I constantly look at fly fishing related topics and gear. A trend that I have found becoming more common is species specific fly lines. Rio seems to be at the head of the pack with this. The manufacturer has 9 different trout lines alone. To me it seems like a smart marketing ploy but what I don't like is some of the descriptions. I recently looked at the carp line.
Here is the description from Rio's website.
"Combines a medium length head with a smooth front taper for a subtle
presentation. Wary carp will not be spooked by either the presentation, or the camo olive
color."
Talk about bold advertising claims. I really doubt Rio would take your line back and refund your money after you claim every carp you cast at still spooked. Even with my skepticism I still wonder if these fly lines give you an advantage fishing for certain species. The bass, pike & panfish line description offers a little more realistic description.
Short front taper to easily load the rod and turn over big flies
Warm water coating holds up in high heat conditions
Slightly heavier belly for easy casting
This is definitely a more practical and realistic description. Although is this just a selling tactic? Of course "Bass Line" sounds more attractive than 8wt floating line. Is there really a difference? Rio isn't the only one to put fancy names on their lines. Other manufacturers are doing it as well. Usually when fishing for stripers you use sinking line. Line manufactures know this. What would catch your eye more a generic sinking line logo or this?
Again I have no problem with this. I just wonder if there really is a difference between one line over another. I personally have never bought a fly line to target a specific species. I use floating line 90% of the time. Exploring some more I also found that line manufacturers not only sell species specific lines but also fly specific lines.
It's really amazing how much marketing there is out there for fly fisherman. The selling tactic is have the right gear for the right situation. I even fall for it myself from time to time. If you get too carried away you can have a rod and line for any situation. Which is great but how many rods can you carry with you at one time on a stream? I would hate to get to a point where I start saying dumb things like "Sorry, I can't go fishing with you tomorrow I don't have any trout line."
