fly fishing rod line setup

Wright & McGill – Qwik Drop Non-Toxic Jumbo Shot Refill – SZ 2.5 mm – Fly Tying

The Wright & McGill Qwik Drop Non-Toxic Jumbo Shot Refill – Size 2.5 mm is a popular choice for fly tying and fishing applications. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Features:
– Non-Toxic Material – Safe for the environment and complies with fishing regulations in most areas.
– Jumbo Shot Size (2.5 mm) – Ideal for adding weight to nymphs, wet flies, or other patterns where subtle but effective weighting is needed.
– Easy to Use – The split-shot design allows for quick attachment and removal without damaging tippet or leader material.
– Refill Pack – Comes in a convenient refill pack to replenish your stock.

Common Uses in Fly Tying:
– Weighting Nymphs & Wet Flies – Helps flies sink faster in the water column.
– Adjusting Depth – Can be pinched onto the leader above the fly for depth control.
– Substitute for Bead Heads – Can be used as an alternative to brass or tungsten beads.

Pros:
✅ Environmentally friendly
✅ Easy to apply and remove
✅ Versatile for different fly patterns

Cons:
❌ Not as dense as tungsten, so may require more shot for deep presentations.
❌ Some anglers prefer molded weights for a sleeker profile.

Alternatives:
– Tungsten Putty or Beads – More compact weight but less adjustable.
– Traditional Split Shot (Lead-Free) – Similar function but may not be as easy to reposition.

Wright & McGill - Qwik Drop Non-Toxic Jumbo Shot Refill - SZ 2.5 mm - Fly Tying

If you’re looking for a non-toxic, reusable, and easy-to-adjust weighting solution for fly tying, the Qwik Drop Jumbo Shot is a solid choice. Would you like recommendations for specific fly patterns where this works best?

Vintage NOS Scientific Anglers Inc – Floating Fly Line – L-6-F Green 25 Yards

It looks like you’re referring to a vintage NOS (New Old Stock) Scientific Anglers Inc. floating fly line, specifically the L-6-F Green, 25-yard model. Here’s some helpful information about this item:

Key Details:
– Brand: Scientific Anglers (a well-respected name in fly fishing, now owned by Orvis).
– Model: L-6-F (likely indicating line weight 6, floating F).

Vintage NOS Scientific Anglers Inc - Floating Fly Line - L-6-F Green 25 Yards

– Color: Green.
– Length: 25 yards (shorter than modern fly lines, which are typically 90 feet/30 yards).
– Condition: NOS (New Old Stock) means it’s unused but may be decades old.

Vintage Significance:
– Scientific Anglers was a pioneer in synthetic fly lines (post-silk era).
– Early plastic-coated lines (like this one) were innovations in the mid-20th century.
– The 25-yard length suggests it may date back to the 1960s–1980s, as modern lines are longer.

Collectibility & Use:
– Collectors: Vintage fly fishing gear has a niche market, especially unused NOS items.
– Usability: If stored properly, it might still be fishable, but plastic coatings can degrade over time (check for stiffness or cracking).
– Compatibility: Designed for older reels with smaller arbors; may not perform well on modern large-arbor reels.

Potential Value:
– If sealed/unused, it could appeal to collectors ($20–$50+ depending on demand).
– For practical use, modern floating lines (like SA’s current Mastery Series) outperform vintage ones.

Would you like help identifying a specific era or tips on testing its condition?