Posted on July 06 2013
If you’ve read many of the posts about spey fishing on our blog, you know that a lot of Deneki-folk prefer mono running lines on our two-handed rods.
There’s a lot of personal preference in running line choice for sure. Mono running lines have some drawbacks – notably a bit of a learning curve in handling the mono, and sometimes some slippage when dealing with big fish in cold, wet weather (although you can help a lot with slippage by trying some rubber tape on your cork).
We love the benefits though – amazing drag-free shootability (sorry, spell checker), very little drag in the water and for many, a very low price.
Mono Running Lines on Lightweight Two Handers
A recent outing in the Cascades with some 5 and 6 weight two handers reminded us how much mono running lines can impact the feel of a little-guy spey rod. Casting mono running lines and PVC running lines side by side on light rods was a real eye opener.
At low grain weights, the extra drag of a PVC running line is really noticeable – much more so than with a bigger rig. A 720 grain Skagit head launching through the air would drag hemp rope through your guides without a problem. When you drop down to 320 grains…man, can you feel that head…slowing…down…with…PVC…behind…..it.
With a mono running line, your 4 to 6 weight double-hander might just feel like a totally different beast – light, lively, smooth, fun! You also don’t have to worry much about the big-fish slippage issue on your 5 weight, right?
Mono Running Line Options
Way back in the day we ran a full running line roundup and we won’t duplicate that here. We’ll just give you two of the more popular choices.
- Berkley Trilene Big Game, 40 pound
. Your editor’s favorite, and a whopping $7.92 for 370 yards
-
Rio Slickshooter
. With an elliptical cross-section for mega-distance, a long-time popular choice for many.
. Your editor’s favorite, and a whopping 
. With an elliptical cross-section for mega-distance, a long-time popular choice for many.Give it a go!