Scientific Anglers new Sharkskin fly line does put a dent in the wallet but it is well worth it.
We started using this line in earnest this January for winter steelhead. Fishing the Umpqua I had ice in my guides yet the line remained perfectly straight, and lacked the memory of other lines.
Another great feature of this line is the way it facilitates feeding line out of the rod. Because of a micro-replicated surface, it feeds out of the guides with greater ease than any line I have ever used. When fishing down stream dry flies or nymphs, “micro drag” is eliminated if you can feed your line smoothly, the Sharkskin excels at the downstream feed tactic. In addition the line has a super small welded loop, making a looped leader connection easy, and the small size limits line/leader hang up in the guides.
The Chain Effect:
The micro-replicated surface in Sharkskin lines gives actual points where the line can bend or flex without cracking. An additional benefit is the structure also relaxes or relieves memory of the line to give an anti-tangle effect, which improves shootability and line control.
Wear on Guides?
According to extensive testing by 3M on fly lines and wear on guides, Sharkskin has shown to wear less on guides than other leading fly line manufactures. Furthermore, the material used to make guides matters more to the longevity of your line than anything.
Fly Line Stretch:
Over a 100 foot span of line, stretched with 500 grams of force the difference between Rio Gold, Cortland 555, SA Mastery Trout, SA Sharkskin was less than 1 foot of stretch. Interestingly, Aiflo was shown to stretch the most at 1.8 feet, with Cortland, Rio, Mastery trout, and Sharkskin stretching between just under 1 and 1.2 feet comparatively.
Flotation:
Current top end fly lines including, Rio, Airflo, and SA float half in and half out of the water. You can also think of this a percentage of fly line floating out of the water. In this case 50% of the line is out of the water. 3M has purchased a machine that can measure the angle of the line to the water, or contact angle. In the case of Sharkskin, when this contact angle is expressed as a percentage of line floating out of the water; it consistently tests out at a contact angle of 130, equating to 72% of the line out of the water. Micro replication is a phenomenon found in nature, such as the pad’s on Water Skipper’s feet (do Water Skippers have feet?), and has been emulated in the Sharkskin series of fly lines for supreme flotation.
Now for the contest: We will be drawing, at random, one winner from the comments on this post (and others) between now and May 1st to giveaway one of these Sharkskin lines. We’re going to put all the email addresses in a boot and pull one out. One comment will be counted per person. Saying something intelligent isn’t necessarily required, but it’d be nice.
Contact Us:
66 responses so far ↓
1 carlos casillas // Apr 23, 2008 at 4:52 am
way to cool for school , can’t wait to try it!
2 Garry Pinto // Apr 23, 2008 at 4:59 am
Dang! A hundred bones for a fly line. Does it stay cleaner than your average fly line? That’s my biggest gripe with my lines is that they get gritty after a while and no amount of soaking/scrubbing is gonna get em clean.
This sounds pretty slick if you can afford it. GP.
3 Garry Pinto // Apr 23, 2008 at 5:03 am
Hey Chris, you wanna sell me that demo line for 50 bucks?? I saw it hit the pavement.
4 Brent Ross // Apr 23, 2008 at 5:24 am
Wow…you sure can hear that line even with the background noise. Looks slick. Any word on how the microtextured coating holds up over time?
5 Mike Conn // Apr 23, 2008 at 8:02 am
Above is my personal email. I am emailing from work location. You have a great Website. I am in Washington now but was born in Roseburg, OR. Have spent many years on Oregon Rivers. Looking forward to trying this new fly line if I win. Have been a Cortland disciple until now. Will be perusing you Website on a regular basis. Have added you to Favorites. Thanks for allowing me to particiapte.
Mike
6 Matt Siegmund // Apr 23, 2008 at 8:11 am
The Sharkskin™ does not collect dirt any faster than other lines. This is a benefit of our AST technology. Instead of collecting, the line continually sheds dirt and algae. A lot of other fly lines use silicones that make them sticky and collect dirt. This is one of the big drawbacks of topical dressings on fly lines. In our field tests we saw lines collect pollen and algae, mostly where the caster held his hand on the line for double hauling. Cleaning was simply done by using the Scientific Anglers cleaning pad. We have not seen any heavy deposits of any dirt on the surface of the line. In fact, when we field tested lines and retested them in the lab, some of the attributes increased. Floatation (contact angle) was one of those attributes.
These lines are great, once you get used to the sound. I fished mine all winter for trout and steelhead and Chris is right they really do shoot line and mend well.
Carlos, you’d better get 3, I only have 2.
7 Bpaul // Apr 23, 2008 at 8:23 am
Alright I’ll bite, I’m dying of curiosity now.
But the big question is, which weight will I have you send….
decisions decisions
8 Robert Dusine // Apr 23, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Do you feel that this Sharkskin line is really that much better than the other top brands best lines for $30-$40 less?
9 David McBride // Apr 23, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Hey Chris
Very cool line. Love the new blog. Great local info. Keep it up.
10 leigh // Apr 23, 2008 at 2:59 pm
if i win can it be returned for full cash value?
11 barrett c. // Apr 23, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I had the privilege of fishing this line all winter steelhead season.with over a dozen to the bank the line has held up remarkably well without any of the typical cracking and subsequent dirtying of said cracks.hands down this is one of the slickest lines i have ever cast,a big step in the right direction from their steelhead floater of yesteryear.Is it worth 100 bones?the proof is in the pulling!
tight lines,
B.
12 Ryan Anderson // Apr 23, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Love the new blog, keeps me excited when I’m stuck in the office.
13 Tim Aaron // Apr 23, 2008 at 5:17 pm
$100? That’s pretty steep. I wonder how it will hold up after a season of hard use.
14 Jim Terborg // Apr 23, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I considered the Sharkskin and the Rio Gold when I put new lines on this Spring. I went with Rio Gold and really like the line. But, I’d like to be able to compare both lines on the water.
And, congratulations on a great web site. Keep it up.
15 Nstanz // Apr 23, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I would like to try it in the salt…
16 Brendan Cushen // Apr 23, 2008 at 6:42 pm
This sounds great!! I know they mentioned the “out of water” floatability of this line, but does this fade and worsen over time? And if so, do the usual techniques of applying a little floatant to the line suffice for keeping the line as high riding in the water as possible. I was basically wondering if the textured surface structure of the line effected the application of floatant. Smoother feeding of line to reduce micro drag??!! SIGN ME UP!!
17 ChrisC // Apr 23, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Sounds like wonderfull line, I sure hope it comes down in price sometime soon! It sounds like it would be great for winter steelhead.
18 Don Dexter // Apr 23, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I’m in Chicago on the first so I won’t be able to pick up my prize until the next week. I’m looking forward to it. And the site is great, keep up the good work.
19 David Jensen // Apr 23, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I feel lucky! Opening Day at Eagle Rock Lodge on the McKenzie is their annual wooden boat show. Free admission by driving or floating in. Always some interesting boats, including Woody Hindman antiques, and several Keith Steele boats. Steve Steele, Keith’s son, is usually there with one of his new boats.
20 Kevin Stone // Apr 23, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Well, I’ll throw my hat in the ring, but I would rather direct my luck toward an afternoon on the river without rain.
Great blog!
21 Adam Glass // Apr 23, 2008 at 11:21 pm
This blog just gets better and better. Thanks guys!
22 Mike M // Apr 23, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Sounds like a badass line. Would make a great replacement for my current SA mastery line, which is pretty cracked up. The new blog is a huge improvement over the old site. Great job, guys!
23 Wes Campbell // Apr 24, 2008 at 1:07 am
tight lines everyone….
24 Matt Siegmund // Apr 24, 2008 at 3:07 am
OK , your casting was a little lazier than normal in the video. Reminded me of some hook sets I saw today.
25 barrett c. // Apr 24, 2008 at 4:57 am
not as lazy as your left eye, matt.
26 barrett c. // Apr 24, 2008 at 5:19 am
my last comment was inappropriate at best and apologize to any one it offended.a better response would be something like “i didn’t know squirrel season opened today”. again ,sorry for my crude beer induced comment.
tight lines(that i obviously was incapable of on todays outing)
b.
27 Neal Galligan // Apr 24, 2008 at 6:53 am
I have been wanting to write and tell you how much I have enjoyed your new website. I guess now, is as good as any, especially if I have the chance to win a new Sharkskin Line. I live near Portland, but fish the McKenzie several times a year! I check out your reports everyday. I really enjoy your how to video’s on fly tying. You guys bring allot to the sport, keep up the great work!!!!
28 eric // Apr 24, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I’m in.
I like my AirFlo line. This sounds as if it is the AirFlo on steroids.
29 Chris G. // Apr 24, 2008 at 2:44 pm
I’ve been meaning to check out this new line - so I might as well try my luck. I really enjoy the blog and come here often to see whats been happening around the local waters. You guys are doing a great job with it.
30 Chuck Siebers // Apr 24, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Looks like a winner to me,like your website.
I appreciate the effort you put into this blog.
The information is up to date and useful.
Keep up the great work!
Neil ,I will see you on the Owyhee.
31 norm schafer // Apr 24, 2008 at 5:17 pm
great offer! maybe i can finally outcast terborg!
32 Pete // Apr 24, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Can you make it a 9w?
33 David Miksch // Apr 24, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Ok this little fish has bit, sounds like a great step foward in fly fishing except for this site of coarse. Does flattery help with the drawing ha ha! 100 bones though ouch 60-70 dollar line I thought was spendy but if its as great as it sounds I just might have to cave in on my next line purchase. Casting perfection priceless. I must say its great at catching comments though!
Bent rods to every one!
Dave M.
34 Nish // Apr 24, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I have had it for 6 months and have used it 15 days and initially it seems abrasive to your skin.
35 Billy McKnight // Apr 24, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Chris-
Thanks for putting this site together. I check it at least every-other day now for updates!
This new line definitely interests me. I’ll swing by and hope you have it on a demo-rod.
36 sierratrout // Apr 24, 2008 at 9:45 pm
A friend of mine just bought this line and he says that the textured surface picks up a lot of mud and dirt. Anyone else have this problem?
37 John Toman // Apr 25, 2008 at 2:12 am
Had a chance to try the sharkskin today on the Mckenzie. Casts very well but the noise is a bit strange.Fishing was slow.,
38 Kevin // Apr 25, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I might not need this in NJ, but I still want it!
39 Will Cordova // Apr 25, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I really need new line. Do trout seemed more inclined to approach this new design? Thanks for keeping us informed.
40 Alex Tyler // Apr 25, 2008 at 9:35 pm
My old Cortland is 4 seasons old, But I just keep cleaning it, heres my entry!
41 jvk // Apr 25, 2008 at 9:49 pm
great site, it’s in my daily reads…
cheers
jvk
42 Reese DeHart // Apr 26, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I’m a beginner fly fisher/fly tier and am enjoying this sport. Would love to win the line to put on the 3 weight outfit I’m putting together.
love the website.
Reese
43 jay fisch // Apr 26, 2008 at 5:02 pm
thanks for the web page….been on it every day since it’s up and running
44 Tate Sandberg // Apr 26, 2008 at 5:03 pm
`Great site, great store! Thanks for all your guys’ time and effort. Now gimme the damn line!!
45 JustFlyBob // Apr 27, 2008 at 2:59 am
Hey Chris,
Awesome video on the new Sharkskin line. I have got to have one now to fish with my Winston and Hardy reel setup. Thanks for all your advice over the years and here’s to winning!
46 Greg // Apr 27, 2008 at 6:26 am
I’m still a amateur hack at fly fishing and am using my original Walmart all-in-one fly pole package including the cheap-o line - don’t laugh, I still catch fish! If I even suggested spending $100 bucks for fishing line my wife would have a cardiac. I’d be curious to see the difference in casting between the good stuff and my cheap line…
47 Dave // Apr 27, 2008 at 3:06 pm
I’ll take a shot. Heck, I need a new line for my 5# anyway. Good tying vids, by the way.
48 Chris Cartwright // Apr 27, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I would love to try this stuff! Anything to outsmart the Big Daddies!!!
49 WC Moran // Apr 28, 2008 at 3:32 am
I’m in.
Great job with the site Chris. Exceeds expectations. Thanks.
50 Warren Gawlik // Apr 28, 2008 at 6:42 pm
I could use this in the worst way, not much money in the budget for new line, excited fr the oppertunity!
51 Leif // Apr 28, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I keep true with my Cortland 444 rocket taper but as much as I love my Cortland I’m getting fed up with the line friction that builds up over the course of the day. I probably wouldn’t spent $100 for fly line, but I’d love to give this one a few trips out to at least see how it works in comparison!
52 Bill Heinz // Apr 28, 2008 at 11:38 pm
Love the blog and the new line - looks like an awesome steelhead line!! Will you have a sample to try out at the store?
53 Joe // Apr 29, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Great blog, great reports, cool videos, and you keep the big picture in mind with news on conservation issues too. My daily read!
54 Harley Johnson // Apr 29, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I am enjoying your website very much. Ihave seen none better. Love the fly patterns and hope you will do some smallie flies too.
55 Sam Parker // Apr 30, 2008 at 1:15 am
That line is f***ing loud!!!
56 Rick // Apr 30, 2008 at 5:35 am
Piel de tiburon, que bueno!
57 Phil Burgess // Apr 30, 2008 at 9:54 pm
Nice Demo. The feature improvements sound great. How durable is the welded loop at the end of the line?
58 Neil // Apr 30, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I could use a little magic and 72% out of the water sounds pretty good!
59 Dan Phelan // May 1, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Great demo, and blog for that matter. One of the best explinations of the added value Sharkskin has to offer.
60 David Nay // May 1, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I’m going to alaska this summer and I need 3 of these lines. Hope I can get one free.
61 Art Smith // May 5, 2008 at 5:27 am
I’m in New Zealand, and I have bought this new line. Fished for two days solid. It is great line, it is the lightest casting line I have ever used with good distance and excelent mending features. One major concern is that it is very abrasive to the hands. Infact after 5 hours I had worn through the skin to the flesh. I then had to place an elasterplast on my index fingure to continue fishing. Any suggestions to avoid this wear.
Art
62 Caddisfly // May 9, 2008 at 4:52 am
Art,
We have heard of this issue, it does happen to some anglers. I think you have it wired with the elasterplast and or some sort of medical tape. Some sun gloves have finger protection in them and there are specific finger protectors available from Springbrook Inc.
63 Art Smith // May 20, 2008 at 5:26 am
Thanks for the comment. I have made up some finger guards from some spare neoprene. I will give them a go when next out.
Art
64 eric // Jul 5, 2008 at 4:35 am
Tried it in the Cabelas parking lot, the line was wizzing (is that a real word) through the guides. Got my lottery money all set to buy a 5 wt.
65 william small // Jul 6, 2008 at 6:10 am
I purchased the 4WT Sharkskin line today after being persuaded to buy RIO Gold line. I decided to be a guinea pig to try something new. This line doesn’t disappoint. I fished for 8 hours I fished the middle and lower provo with a nymph rig and caught a fattie on each stretch plus some other nice ones. Yahoo! No soreness on the index finger-maybe minor but with anything else, your hand will gt used to it. It casts great, mends well, and floats as well as any line I’ve used. It seems the Sharkskin will be less likely to retain memory. I’m glad I splurged on the purchase.
66 Jase // Jul 9, 2008 at 3:55 am
Was there a revamp to this line?? While looking for reviews I found several early reviews that claimed they had sinking problems after some use.
I’m asking because I live in the styx and our little shops inventory may be older so I don’t want to spring for it localy if it may be an “older version”
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