The Airflo Extra Strong Salmon & Steelhead Polyleader is a specialized sinking poly leader designed for salmon and steelhead fishing, particularly in scenarios where you need to get your fly down quickly in fast or deep water. Here are the key features and details:
Key Features:
1. Material: Made from Airflo’s durable Polyurethane (PU) coating, which is more abrasion-resistant than traditional PVC coatings.
2. Sink Rate: The Extra Strong (XS) version has a fast-sinking profile (approx. 6.0 inches per second), ideal for deep pools or heavy currents.
3. Length: Typically 10 feet (standard for polyleaders), providing a smooth turnover when casting.
4. Strength: Designed for heavy-duty applications, with a breaking strain of 40 lbs (18 kg), making it suitable for large salmon and steelhead.
5. Versatility: Works well with switch rods, single-hand rods, and Spey setups, paired with floating or intermediate running lines.
6. Taper Design: Features a gradual front taper for smooth energy transfer and turnover of large flies (like intruders, tube flies, or streamers).
7. Loop-to-Loop Connections: Equipped with braided loops at both ends for easy attachment to fly lines and leaders/tippets.
Ideal Uses:
– Deep water salmon fishing (Atlantic salmon, Chinook, etc.).
– Steelhead in fast rivers where a quick sink is needed.
– Winter fishing when fish hold deep.
– Spey and switch rod anglers needing extra power to turn over heavy flies.
Alternatives & Considerations:
– If you need a slower sink rate, Airflo offers Intermediate (1.5 ips), Slow-Sink (3.0 ips), and Fast-Sink (4.5 ips) versions.
– Competitors include Rio MOW Tips or Scientific Anglers Sonar Sink Tips, but Airflo’s PU coating is known for longevity.
Pro Tip:
Pair this polyleader with a floating line (like Airflo’s Skagit Scout or RID Floating Line) and adjust leader length (3–5 ft fluorocarbon) based on water depth and clarity.
Would you like recommendations on fly patterns or rigging setups for specific conditions?