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Thread: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

  1. #1

    Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Hi All,

    I have recently decided to purchase a custom build (Bamboo) Cane Rod from Tim Harris, of Harris-Fly-Rods! It's a : 6ft.3in, #3,weight, 2,piece that should be perfect for the wild Welsh mountain streams that I frequent! The rod is still being built (a work in Progress) but I should receive it just before Christmas. I'm also thinking of buying myself a "Silk Line" to compliment my new Cane Rod! So, I'm looking for some advise on this type of fly line!

    There are a few to chose from; but they are all expensive compared to a modern plastic fly line; and of-course there are the Chinese silk fly lines, has anyone tried the "Silk Lines from China" ??? there have been some conflicting reports on the Chinese silk lines; some say they are stiff and take quite a-while to break-in and become supple. Have any of you bought and used the Silk Lines from China? I think the seller of these lines on E-Bay is called Zhu? Anyhow would appreciate your opinion on Silk Lines and particularly the Chinese lines! Here's a phew photos of the progress of me new cane rod!








    The hardware as just been placed on the blank for purpose of Photographing! Tim, also said he was going to slim the handle down a little more! I'm quite excited; and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it! But, What line to complement the new Girl?

  2. #2

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Mostyn,
    I do not fish silk now.I did when I was much younger,but no longer want the upkeep required of a silk line.Keep in mind that the old adage "you get what you pay for" is still very much in effect today. There have been several discussions on the Zhus lines at Clarksclassicflyrodforum :@: .yuku.com The consensus was that they are useable lines and not that bad for the money.The biggest suggestion was to order the lines unfinished and apply the varnish and then the dressing(red tin Mucilin) yourself. This seemed to eliminate all the problems associated with the Chinese made lines.
    Will

  3. #3

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Quote Originally Posted by greendrake
    Mostyn,
    I do not fish silk now.I did when I was much younger,but no longer want the upkeep required of a silk line.Keep in mind that the old adage "you get what you pay for" is still very much in effect today. There have been several discussions on the Zhus lines at Clarksclassicflyrodforum :@: .yuku.com The consensus was that they are useable lines and not that bad for the money.The biggest suggestion was to order the lines unfinished and apply the varnish and then the dressing(red tin Mucilin) yourself. This seemed to eliminate all the problems associated with the Chinese made lines.
    Will
    Thanks Will,

    I may give one of ZHU's lines a try! But first, I need to pay for my Cane Rod!!

  4. #4

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Have any of you tried the cortland sylk lines? I've used them on my other rods and I like it alot ( less upkeep than real sylk. ) I'm going to use 5 wt. cortland sylk on my next project which going to be a bamboo in a Garrison taper. Can't wait to get started.

  5. #5

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    I would purchase a Zhu's line unfinished and finish it myself before I would buy a plastic line if you are looking for silk and saving money.

    If you want a good performing silk line, call Olaf at silkflylines.com and see what he can steer you to.

    Personally, there are two choices, either a good plastic line, I use SA with AST coating or a Thebault Silk line. You have to break the Thebault line in but it is sweet casting even stiff.

    I really like Phoenix Silk Lines. Make sure to have Olaf weigh it if you are going to buy one. The will last your lifetime if you care for it. They are worth the money and effort in taking care of one if you can afford it.

    One day, I will purchase one for myself as a big treat.

    Hey, I deserve it.
    Japan: Tsuttenkai, Jolly Fishers, member since 2010

  6. #6

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Terenzio offers both natural silk and a braided line of synthetic fiber. He says his synthetic lines cast and handle very much like natural silk without as much required care. I wonder if they really are as good as Mr Terenzio says--never talked to anyone who'd tried one. The downside is they cost almost as much as his silk lines ($130 vs $160).

    I have been pleased with Scientific Anglers Ultimate Trout (Sharkskin) lines for their lack of memory, handling, floating, presentation, and durability. They are also pricey, though ($100 at full price). For $30 less, the new Rio Trout LT (or the discontinued Selective Trout II) is superb. I don't like cheap lines, although I've used most of them (and still do) and they can be nice--for a while.

    One thing that has kept me from pulling the trigger on a real silk line is that most of the old fisherman (even older than me), who used silk when that was all there was, went to plastic lines without hesitation when they became decent alternatives in the 60's (Air Cell and 333), and I haven't met one who'd consider giving up their modern lines to go back to silk. On the other hand, many of them don't have any lost love for bamboo, either, and I find quality modern bamboo to be exquisite and requiring minimal care. Silk is attractive for its handmade, natural composition, if nothing else, and no one disputes its casting qualities. I'll probably get one if I happen onto a really good deal, then I can try it side by side with the best of the modern synthetics.
    -CC

  7. #7

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    If you want a really good deal on a silk line,frequent flea markets where fishing stuff is sold or look for a reel on ebay that has "old line sill on it" from the seller description.Especially the old skeleton reels.You can occassionally find a silk line on these reels that is still in good shape. Reed Currys' website www.overmywaders.com has a great tutorial on restoring old silk lines.
    Will

  8. #8

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Hey Guy's,

    Thanks for your in-put re, Silk Lines, it's given me an in-sight of what to look for and consider when deciding to buy!

    Thank-you!!

    Mostyn

  9. #9
    flyfishwithme
    Guest

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    Quote Originally Posted by Cross Creek
    Terenzio offers both natural silk and a braided line of synthetic fiber. He says his synthetic lines cast and handle very much like natural silk without as much required care. I wonder if they really are as good as Mr Terenzio says--never talked to anyone who'd tried one. The downside is they cost almost as much as his silk lines ($130 vs $160).

    I have been pleased with Scientific Anglers Ultimate Trout (Sharkskin) lines for their lack of memory, handling, floating, presentation, and durability. They are also pricey, though ($100 at full price). For $30 less, the new Rio Trout LT (or the discontinued Selective Trout II) is superb. I don't like cheap lines, although I've used most of them (and still do) and they can be nice--for a while.

    One thing that has kept me from pulling the trigger on a real silk line is that most of the old fisherman (even older than me), who used silk when that was all there was, went to plastic lines without hesitation when they became decent alternatives in the 60's (Air Cell and 333), and I haven't met one who'd consider giving up their modern lines to go back to silk. On the other hand, many of them don't have any lost love for bamboo, either, and I find quality modern bamboo to be exquisite and requiring minimal care. Silk is attractive for its handmade, natural composition, if nothing else, and no one disputes its casting qualities. I'll probably get one if I happen onto a really good deal, then I can try it side by side with the best of the modern synthetics.
    -CC
    I have used the artificial silk lines from Terenzio for over 3 years. They are a fantastic line so much so that I now offer them as one of my specialist products. I have them in 3, 4 and 5.5 weights but the 3 weight gets used the most. I would probably average 4 days a week on the water and the lines have become extremely supple. I have yet to reverse any of the lines and not one of them has been taken off the reel. Absolutely fantastic. I have plastic lines for clients to use and once I start to fish I swap over.

  10. #10

    Re: Bamboo and Silk Lines?

    I use Terenzio's 3wt. natural silk on my bamboo rod. It is an excellent line for the type of water I fish and as an unexpected bonus: it 'sings' beautifully through the guides. I don't mind tending to it; drying/dressing. It did take some breaking in, but it is now very, very supple. It was also a great excuse to fish a lot more than normal - "honey, I've got to break in the line!" Laying out a good cast with it gives me a little shiver 'cause it is so stealthy, barely a whisper on the water, which, again aids in the type of super clear creeks I like to fish with it. I think that would be the biggest single advantage, for me anyway.

    I do have to mind having the proper leader (overall length/segments) as it will not aid in turning over a poorly proportioned set-up, especially when casting short. However, when it is right, it is REALLY right. Plus, it came in a really cool handmade box.

    MikeM

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