trout or greyling.

People have suggested that I try to find something in a WF with a short tip
and short front taper, a short fat belly, and a long rear taper (sounds like
a personals ad...) Can anyone recommend a good product, or is this such a
trivial question that its worthless? So far, I've thought about a SA
Headstart, but that seems like its a bit of a beginner's line (whatever that
means). Another option is a SA Ultra4, but again, I've had bad luck with SA
and memory, so I think I want to change brands. Any suggestions?

TIA
--riverman

Im using the Rio Grand (WF) on all my rods (Powell Tiboron). This rod is
reasonably fast and so
far I havent found any other lines that load it well except for a tri-taper.
Only drawback on the
Grand is that the builtin loop has been breaking on me, so now I replace it
with a braided loop
before using the line.