The Scientific Anglers Magnitude Smooth Tarpon 12′ Clear Float – WF12F (143875) is a specialized floating fly line designed for saltwater fly fishing, particularly targeting tarpon and other large gamefish. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Key Features:
1. Clear Floating Design
– The line has a translucent (“clear”) coating to reduce visibility in clear saltwater, ideal for wary species like tarpon, permit, or bonefish.
– Despite being clear, it’s a true floating line (WF12F), ensuring buoyancy for surface presentations.
2. 12′ Sink Tip (Integrated Clear Tip)
– Unlike standard floating lines, this has a 12-foot clear intermediate sink tip, allowing the fly to sink slightly below the surface while the rest of the line floats.
– Great for fishing crab or shrimp patterns where a subtle subsurface presentation is needed.
3. Weight-Forward (WF12F) Taper
– Weight-forward (WF) design aids in casting large flies and handling wind.
– 12-weight (WF12) rating matches heavy-duty tarpon rods (typically 11-12 wt).
4. Magnitude Series Technology
– Scientific Anglers’ Magnitude series emphasizes durability and smoothness for saltwater conditions.
– Low-stretch core for solid hooksets on powerful fish.
– Resistant to UV degradation and abrasion.
5. Smooth, Tangle-Free Performance
– Optimized for tropical conditions (minimizes stiffness in cold weather).
Ideal Use Cases:
– Tarpon fishing (especially in clear flats or channels).
– Permit, giant trevally (GT), or large bonefish where a stealthy approach is key.
– Floating line with a slight sink advantage for flies that need to ride just below the surface.
Considerations:
– Not a full sinking line—the sink is limited to the 12′ tip section.
– Requires stripping basket in windy or deep-water scenarios to manage the floating running line.
Competitor Comparisons:
– Similar to RIO’s Flats Pro Clear Tip or Orvis’s Clearwater Tropical Clear Tip, but with Scientific Anglers’ proprietary coatings.
If you’re targeting tarpon or other saltwater giants in clear water, this line is a solid choice for balancing stealth and casting performance. Would you like recommendations for backing or leader setups to pair with it?