I believe in the clear.

I’ve been intrigued by Monic fly lines since first reading about the clear, monofilament-cored floating lines on Midcurrent. An article there by Paul Bruun outlays its history.

It’s been around since 1993, so I’m a little late to the game, but for the most part it seems to have a fanbase among anglers with a specific skill set–those casting to bonefish, tarpon and permit.

I decided to give it a go, opting for the All Weather Clear Floating Line in a 6 weight. I’ve fished it five days so far this year–all in warm water Florida lakes with large littoral zones, shallow bowl canals or box cut canals with extremely clear water. In all cases it’s stillwater or with a slow-moving current.

I like how the line loads and casts, but after laying down a cast and letting it still, the benefit is apparent. It blends in with the surface. I stick the rod tip in the water on retrieve and the line makes very little disturbance on the water. Following the cast, judging distance and all that is not a problem; I’m fishing size four to size 1/0 baitfish patterns or poppers so I just follow the fly.

I’ve quickly grown to love this line because I make a lot of casts parallel to shore or at a 45-degree angle and I’ve already noticed a decrease in line-spooked fish. I have yet to fish it in cold water other than for casting practice fresh out of the box. Monic says  that memory could be a problem, but I’m high enough on the freshwater line to give the GSP Striper/Tuna line a go, too.