09-03-2006, 03:58 PM
Line memory, i've noticed this phrase being used alot lately, however, how many of you actually know what "memory" is?
I think it's safe to say that fly fisherman know about memory more than any other type of angler. I myself aren't a fly fisherman, but if you understand how memory works, you understand why low memory line is so vital to long distance, accurate casts; and keeping the tangles out and keeping you fishing.
Line memory is how much the fishing line "remembers" it's shape during the sitting process. In other words, a line with high memory will come off the spool in spirals, very close spirals that match the diameter of the spirals on the spool. A line with low memory, like Trilene XL, comes off the reel strait and true. The easiest way to see how much memory your line has is to let it set for about a week. Then, strip off about 4 or five yards of line. Does the line maintain a strait form? Or is it curly like your grandma's hair on a bad perm day? The memory in some lines doesn't present itself until it's been under stress, this may be fishing stress and/or stress from the elements VIA extreme cold, heat, or sunlight exposed.
All lines are NOT created equal. With that said, particularly with fly fishing line, there are specific lines matched with not only fishing conditions, but weather conditions as a whole. A line formulated for a colder climate, like a line specifically formulated for trout, will be made with softer cores and coatings to minimize memory in colder climates. And vise versa for lines designed to target fish in hotter, more tropical climates; as they will have a harder core and outer coating.
You may also find that memory will go away as the line is fished. What I mean is that the line may initially come off the reel in spirals, but after a couple of casts, everything is just fine. I've found this to be the case with Yo Zuri hybrid.
What does all this mean for you? You've got a hell of a road to hoe to find a line that meets or exceeds your expectations. There are alot lines that work very good and very poor depending on your particular fishing conditions and location. Cajun Red might be the shiz nit down in the keys, but up in Michigan it might be the worst line you could put on because of it's hard inner core and stiff outer coating.
Alike other anglers abroad, i've tried many different types of line. I've done the braid thing, the mono, and the hybrid. The only area I find memory to be a real issue is on spinning reels and light tackle casting reels, like for bass or small lures for red drum or winter trout.
On larger casting reels or conventional reels, who gives a crap if you've got memory. The tackle is so heavy, it doesn't matter. With that said, I think on light tackle bait casting tackle, there is no equal to super braid. Notice I said super braid, there is a difference. The two best and undisputed super braids on the market? Stran super braid and Power Pro. They both are killer on light casting reels and spinning reels alike. They can be a pain sometimes on the spinning tackle, but I find the line to be an advantage no matter.
I would never waste the time nor money spooling a 3/0 sized reel or larger with braid. For this, Yo Zuri Hybrid takes the cake. Smaller diameter, better abrasion resistance, and super strong. Come on fellas, how can you compete with that?
I hope this clears things up for those who have dought or question. Use this info wisely and you might increase the amount of fish you put in the boat.[cool]
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I think it's safe to say that fly fisherman know about memory more than any other type of angler. I myself aren't a fly fisherman, but if you understand how memory works, you understand why low memory line is so vital to long distance, accurate casts; and keeping the tangles out and keeping you fishing.
Line memory is how much the fishing line "remembers" it's shape during the sitting process. In other words, a line with high memory will come off the spool in spirals, very close spirals that match the diameter of the spirals on the spool. A line with low memory, like Trilene XL, comes off the reel strait and true. The easiest way to see how much memory your line has is to let it set for about a week. Then, strip off about 4 or five yards of line. Does the line maintain a strait form? Or is it curly like your grandma's hair on a bad perm day? The memory in some lines doesn't present itself until it's been under stress, this may be fishing stress and/or stress from the elements VIA extreme cold, heat, or sunlight exposed.
All lines are NOT created equal. With that said, particularly with fly fishing line, there are specific lines matched with not only fishing conditions, but weather conditions as a whole. A line formulated for a colder climate, like a line specifically formulated for trout, will be made with softer cores and coatings to minimize memory in colder climates. And vise versa for lines designed to target fish in hotter, more tropical climates; as they will have a harder core and outer coating.
You may also find that memory will go away as the line is fished. What I mean is that the line may initially come off the reel in spirals, but after a couple of casts, everything is just fine. I've found this to be the case with Yo Zuri hybrid.
What does all this mean for you? You've got a hell of a road to hoe to find a line that meets or exceeds your expectations. There are alot lines that work very good and very poor depending on your particular fishing conditions and location. Cajun Red might be the shiz nit down in the keys, but up in Michigan it might be the worst line you could put on because of it's hard inner core and stiff outer coating.
Alike other anglers abroad, i've tried many different types of line. I've done the braid thing, the mono, and the hybrid. The only area I find memory to be a real issue is on spinning reels and light tackle casting reels, like for bass or small lures for red drum or winter trout.
On larger casting reels or conventional reels, who gives a crap if you've got memory. The tackle is so heavy, it doesn't matter. With that said, I think on light tackle bait casting tackle, there is no equal to super braid. Notice I said super braid, there is a difference. The two best and undisputed super braids on the market? Stran super braid and Power Pro. They both are killer on light casting reels and spinning reels alike. They can be a pain sometimes on the spinning tackle, but I find the line to be an advantage no matter.
I would never waste the time nor money spooling a 3/0 sized reel or larger with braid. For this, Yo Zuri Hybrid takes the cake. Smaller diameter, better abrasion resistance, and super strong. Come on fellas, how can you compete with that?
I hope this clears things up for those who have dought or question. Use this info wisely and you might increase the amount of fish you put in the boat.[cool]
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