ChrisMec wrote: ↑Thu Feb 01, 2024 3:58 pm
I have been fishing with a 10ft Cane fly rod for a few seasons using a modern line, the rings at the tip are very small just allowing the line to pass through. I would like to use my Cane rod with a Silk line as it should be used but looking for information on the internet, it's a minefield. If there are fishers of Cane fly rods on this Forum using Silk fly lines any help you can give will be appreciated.
The only thing that I would add to Paul F’s post is that, if you have a comparatively modern 10’ rod, you would most probably need a line of #7 weight to match and not many makers are offering that now.
The silk line comes into its own when used with the shorter length rods up to about say 8’, #5 weight.
I use a #6 when night fishing for sea trout with larger flies and a longer rod, but that is the exception. A 10’ rod could stop a salmon and casting one all day single handed would be punishing, whatever line you use.
As you say, new silk lines are not cheap, but they should be viewed as an investment-and you get what you pay for!
I still have the very first “Kingfisher” line that I ever had and it is still in good condition, because it has always been looked after:-
However, because the tapered ends were getting a bit short, I bought a new “Phoenix” direct from Mike and Jean Brookes in France many years ago and it’s as soft as anything, has zero memory and about half the diameter of a plastic one.
The old “Kingfisher” silk lines were made by Cumberland Ltd and when the company ceased production, were resurrected by Noel Buxton under the “Phoenix” label. Noel was a great chap and made super lines but eventually succumbed to emphysema and the brand taken over by Mike and Jean in France- and still in production today there.
Unlike modern plastic ones, each silk line is very much hand made and you do get value for money, particularly when you consider that if properly looked after, a silk line will far outlast any modern one. Proper drying after use and only using the correct dressing is paramount, otherwise no problem. Neglect that and it will rot in two years.
As far as I know, Ian Moxon hasn’t made any new lines for some time now and his webpage gives no clue as to whether he will again.
Stuart Tod of “Cadno” lines seem to have vanished below the radar..
Terenzio lines can be bought direct from Italy. There are agents here but they add their mark-up.
Peche a Soie lines are limited in size availability, but are very fine quality indeed. If I were buying a new line today, I would unhesitatingly go for one of theirs, if I could not get a Phoenix.
If you are looking for a silk line, just to experience one on your rod, it might be that you will be disappointed, for as said, they come into their own on the shorter and crisp actioned cane trout rods. My own thoughts are that you wouldn’t really feel any of those casting benefits with a longer and probably heavier one.
I do have a No.4 DT Kingfisher, which is the equivalent to a #7, absolutely unused in its original perfect condition box and wrapping, but it dates from about 1970 and has gone very dark with age and would require cleaning and redressing before it could be used.
If you would like to undertake that, send a PM.!
If you just want to experience a silk line on your rod, why not consider a Cortland “Sylk” line?
They are modern but made much thinner and- more importantly- available in the heavier size suitable for a 10’ rod.
It would be a less expensive option ..
wm +