Ever since we presented the DDC Connect multi tip lines to the market 20 years ago, Multi tip fly lines have been a big part of modern salmon fishing and today almost every angler has them. The beauty of these lines is that you will become very adaptable in various fishing situations. You can in many ways create your own perfect line by experimenting with various tips and bodies. Depending on what river you are fishing, time of year, casting abilities and so on, there are numerous opportunities with these lines.
In general, shorter line setups are easier to handle if you are new to Spey casting but also exceeds in very tight situations and can still deliver good distance. A longer one can then of course be a bit more difficult to maneuver, but gives much more distance and better control when mending the line throughout the swing. Besides just looking how user friendly a line is, there is other aspects to take into consideration. For example, if you use a tip that is 15´ with S3/S5 density, you will get a more noticeable sinking effect than if you would have used a 10´ with the same density. This also applies if you would go for a heavier tip as a higher weight (mass) will fight the current better. But choosing a longer and heavier tip can be more difficult to handle, especially in Spey casting.
What your perfect total head length is might vary due to many reasons. One can be as simple as how tall you are. A tall person can feel that a certain length is too short, whilst a shorter person feels it is perfect. This is due to casting stroke, rod and fall height etc. In general, if you prefer to have a line that is super easy to lift out of the water and perform any type of Spey/Skagit cast, you will find that choosing one of the lighter or shorter recommended tips will be best. If you tend to use a longer casting stroke, have a bit more space and want to maximize the sinking effect, you should navigate from the middle to the heavier/longer tips.
As you might have understood by now, there are many variations and more or less everything will work great. Some setups will suit you better than others, and vice vera. And if you at some point really want to get the best sinking effect out of your setup, you will need to accept that you must compromise between casting abilities and more efficient fishing at that specific time. However, over the years we have found many great setups that will work perfectly as a type of “perfect in between”, and based on what you just have read, you will find it easier to navigate and chose from our recommendation of tips for each Classic Scandi Body!
Body Weight 26g/400gr
Total Head Weight body+tip = 33g-35g
Recommended Tips - From 4D Compact tip 10ft/7g to 4D tip 15ft/9g
General use & applications: This is a perfect line weight and setup for salmon, steelhead and sea trout in smaller to mid size rivers, and is a great “allround line weight”. These setups best suits DH rated switch rods and DH rods up to around 13´.
Body Weight 29g/450gr
Total Head Weight body+tip = 36 - 38 grams
Recommended Tips - From 4D Compact tip 10ft/7g to 4D tip 15ft/9g
General use & applications: Perhaps the most used line weight and length for salmon fishing all over the world. Works good in smaller rivers, but really shines in mid size to larger rivers, and is typical lengths and weights for rods between 13-14´.