Fly lines for thee surf!

[SurfRunner]

I have read where an intermediate line is best for the surf to get it under the waves. But, is it really necessary? Will a floating line work? I keep thinking I may get an intermediate line but not if my floating line is fine. Plus, I want to use poppers. More than likely, I wont be hitting the surf except for the calmest of days.

[jeff89]

If it isn't the calmest of days and your fishing a WF_F line, your strips will be useless as you'll constantly be picking up slack as your line washes ashore. Clear intermediate sink tip is the way to go. If it is just rollers, and i'm throwing poppers, i'll switch spools for the floating line.

[jimithing]

I've never fished the surf with anything other than floating and never had a problem. As long as you pay attention to the surf reports and surf cams and fish only the flat surf days (why anyone would bother doing any different is beyond me) than you won't have any issues. But it's ok to have a backup spool of intermediate line just in case nearby.

[Ron Mc]

I've mostly fished my slime lines in the surf, but with a strong tide current, I've also used TS-250, which easily cast 100', though one day I bottom-bounced up a 25-lb stingray.

[SurfRunner]

I've never fished the surf with anything other than floating and never had a problem. As long as you pay attention to the surf reports and surf cams and fish only the flat surf days (why anyone would bother doing any different is beyond me) than you won't have any issues. But it's ok to have a backup spool of intermediate line just in case nearby.

Do you use a stripping basket when the surf is fairly calm? I am no stranger to catching speckled trout in the surf, but I have never fly fished in it.....I might have to learn how all over again! LOL!

[Ron Mc]

a basket adds 30' to your cast at least, and is necessary with sinking lines. The surf really drags away your working line.

[aggiefisher12]

Lets me put it this way, an entirely new world is opened up to you once you start using sinking and intermediate lines. If you are looking for some lines that aren't that expensive check Cabelas online. They are having most of the in-house lines on sale.

[jimithing]

Pm sent

[eightweight]

X2 . . . If you only fish the surf on occasion, a floating line with a lead eye closer or half-and-half works fine, just have to watch your free line. But eventually you'll want an intermediate line.

[susanto1228]

I use a streamer intermediate line that was recommended to me a while back it's lime green with a clear section very supple and an excellent shooter.

I fished PINS yesterday in the surf with it.

Do not get a sinking line as some others have mentioned if you don't have a basket it will sink by you and get entangled.

I got mine at Amazon and it's great. I have been fly fishing for a long time and I do have a basket that I made
myself and use it in the surf it helps. There are time when I use it or when the fish are in the first gut I don't bother. It is very useful tho like when you are fishing the jetties and don't want your fly line all over the rocks.

Short edit: I also have a spare fly reel setup with floating line in case I do want to use poppers But when I cast clousers or streamers I use my Intermediate fly setup.