Was thinking a line tray might be useful to save the line getting coated in mud and tangling on the bank and also to prevent the running line from sinking when wading. Liked the look of this one http://flexi-stripper.com Any one tried this or any other ones?
Hi Michael,
I find a use for these when fishing overgrown and/or muddy banks. Possibly the biggest downfall of the SH is running line tangles (or more to the point snags which will completely FU your cast) obviously increased casting distance increases the potential.
It's also worth noting that wading (proper wading not puddling) plays havoc with this line as the head is retrieved prior to casting, something which the line tray doesn't neccessarily deal with very well as the tray will be sitting around knee height (or just aboveish depending on style) so invariably it will or the line will still be IN the water (net or bag type - can't comment on the flexi-stripper). I much prefer to retrieve the line and hold it in big coils when wading. Also I've tried hoisting the tray as far up as is practical when wading so as to keep the coils of line out of the water but I need a good clear unobstructed lower torso/family jewels area when working a double hander
Windy days can be a pig whichever way you lean - leave it to drop at your feet and it's blown onto the nearest snag, hold it in coils and it can still be blown around the reel/ jacket sleeve etc. or you can try to feed it into the line tray - which can be a pest (bag type I'm refering to).
I for one like to carry a tray on the Don (and I hate carrying them) so that tells me they are valuable, as for type??? I'm currently using the William Joseph fold away one which is the best I've used but the flexi-stripper may actually be a FUNCTIONALLY better beast.
Hope this helps
Iain
