Sink rate of line in salt water

**dickandjill** · 11-01-2007, 20:36

Hi
Will a fly line rated to sink at 3inches per second sink slower than that in salt water?
Thanks
Richard

bigfish · 11-01-2007, 20:57

Well given that sea water is more dense than fresh it might well do,there again it might not!Why not try experimenting with a bath full of salty water?

**Flyguy** · 11-01-2007, 21:27

Good question Richard. I've wondered this myself. Personally I think that sinking lines do sink slightly slower in the salt but I have no evidence other than my own observation.

**vaughan** · 16-01-2007, 10:41

Originally Posted by dickandjill

Hi
Will a fly line rated to sink at 3inches per second sink slower than that in salt water?
Thanks
Richard

If it is a fresh water fly line rated to sink at that rate then yes it will sink slower in Salt Water.

"manufacturers vary the densities depending on the water the lines are to be fished in, taking into consideration the different densities of fresh, brackish and salt water. Things float higher and sink slower in saline water".

http://globalflyfisher.com/fishbetter/flylines/

**Ravelling Tangler** · 16-01-2007, 18:11

yes but it will be quite a small difference (say 2.5 or 2.8 inches per second).

If you are casting in the open sea, of much more effect is drift rate and side current - especially from a boat.