Floating or Intermediate

[Fly Aquidneck]

Originally Posted by Skip N

In the previous thread i started i asked what some good floating lines were since i was looking for a setup on my 7wt. But what do most of you guys use for fishing the surf or in in bays, Floating lines or Intermediate? I've used an intermediate on my 9wt for a couple years wich i do like using. But i also like the ease of picking a floater off the water. So what do you guys use and prefer?

I use a Floating line most of the time. I sometimes use a intermediate tip on a multi-tip line. I have used split shot on my leader if I want a little depth. I hate striping baskets.

[baldwin]

I use an intermediate for my go-to line while wading. Occasionally I use a floater or full-sinking line for specific applications, but the intermediate is my workhorse.
With poppers or sliders, Just start your retrieve as soon as the fly hits the surface. It will work those surface flies just fine.
If you need to get down a little deeper, just give it some time to sink before you start stripping.
The intermediate will also throw better in the wind and while tossing larger flies. It is more dense, and provides less wind resistance.
I believe that the first saltwater line you should buy if you are going to be fishing from shore or waders is an intermediate. Then, you can diversify if you find the need. If you are going to be fishing shallow flats a lot, you may get a floater. If you will be fishing deep rips, get a full-sinking line.