New Nano Coating Technology pushes fly line performance to the extreme.
The pictures don't lie - our latest technology has made our top performing XS Fly Lines softer, more supple and longer lasting than ever before. And there's more to come.
Sensational advances in Nano Coating Technology (NCT) have enabled us to produce the softest, most supple and longest lasting fly lines in our history. The smaller nano particles result in a silky smooth surface finish and an overall more dense material. So whether fishing a sinking or floating line, the XS generation now have a finer, more durable, silky-finish and profile, which means they not only cast better, as they cut cleaner through the air, but they last longer too, exceeding even the legendary performance of the original XS fly lines.
Original Snowbee XS-Plus Fly Line
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New Snowbee XS-Plus Nano-Tec Fly Line
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The electron-microscope images here, emphasise the vast improvements of the new technology over the old. Not visible to the naked eye, the results when magnified many times, clearly illustrate the improvements and all XS fly lines are now made using the new Nano technology. The results and general feedback have been outstanding and combined with the profiles, our bespoke material and crucial designs, this new technology has enhanced even the best of any previous performance we have enjoyed for so many years. We have not stopped at Nano Coating Technology however.
Original Snowbee XS-Plus Fly Line
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New Snowbee XS-Plus Nano-Tec Fly Line
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The new Nano Coating Technology has resulted in a new breed of fly lines even softer and smoother than ever before, plus this year we have a brand new series of fly lines purposely designed for amazing casting even from the less experienced fly fishers.
ALL Snowbee XS fly lines come in genuine Snowbee retail boxes, with welded or braided loops, a bottle of line treatment and an instruction leaflet (Except for the budget Classic fly lines, which are also boxed but with braided not welded loops only)
Prestige Gold Fly Lines
Firstly, we experimented with different PVC coating materials until we found the formula which gave just the right compromise between hardness and longevity v’s softness, suppleness and memory-free performance. We came down firmly on the side of the latter and make no excuses for that. Yes, we could have made our lines to last longer and in fact they do today, with the New Nano-Technology coating, but at the time, in doing so would have sacrificed the memory-free performance they have become famous for.
Those loyal customers who have used our lines, since their inception more than 25 years ago, will remember those early lines were marketed under the 'Prestige' brand name. Even today, many of our customers still refer to our original ivory floating line as the 'Prestige'. With the introduction of our top-of- the-range Prestige G-XS fl y rods, we thought it time to bring the famous and much loved name back into play!
What hasn’t changed is our unique PVC coating material. Although this was already the softest, slickest material on the market, it has steadily evolved over the years, to improve it further. The introduction of our new Nano Coating Technology took our coating materials on to the next level and offers an even smoother finish, and a slicker, higher-floating performance coupled with a longer life.
The XS-Plus Spectre line design allows for the casting ability of most anglers. If you can cast at all, this line will flatter your performance. If you can cast well, the Spectre lines will help make your casting become exceptional.
The 7ft front taper allows good turnover at longer range, while the 8ft rear taper provides a range over which a good cast can still be achieved, whether the optimum head length has been precisely aerialised, or not.
Snowbee lines are renowned for being very slim and by extending the head length, within manageable levels, this adds weight to the overall head when fully extended, without increasing wind resistance through bulk. Although only small in additional weight gain, the benefit produces a better load flex in the fly rod for the same effort, but essentially the slim profile lines will still cast with extreme smoothness and cut through the air, effortlessly. With a longer head already extended, the cast automatically travels further.
The Fast-Sink line has a sink rate of 5 ips and will also provide the ability to reach drop-offs at long range and get down quickly to fish along the bottom, early season with boobies, or search at depth from the boat, to find fish holding deeper in typical summertime conditions. All the lines have a floating running line that will gradually pull sub-surface, with the weight of the sinking lines, to provide the perfect direct contact to the flies, without any slack, for enhanced bite detection.
the biggest problem has been keeping up with demand across the globe, as awareness to its unrivalled performance is shared. Technology has moved on too, replacing the original mono core with a superb new braided core – the new model we refer to as XS Thistledown². We have also extended the unique #2-5wt version to produce a stunningly successful #5-7wt and our newest #1-#4wt option as well!
Zero Memory issues, a finer but stronger core and more supple than ever before, this line is set to exceed the performance of even the best-selling original.
Due to the improved, finer core technology, we can now apply a thicker coating, whilst still maintaining the same diameter, providing a higher floating line than the original mono core versions. They last longer too, but still have a profile and performance befitting the name. In casting, the #2/5 and #5/7 deliver the proverbial ‘Thistledown’ delicacy and precision one would expect from such an elite and aptly named fly line. Rated From #2-5wt for the lighter line, the Thistledown2 has proven to perform on any fly rod rated between AFTM #2 and #5, regardless of its length. The larger #5-7wt performs equally well on all rod sizes from #5 -#7wt, making this a superb stillwater choice. Whilst the concept does take some believing, once you’ve tried these, you will see for yourself what all the hype has been about!
This line has proved ‘astounding’ to many so far, and on the receiving end of countless rave reviews since awarded Best New Fly Line in Europe at EFTTEX 2014 since which time production has remained at full pace simply to keep up with demand!
Colour: Olive/Buckskin
Available in 3 sizes: New WF1-WF4 Floating, WF2-5 Floating & WF5-7 Floating
Sizes: WF1-4 Out of stock
Snowbee Thistledown2 Brook Fly Line
Following the phenomenal success of the original Thistledown line and then the #5/7 model, we are frequently asked for a lighter weight model, for small rivers and brooks. Our new model in a #1 to #4 weight, has a shorter, lighter profile than its big brothers, providing superb, delicate presentation with the lightest of rods and flies.
"It was like nothing I had used before, soft, supple, totally memory free and effortless to cast the fly wherever I needed it. I then discovered there was a whole range of nearly 50 XS lines of similar superb quality. Suddenly my whole fly fishing experience became transformed... now today that technology has moved on yet again. The new Thistledown and its derivatives are quite extraordinary, marking the introduction of a whole new era in Snowbee fly line technology and performance”.
Whilst this line may not perform in casting like a conventional weight forward, when used on a long light rod, one can achieve incredible control at range and with long tapered leaders whether 'light nymphing', ‘Juan Style’ with dries or short range ‘Czech-nymphing’, the control and sensitivity that can be achieved is extreme!. With a long fine leader, it is also possible to present a fly at a range of up to 40ft with no fly line on the water whatsoever. Control of Tenkara proportions perhaps, but with a reel for even greater diversity, control and casting where required. When doing so it is a pleasure too and having no heavy ‘weight forward’ profile the line does not slide back down through the rod rings either! Using this line can be an art but in the right hands, extreme finesse and induced take methods, incredible success can be achieved on the most difficult of days and with very wary fish.
This line was originally designed for ‘Thistle Down’ presentation on rivers but if anybody thought that rivers were the limit with it they would be mistaken. This hybrid fly line with its continuous rear taper (CRT) profile, has surprised many when demonstrating and on still waters where dry fly casting, using the #5, #6 and #7wt versions, has proved effortless. For the discerning river angler however the lighter lines down to the new #0 and #1wts provide the ulitimate in fine and delicate presentation for which this line was always intended.
Incorporating all the superb properties of the original Snowbee XS Weight Forward Floating line, but in a Double Taper profile, for the traditional angler not yet converted to the Delicate Presentation where fly presentation is still everything. Great for delicate spider and dry fly fishing in particular.
Designed by us nearly 25 years ago and still reputedly the best traditional fly line on the market today.
The secret behind the legendary performance of the Snowbee XS fly lines has been the unique coating formula and profile, in conjunction with the classic low-stretch core, producing the most supple and memory free performance the line is renowned for. Many have tried and failed to replicate this formula, but there is still only one ‘original’ Snowbee fly line. Over the years there have been minor changes in production and last year's Nano-Technology is a winning formula across the range with its unmistakable profile and suppleness. In using this new technology, we have refined the original formula and manufacturing techniques to enhance the already superb, supple, memory-free performance so loved by fly fishers worldwide. For years the Snowbee XS Ivory Floating has been our top selling line, and reputation has it as still the best-selling floating line in the UK. If you don’t already know why… just try one and you will soon find out!
WFF XS Floating
The flagship of the range, the original ‘Prestige’ Fly Line. Without doubt one of the best floating fly lines available today. The unique combination of ultra-low friction coating, superbly balanced profile and outstanding shootability makes this fly line the line of choice to enhance the performance of the world’s best fly rods.
The flagship of the range, the original ‘Prestige’ Fly Line. Without doubt one of the best floating fly lines available today. The unique combination of ultra-low friction coating, superbly balanced profile and outstanding shootability makes this fly line the line of choice to enhance the performance of the world’s best fly rods.
Our premium fly line combines all the attributes of the current XS range, but in a Hi-Float coating. This ultra-buoyant material avoids tip sink making it the ideal dry fly, or light nymphing line. DFor rivers or small stillwaters.
The original Snowbee twin colour, first used by casting instructors and demonstrators worldwide, to perfect and demonstrate their art. The best of Snowbee XS standard fly line design with a simple colour enhancement to assist every fly fisher in perfecting their technique.
Nano Coating Technology (NCT) has enabled us to produce the softest, most supple, superior casting and now longer-lasting fl y lines than we have ever made before. The smaller Nano particles result in a silky smooth surface finish and a more dense material, so whether sinking or floating there is now a finer, more durable silky finished profile achieving the same performance with outstanding results.
EDF XS-Plus Extreme Distance Floating
Following the remarkable success of the Snowbee XS Ivory and then twin-colour lines, the XS-Plus Extreme Distance is another award winning fly line for Snowbee. Now with a #5wt version, this has proved to be one of the ultimate distance casting lines ever made. Distance casting made easy.
Overhead casting is possible, when used from bank or boat but for optimum performance the head is so weighted that it best casts off the surface of the water rather than time consuming and labour intensive overhead. This means the line is perfect for performing below a dam-wall or tree lined margin for example.
Awarded ‘Best New Fishing Product under £50' at the Tackle and Gun show in October 2015 and ‘Tackle Testers Choice’ in Trout Fisherman, this new concept in fly line design is sure to be turning heads with its remarkable capabilities.
With the same profile as the floating version, but in a 1.5 - 2ips Intermediate density, these lines will roll out effortlessly to fish sub-surface in the most restricted of locations and at a range other conventional lines would struggle to achieve.
At the request of FFI Casting Instructors preparing for their Masters Exams, we now offer the original floating Roll-Cast in a Hi-Viz version. The long head, coupled with the long front taper, makes this a superb ‘single handed Spey’ or roll-cast line, with a bright Hi-Viz Orange head and Hi-Viz Yellow running line.
All these lines are made with the same exacting profile to avoid inherent hinging and ‘kick’ associated with some Sink Tip lines for best presentation and turnover.
WFBT XS Buzzer Line
For optimum performance when fishing the ubiquitous and hugely rewarding style of buzzer fishing from the bank or boat. The last 3-4ft of the front taper section is coloured a neutral shade of olive where it has been designed to sink slowly and improve successful ‘hook ups’ and ‘feel’ when straight line nymphing and buzzer fishing.
We have added the extremely popular #9 wt to this range.
A sink tip line which exhibits superb casting performance with a 13ft intermediate density sink tip which will hold sub-surface, giving straight line contact with the fly to avoid missed takes whilst depth control is achieved through speed of retrieve. Ideal for serious trout and sea trout anglers.
The super slow, uniform sink rate of this line is designed to ‘hang’ just sub-surface. Too many lines sink quickly below invisible subsurface fish but this one, once it cuts through the surface, sinks very slowly with immense control and feel, and delightfully memory free but super sensitive low-stretch core in neutral colour. There is not a line made today to match it.
The combination of outstanding Snowbee XS performance, with virtual invisibility, makes this versatile line deadly for all sub-surface fishing, whether buzzer fishing, nymphing, Sea Trout fishing or saltwater. Minimal stretch for ultimate feel, this is a stealth fishing line that every angler should carry on one of their spare spools.
With a low stretch braided core and conventional WF Taper, this line behaves similarly to the Neutral Density (WFND) but will cut through the surface film a little quicker whilst not sinking at the rate of other faster and more conventional intermediate fly lines and continues to perform with massive appeal for all stillwater anglers.
The overall length of all the lines is 120ft (40 yards) and early trials regularly saw the loop to backing joint, rattling through the rod rings! These lines will benefit people of all casting abilities, exceed the performance using traditional profile lines and help reach those fish that were previously just out of casting range, especially when there may be a limited back-cast available.
Available in Floating, Intermediate and Fast-Sink, these lines will help you reach those fish that were previously just out of casting range.
Maintaining Snowbee Sinking Lines
To maintain the performance of all Snowbee sinking lines, regular cleaning and application of Snowbee Degreaser will help keep the line consistent and free of grease and silicone, which will affect sink rate if left untreated.
EXDF XS-Plus XS-tra Distance Floating
This very supple line with short Hi-Viz Chartreuse head and Hi-Viz Orange running line will deliver a cast at range with very little back cast, designed for use in tight spaces or simply effortless distance casting for even the modest beginner. The line excels when teamed up with the correctly weighted fly rod and probably the most commonly purchased fly line on the Snowbee ‘balanced outfit’ promotion.
5ft shorter in the head than the floating option, to achieve the same casting performance in a higher density, this line can be fished from bank or boat and is suitably balanced to be comfortable for use all day long. Distance casting made easy with the unique profile, the sink rate of 2–2.5ips will allow your flies to be fished at a range of depths to find the fish. Great for damsels and lures or simply a team of wets in traditional loch style from the boat.
The shortest head of all the series at just 30ft (just over 9m), this line will fire a long line in all conditions from either bank or boat. Developed from the popular ‘Surf Line’ a short back cast only is required to punch out this fast sinking head. Most popularly used off the bank on still waters this has also been used in temperate saltwater applications and for predator fishing where reaching depth easily and quickly with short shooting head style is ideal.
This range has been specifically designed to combine precise sink rates with maximum casting distance. The fly angler can reach extended drop-offs and target deep lying fish, with a line slick enough to do so without the fear and frustration of memory coils and constant tangles.
Each line has a low stretch braided core for sensitivity and twin-coloured to highlight the optimum loading point for distance casting and performance, the long heads will deliver a line at extreme range from bank or boat, in order to achieve the necessary depth for deep feeding fish.
Suitable for fresh or cold saltwater and available in sizes WF #6, #7, #8.
WFCD2 – XS-Plus Countdown
In olive green with a sky-blue running line to help avoid spooking fish but visible to see for fishing depth and control of retrieve. Sink rate 2ins/sec, perfect for fishing nymphs or lures beneath the surface on rivers or stillwater, close in or at long range.
With a sink rate of 3ins/sec this has been designed for fishing nymphs or lures in more moderate depths, especially when the wind is up a little or with a booby on the point perhaps to provide a washing line style of fishing. Ideal when the fish are at a depth of 2-3ft and you can get there easily within a few seconds. Twin colour, chestnut brown head with light tan running line.
A great casting line with dark brown head providing a sink rate of 5ins/sec and a distinctive, silky smooth blood red running line. Versatile for a team of sunk lures fished deep and slow, or ripped through the upper surfaces on a windy day. A great mid-water booby line too and phenomenal casting ability with the long head and no memory. Also suitable as a predator line in upper sizes, which will turnover easily and provide extreme casting ability.
The fastest sinking Snowbee line yet. The density of the charcoal grey head provides a sink rate of 7ins/sec – ideal for deep sinking lures, nymphs and boobies off the boat or really quick sinking for boobies and exploring the depths from the bank. The deep blue running line aids angler visibility without spooking the fish. The profile and density provide an excellent distance casting line, capable of quickly reaching the bottom in over 20ft of water. This line will sink about as far as you can cast with a memory free profile that aids casting on the roughest of days.
This series of long head, long casting, sink-tip fly lines has been introduced by request to fill the void between the hugely successful Buzzer Line and our conventional sinking fly lines.
All feature 50ft heads and long, thin, level running extending to 120ft in total length, with the pastel shades and opaque tip in all cases, to minimise spooking of any fish.
The two tip length options and two sink densities of the range provide a diverse option for perfect control using this increasingly popular modern fishing style. The opaque and fine tapered tips of either 7 or 12 feet in length on each density, serve to enhance minimal hinging and any potential casting ‘kick’, characteristic of multi-density and sink-tip fly lines. All are great for stillwater methods but will be versatile in a range of conditions especially for sea trout on the river.
WFCDS2-7ST Countdown Slow Sink-Tip
In a pastel shade of primrose, this is the slowest sinking option in the series. With a 7ft clear tip, and super slick XS-Plus Nano coated and low stretch monofilament core, the line is well equipped for extreme casting and maximum sensitivity, just beneath the surface even at range.
This line has a longer sinking tip for reaching deeper and fishing a long slow nymph cast, but also handy for ‘washing line’ and strip methods immediately sub surface.
A great casting line, with a faster sinking tip that will get the flies off the top at speed. Will fish ‘sink and draw’ well from bank or boat, or again with the ‘washing line’ adding some depth to the top dropper. A great long casting and pulling line too, for the fast retrieve.
The fastest Snowbee sink tip. With a 12ft, 4ips tip, this line will fish buzzers and nymphs deep from a boat or bank and with a 50ft head will fish at range too, if required. The XS Nano finish provides smooth, finger-tip touch control of the retrieve and completes the new sink tip series. Suitable for sea trout and getting down into deep pits on the river if necessary.
A quality range of Fly Lines at affordable prices.
For many years, Snowbee has produced some of the best quality fly lines on the market. Our range now includes a small economy priced range of lines aimed at the budget conscious angler.
The Snowbee Classic fly lines have a great profile and construction from a company with the greatest pedigree in fly line production. Most have a slightly shorter head and steeper tapers than the traditional weight forward XS fly lines, designed to assist the newcomer with essential timing and turnover. Easy to cast, these lines offer good, reliable performance and make an exceptional entry level, or Combi Outfit Line.
Classic Trout
Available in 30 yard (90ft) trout line options:
CFF FLOATING - pale yellow;
CFHV FLOATING HI-VIZ - chartreuse;
CFI INTERMEDIATE (1.75-2.25 ips) - mid-blue;
CFFS FAST-SINK - dark green/grey – a range of Fast-Sink lines. In the same, popular weight forward tapers, as the other Classic models, these new lines are a joy to cast and get down to the fish fast, with a sink rate of 4–4.5 ips.
Sizes: Intermediate #8 Out of stock
CSWF Classic Switch Fly Lines
For the budget conscious angler, at last by popular demand a Classic Switch line in exactly the same profile as the popular XS Switch, but in a 105ft/35yd overall length and in single Ivory colour and just two weight options. This new line will manage and turnover small or larger flies and is ideal on small to medium sized rivers. Add one of our 5ft poly-coated leaders in a range of densities for the perfect presentation whatever the water level.
Classic Salmon
CSF Salmon Spey - a 35yd (105ft) floating salmon Spey line with a short 48ft head in peach colour. Great as a budget starter kit for the newcomer to salmon fishing or even for use as a saltwater line with the stronger core but short enough head for overhead casting.
For 2020, we have a new starter kit! Team up one of our new Classic2 Fly Reel/Spool Kits, add three Classic fly lines in floating, intermediate and fast-sink densities and you have the perfect ‘starter kit’ to get you fishing! Covering the full range of options, whatever the weather, or whatever depth the fish are at, from bank or boat there’s a line to reach them. And best of all, when you purchase the complete kit, starting at under £120, there is a saving of 20% on the full RRP.
Model
Description
10561-Kit #5
Classic ² Fly Reel kit with 3 x Classic #5 lines – Floating, Int & Fast-Sink
These head weights are specifically matched to the ‘Optimum Head Weight’ (OHW) designated on all our Spectre Spey rods for the perfect balance.
The ever popular 3D series, with their characteristic tapers, so loved by salmon fishers worldwide, all now boast the new ‘Nano-technology’ coatings for even slicker performance. The revolutionary 3D ‘balanced system’ relies on head weights specifically matched to the ‘Optimum Head Weight’ (OHW) designated on all our Salmon Spey rods for the perfect balance
On large open rivers there is normally plenty of room for Spey casting and the size of the ‘D’ loop is not a limiting factor Spey casting your way down a tree-lined or steep sided river however adds another dimension. Using a line with too short or too long a head and finding the optimum rod load point is left pretty much to guesswork. The Snowbee development team has tackled this situation head-on and produced a range of lines that are perfectly balanced for Spey casting in just about any river environment.
The 1D and 2D Spey lines are each colour-coded, providing the angler with an easily identifiable choice to suit specific river and weather requirements and identify the precise loading points for optimum casting performance every time.
1D Spey Lines (51 ft Head)
Suitable for Spey casting in small rivers where bank side vegetation and/ or steep sided river banks severely limit the back cast area. The 51ft head 1D lines are also ideal for windy days.
A range of ‘Skagit’ style Scandinavian Spey and Switch lines to perfectly match today's ‘new generation’ of Salmon rods.
The shorter heads on the Scandinavian Spey, loads the rod quickly at short range, shoots like a dream and has the turnover of a traditional Spey line. The fast front taper, is especially suited to fishing with our Poly Coated Leaders, adding an extra dimension to fly presentation.
To match any Shooting Heads (Floating and Intermediate) we have a 1.0mm diameter floating running line in Hi-Viz Yellow, 40yds in length, which can be trimmed at reel end to fit any reel capacity. It has a large pre-welded loop the other end for quick and easy change between full heads when necessary
A long shallow front taper provides a smooth energy transfer for controlled and accurate presentation. Switch lines are ideally fished with a Snowbee Poly-Coated Leader, allowing different fishing depths, depending on the density used. A short, steep rear taper compresses the weight into the head where it’s needed and connects smoothly to a fine diameter, continuous running line for minimum friction and maximum shootability.
Saltwater fly lines covering all the options desired for the progressive saltwater fly fisher.
In the past, many fly line manufacturers have relied on a stiff monofilament core, to prevent their saltwater fly lines going ‘limp and sticky’ in tropical conditions.
By careful manipulation of our ‘Nano Technology’ coating material, we have developed a new coating which is harder than usual, to withstand the rigours of the saltwater environment, but more importantly, retains its characteristics, even in the searing heat of the tropics, or on the hot deck of a flats skiff. This allows us to retain a core line, which ensures the supple, memory-free properties, customers have come to know and expect from a Snowbee fly line. This also makes the new range ideal for temperate climates, when fishing for striped or European bass.
TSWP-F Tropics Floating ‘Presentation' Line
A floating line with a longer head and extended tapers, designed for smaller flies and precise presentation. The ideal line when ‘sight fishing’ for bonefish, permit, jacks etc., where a smooth and quiet ‘lay-down’ of the fly is essential. The colour change at the back of the head, notifies the precise shoot point, which together with the fine running line makes distance casting effortless. (NB When fishing tropical stalking methods, often short range and with weighted flies, this is one Snowbee line where it can pay to choose a line up one weight from the normal recommended matching rod weight for best results in all situations and still perform well at normal full head casting distance.)
Short, steep tapers and a short head designed for turning over big flies in confined spaces. Ideal when fishing big flies in amongst mangroves, or overhanging vegetation for tarpon, or any ‘open water’ application where big flies are essential. A colour change for the running line notifies the precise shoot point when longer casts are required.
For a more ‘stealthy’ approach the ‘Spectre’ line has the same long head profile as our Presentation line, for delicate presentation. A floating head and running- line but with a 12ft clear intermediate tip. The 2-2.5ips tip will take flies down deeper, without spooking the quarry.
When you need to get down deep and fast with either short or long casts, our new Tropics ‘Depth-Charge’ delivers on all counts. The short, shooting head profile and fine running line, will punch through a stiff wind effortlessly, whilst the 5-6 ips fast-sink head will get your fly down fast, to the ‘strike zone’. The colour change at the back of the head, notifies the precise 'shoot point' making distance casting effortless.
Our braided Dacron backing line is a top-quality, low diameter backing made from 100% Polyester Dacron fibres. The low diameter and near zero stretch, coupled with the range of sizes and colours, make this an ideal backing line for all requirements, whether Trout, Salmon or Saltwater. For those wanting longer lengths, our 100m spools come packed 5 to a box, joined or we have bulk 1,250m spools.
Sizes: 20lb B.S. (Trout) & 30lb B.S. (Salmon) in 100m spools or 1,250m bulk spools
Colours: White or Hi-Viz Yellow
(Hi-Viz Yellow not available in 20lb x 100m & 30lb x 1250M)
A silicone-based fly line lubricant which reduces friction and resistance through the rings, allowing faster line speed at all times. Helps protect fly lines from damage and harmful effects of chemicals.
Based on an industrial product used to remove greasy film on sheet metal. It removes all traces of silicone or grease, allowing the fly line to cut quickly through surface film