# **How to Choose the Airflo Skagit Driver Shooting Head Floating Fly Line**
As an avid angler and fishing blogger, I understand the importance of selecting the right fly line for different fishing conditions. The **Airflo Skagit Driver Shooting Head Floating Fly Line** is a top-tier choice for anglers who specialize in Skagit casting, particularly when targeting large fish like steelhead and salmon. However, choosing the right model and weight requires careful consideration. In this guide, I’ll break down the key factors to help you make the best decision for your fishing needs.
## **1. Understanding the Skagit Driver’s Design**
The **Airflo Skagit Driver** is designed specifically for **Skagit casting**, a technique that emphasizes short, powerful casts with heavy flies and sink tips. Unlike traditional fly lines, the Skagit Driver is a **shooting head system**, meaning it consists of a short, weighted head (typically 20-30 feet) attached to a running line. This design allows for effortless distance with minimal false casting, making it ideal for tight river conditions.
### **Key Features:**
– **Floating Core:** Ensures the line stays on the surface, making it easier to mend and control.
– **Short, Aggressive Taper:** Optimized for quick loading and turnover of heavy flies.
– **Durable Coating:** Airflo’s **Polyurethane (PU) coating** resists cracks and abrasions better than PVC lines.
## **2. Selecting the Right Weight**
The **Skagit Driver** comes in various grain weights (from **300 to 700 grains**), and choosing the correct one depends on your rod’s specifications and target species.
### **Matching Line Weight to Rod:**
– **300-400 grains:** Best for **6-7 wt rods**, ideal for smaller steelhead or trout.
– **450-550 grains:** Suited for **7-8 wt rods**, perfect for medium-sized salmon and steelhead.
– **600-700 grains:** Designed for **8-10 wt rods**, excellent for large salmon or saltwater applications.
**Pro Tip:** Always check your rod manufacturer’s recommendations before selecting a grain weight. Overloading your rod can damage it, while underloading will reduce casting efficiency.
## **3. Choosing the Right Head Length**
The **Skagit Driver** is available in different head lengths (typically **22’, 24’, or 26’**). Shorter heads load rods faster, making them great for tight spaces, while longer heads provide smoother casting in open water.
– **22’ Head:** Best for **small rivers** with limited backcasting space.
– **24’-26’ Head:** Ideal for **larger rivers** where distance is needed.
## **4. Pairing with Sink Tips & Leaders**
The **Skagit Driver Floating Fly Line** is designed to work with **sink tips** (e.g., T-8, T-11, or T-14) to get flies down to the strike zone. The floating section allows for easy mending, while the sink tip controls depth.
– **Fast Sinking Tips (T-14):** Best for deep, fast-moving water.
– **Intermediate Tips (T-8):** Great for moderate depths and slower currents.
## **5. Why Choose Airflo Over Competitors?**
– **Eco-Friendly:** Unlike PVC lines, Airflo’s **PU coating** is more environmentally friendly.
– **Low Memory:** Resists coiling, ensuring smooth casts even in cold weather.
– **Durability:** Resistant to UV damage and abrasion, making it a long-term investment.
## **Final Thoughts**
The **Airflo Skagit Driver Shooting Head Floating Fly Line** is an excellent choice for anglers who need power, distance, and versatility in their Skagit casting. By selecting the right **grain weight, head length, and sink tip combination**, you can optimize your setup for any fishing scenario.
For more expert fishing gear reviews and tips, stay tuned to my blog and check out **KyleBooker’s premium fishing tackle**—your trusted partner for high-performance angling equipment.
**Tight lines!** 🎣