8 replies to this topic

[Russ]

I recently put the new sharkskin line on my 5wt. I used it for the first time over the weekend. Not only did it rip up my fingers while stripping, it is the noisiest line I have ever heard. It sounds line wind blowing through the pines. I could only imagine what it sounded like underwater. Has anyone else had any similar experience with this line?

Also, I tried my new 8wt. with a older Fenwick WF-8-F line. It was also rather noisy as it went through the guides. The line may just need a good line cleaning solution. I will clean it this week to see if that helps. It may be time to break down and buy new line for it.

The Fenwick is a smooth line and the Sharkskin is quite rough.

[jcoops]

Sharkskin is only noisy through the guides. Shouldn't be a problem in the water. I like mine...but don't love it more than other lines. Not worth $100, but I've got it now and I'm gonna fish it til it falls apart.

I haven't had any problems with it cutting my hands. Stop using so much moisturizer!!

[young gunzs]

its a good line as far as distance and speed go, but its not a great line if your going to be stripping streamers all day, and dont step on it you will grind dirt and other crap in to the texture grooves ruining the line. If your looking for a textured line thats not as agressive as teh sharkskin i would suggest the mastery textured lines in a GPX taper for faster action rods.

[Quall]

I have it in 4wt. I also keep bandaids on me. The line is like a mini file cutting through the crevice of your fingers, especially after a couple days of fishing. That being said, I do like all the other characteristics of the line. Not quite worth the price tag though. After all is said, most likely wouldn't purchase another unless it got alot less expensive.

[cjg]

People have been whinning about the sharkskin since it came out for those 2 reasons. I have a couple, I like the way they cast, but I find that they get dirty and the tip sinks way sooner than my other lines. I haven't had any finger issues and the noise doesn't bother me. I got mine on sale, no way i would pay the original price.

[breader]

yeah, a little noisy. dont love it, but it works fine. agree with YoungGunz, i have a gpx textured line that i like better

[RockwoodRyan]

Add me to the list of people who's fingers don't get cut, deal with the noise, and think its over-priced.
I just picked up a GPX textured line for my 4wt and like that a lot better for less money.
Anyone else have general issues with noise and recoil guides? The last rod build I did I used recoil guides and even with smooth lines they are noisy as hell.

[notquiteflyfishing]

i have the mastery textured line and i heard about textured lines cutting up hands, so i bought one of those stripping gloves. worked for me so far!

[tridentfly]

I recently put the new sharkskin line on my 5wt.  I used it for the first time over the weekend.  Not only did it rip up my fingers while stripping, it is the noisiest line I have ever heard.  It sounds line wind blowing through the pines.  I could only imagine what it sounded like underwater.  Has anyone else had any similar experience with this line?

Also, I tried my new 8wt. with a older Fenwick WF-8-F line.  It was also rather noisy as it went through the guides.  The line may just need a good line cleaning solution.  I will clean it this week to see if that helps.  It may be time to break down and buy new line for it.

The Fenwick is a smooth line and the Sharkskin is quite rough.

Was it a 2012 Sharkskin?  I love mine - really slides through the guides and casts beautifully.