Hello All.
I've decided to try and customize one of my DTxF lines.
I want to replace the 6' long level tip of my Cortland 444 Classic Floating (Peach),
with a 6' section from the rear, running line of a Cortland 444 Classic Intermediate (Ice Blue).
The idea is to have one side of my DT to be used mainly for wet-fly fishing;
and the other for dries. The "wet side" would have an intermediate tip, just to help get
the flies down better/faster. I do realize that there are products out there that are
intended to accomplish the same thing, but I'm interested in customizing my own.
This'll be fun, right?
I already use those plastic "barrel connectors" on both ends of my DT lines,
so reversing a line to switch from wets to dries streamside, will be a snap.
So my first question is: what is the best method to splice to lines together?
I've seen plenty of information on making loops in line ends,
but not so much on joining 2 lengths of line together.
Of what I've found, the "Needle Splice" technique seems reasonable.
Although, I do have my doubts about superglue holding the braided core of one line,
inside the casing of another. But I've seen enough independent testimonials
that it holds well, I figure that I'll probably give it a try.
Also, I've seen a method to pull-back the casing on both ends,
exposing the cores, and un-raveling, and re-braiding the 2 cores to eachother,
and affixing with some superglue, before sliding the "accordianed" casing back over
the fused cores. But that sounds like it would be extremely difficult to do.
Unless there are other methods that also work well?
my second question is: as a general rule of thumb, does the diameter/stiffness
of the level tip and running line equal eachother? Or do they differ, significantly?
Like, will a WF6I running line, match-up with a DT5F level tip?
My only hesitation with this project, is that I'm banking on the fact that the spliced
intermediate tip won't significantly affect the casting properties of the line.
I've heard that sink-tips can "hinge" terribly, and that intermediate lines cast very well.
(I have no actual experience with either...)
I know for a lot of this I need to experiment with and draw some conclusions for myself.
But if anyone has experience with customizing, and especially splicing lines together;
I would appreciate any advice that you might offer.
Thanks!
I've decided to try and customize one of my DTxF lines.
I want to replace the 6' long level tip of my Cortland 444 Classic Floating (Peach),
with a 6' section from the rear, running line of a Cortland 444 Classic Intermediate (Ice Blue).
The idea is to have one side of my DT to be used mainly for wet-fly fishing;
and the other for dries. The "wet side" would have an intermediate tip, just to help get
the flies down better/faster. I do realize that there are products out there that are
intended to accomplish the same thing, but I'm interested in customizing my own.
This'll be fun, right?
I already use those plastic "barrel connectors" on both ends of my DT lines,
so reversing a line to switch from wets to dries streamside, will be a snap.
So my first question is: what is the best method to splice to lines together?
I've seen plenty of information on making loops in line ends,
but not so much on joining 2 lengths of line together.
Of what I've found, the "Needle Splice" technique seems reasonable.
Although, I do have my doubts about superglue holding the braided core of one line,
inside the casing of another. But I've seen enough independent testimonials
that it holds well, I figure that I'll probably give it a try.
Also, I've seen a method to pull-back the casing on both ends,
exposing the cores, and un-raveling, and re-braiding the 2 cores to eachother,
and affixing with some superglue, before sliding the "accordianed" casing back over
the fused cores. But that sounds like it would be extremely difficult to do.
Unless there are other methods that also work well?
my second question is: as a general rule of thumb, does the diameter/stiffness
of the level tip and running line equal eachother? Or do they differ, significantly?
Like, will a WF6I running line, match-up with a DT5F level tip?
My only hesitation with this project, is that I'm banking on the fact that the spliced
intermediate tip won't significantly affect the casting properties of the line.
I've heard that sink-tips can "hinge" terribly, and that intermediate lines cast very well.
(I have no actual experience with either...)
I know for a lot of this I need to experiment with and draw some conclusions for myself.
But if anyone has experience with customizing, and especially splicing lines together;
I would appreciate any advice that you might offer.
Thanks!
