Mr. Pommer, line 1 please, line 1.

[Peter E.]

Thoughts on the VPT. I’m pretty excited about it and really thinking about pulling the trigger on it but I have a few questions.

1. How well does it turn over air-resistant bugs?
2. How does it do with weighted flies?
3. How is line control on long casts?
4. Any personal thoughts or opinions on the design?
5. Have you used it, and if so what is your opinion on the line?

Now even though I did ask Tim, I would really like any thoughts from other people that have tried this line. From where I’m at in the country, I would have to order it sight unseen, so I’d like as much info on the line as possible.

Thanks guys,
Peter

[Peter E.]

Also, would I be able to use the tungsten leader and cut it into different lengths and use it on overhand lines?

[Tim Pommer]

The VPT is a European inspired line. We worked closely with our European team to make a line that fit their style of fishing, which usually involves as much single hand spey as it does overhead casting.  Initially, the line was only going to be available to the European market but after playing with it here, we found it fit our need pretty well too.  

The line is a multipurpose line, hence the Versatile Presentation Taper (VPT).  Think of it as the European version of the GPX. It works well up close while still having good loop stability to get major distances.  Being that it has a long front taper, it’s a good choice for accuracy and delicacy.

To answer your questions:

It’s not a bass line, so if you’re trying to throw poppers with it, it wont happen without some serious work – hoppers or big stoneflies, yes.  It can throw some bunny leeches and heavy streamers but not as well as it can throw a dry fly or a wet fly.  And as with all lines, dont expect the 3wt to throw your big stuff – always use the right tool for the job.

Line control at distances is awesome with this line. Again, this is more European – meaning it requires a bit more grace than good old fashion American brute strength.  Compare American soccer to European soccer and you’ll have a good analogy to the differences in American casting vs European casting.

I’ve cast the line a lot but havent fished it as much as I should.  I used it a bit for swinging wet flies for trout during the development phases of this line last year.  It’s a blast to use it with wets.  However, being that I live in warm-water mecca, my trout season is pretty short and I havent spent as much time with this line as I did with some of our other new products, like the Titan Taper.

Keep me posted with questions!

[Peter E.]

Thanks Tim,

What is the big difference between this line and a triangle tapered line? Also when you say it is the European GPX, does that mean that it is half weight heavy too?

And to sort of clarify, when I said bugs, and clousers, think creek fishing where size 6 flies is as big as it gets for the most part. I have a friend that has a 7wt. G2 with triangle taper and it does well, though it does dictate a change is casting styles to cast heavy weighted flies. Would it perform well in those conditions? I would be using it on a 6wt. TiCr to kinda shoot that out there.

[Tim Pommer]

No, it’s not a half heavy line, it’s a standard weight.

[Peter E.]

Alright so from what I gathered from the site, the magnum is pretty similar to the saltwater line except that it is a half size heavy, right? The Titan, is that a new taper for SA? How does it roll cast? Does it do well in long distance line control, or is it more of a shooting line?

Also are you guys pleased with the Mastery Textured and how hard is it to

[Andrew Wright]

Peter,
I obviously cant tell you what Tim can, but I will weigh in with an unsolicited response and say that the mastery textured line is fantastic. I switched my 7 weight to that line last year and I absolutely love it. Summer time fishing for me involves all things warm water with some salt trips mixed in. From carp flats, to bass ponds, to coastal marsh that line handles everything well. I prefer it over any others I own.

[Tim Pommer]

Magnum is a compressed version of the Mastery Saltwater profile.  There are some other differences, obviously, being one’s a saltwater line and one a freshwater line.  And yes, half size heavy for the Magnum.

Titan will roll cast and it will handle a sink tip if you throw one on it.  It can achieve distances through shooting, carrying more than 40′ of line in the air will be clunky.  Let the line go, you’ll get the distance you want without casting all day. 

Textured has been a huge success and I pretty much fish it exclusively.  It’s no different to clean than a standard line and shoots so much better (not to mention floatation, durability, memory…)

You still havent said exactly what you’re fishing for and how, so I’m still sorta stumbling in the dark here . It sounds like Magnum is your choice if you’re staying in close or see yourself accurately presenting flies with a high amount of accuracy.  If you want to cover water, throw big stuff efficiently, and not false cast all day, Titan is your ticket.

[Tim Angeli]

+1 for the mastery textured.  Best line I’ve ever fished, by far.

[Peter E.]

Thanks guys, all great responses. I really appreciate it.

Tim, I fish for spotted bass in rivers and creeks and I would say that most of my fishing is done with clousers, fodders, and stealth bombers in varying sizes. But by the same token I try to use a six weight for everything. Though I will likely pick up a new 8 and 4wt. this year though.

[Tim Pommer]

I’d go Magnum then, based on what you’re describing.

[Peter E.]

I might, I’ll try to test both the titan and the magnum out and see which one I like better. Thanks Tim.

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