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perused the forum and found many topics on kayaking from the standpoint of kayak selection. I am currently looking to replace my 7 wt fly line, and my primary mode will be river fishing smallies from kayak (Tarpon 120, which I dearly love for 5 years now). I will always be seated, which generates my question, in that I cast from a seated position that is low/close to the water. Although I've done fine with the Orvis bottom of line flyline of 8 years ago (I don't even remember the model), I want a line I can punch out a lot of distance (50-70 ft regularly) with heavy streamers/baitfish and poppers with the least possible line out in my backcast (i.e. shorter head), and minimize false casting. Looking for the ability to load and fire quickly as it were as I float down a river. I was thinking a shorter head, such as in a Rio outbound shorty, would offer a nice compact head to get the best distance for the casting stroke. I do need some control for fishing my crayfish and nymphs, but most of my throws will be the baitfish and surface bugs and poppers. I use an Orvis T3 9 foot rod. A local shop has recommended the Rio smallmouth bass line, and I was going to get that, but second thoughts due to the kayak - want the best line to support easy distance casting from that platform. I'm going to see what my shop has to say on that aspect tomorrow, but I enjoy the feedback of the experienced folks here in this forum. I'm wondering what experience folks have with the Rio line in a 7 or 8 wt, especially if you have kayak experience. I also use the 7 wt for pond and lake fishing (secondary). Thanks all!

I am new to the fly fishing and have been trying to research leaders and materials. I was recently on the Spring River in Arkansas where, I was told you can get by with a larger leader material such as 8-10 lb test mono. Sounds simple. After I returned home I was looking at some of my gear and found a spool of 8 lb Spider Wire. I have seen some people reference braided leaders and was wondering if anyone had used this and what the pros and cons of it would be.

Just purchased a Redington Butterstick and Taylor Reel Type 1 and don't know what fly line would work best. I've been looking into the Rio LT line series but many people aren't fans of the RIO brand and that in a way is holding me back from purchasing it. Any suggestion on what would work well for a slow action rod like the Butterstick? Thanks Matt