THE ULTIMATE IN SWEEP FLY LINE TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE, RIO HAS NAILED IT WITH THE FATHOM CLEANSWEEP SERIES!
The Rio Fathom Clean Sweep fly lines are a series of sweep fly lines covering a range of sizes through 6 to 8wt and are available in two densities. They are designed to offer the angler a classic ‘U’ shape sinking profile. Which stillwater trout find so alluring. The tip section of the line is the slowest sinking, a short intermediate. The heaviest in the middle, and a lighter running line. Being constructed in this manner offers an arc of retrieval, letting the angler’s files cover a range of depths. This helps locate the fish faster than density-compensated lines.
Clean Sweep Fly Line – Ultimate Performance
They also offer, in my opinion, the ultimate in performance. These CleanSweeps are awesome casting lines. A few false casts, and boom, let it go! These lines fly, the sweep’s profile is ideal for anglers of all abilities. But these things go miles in a caster’s hands. A good caster can expect to see the backing every time! I should also point out the clear intermediate front section, unlike other lines of this ilk, this perfect addition means that there is an awful lot of distance between your flies and a solid line colour. Crucial when targeting pressured trout!
The two lines in the series have differing sink rates, which means that you’ve options to focus on certain levels in the water column. The faster sinking one (intermediate / sink6 / sink4) is essential for the Spring and, of course, Winter fishing. When the trout are lying that little deeper in the water. I’d be looking at this one for stockies, using a Booby on the point and a Blob or mini lure on the dropper around 10ft apart. Both flies get to fish through the arc of the line and change angles through the retrieve, deadly!
The lighter one of the pair (intermediate / sink4 / sink2) is a superb choice for presenting flies higher up in the water column throughout the Summer and into the Autumn. I particularly like this line for the ‘washing line’ on windy days, as it anchors my flies in that top meter of water, exactly where the trout are to be found!
Clean Sweep Fly Line – SlickCast Technology
SlickCast is designed to enhance the performance of fly lines by reducing friction, improving durability, and increasing overall casting distance. The smooth, friction-free surface of SlickCast allows fly lines to effortlessly glide through rod guides. Ensuring that casts cover greater distances with minimal effort. For Stillwater trout anglers, this means improved line control and enhanced accuracy when casting.
Like all RIO sinking lines, the Clean Sweep features small, unobtrusive ‘hang markers’ to help anglers of all abilities fish the hang properly. The supple core that these lines are built on also means far fewer tangles. Even on windy days, this is a godsend in pressured situations. The last thing you want when you’re on fish is a tangle!Â
Clean Sweep Fly Line – Why Do You Need One Of These Lines
This sinking line style has hit a high with anglers as it retrieves the flies through so many depths in just one cast. Top match anglers have quickly realized that this allows them to fish at multiple depths. Helping them to locate the trout’s prime-feeding zone. Here’s a line that is the perfect tool for finding trout when they are moving up and down in the water column.
Once you hook a trout, you can ‘zone’ in by adhering to the same countdown method. Count down in 5-second intervals before starting the retrieve, noting where takes occur. This is an incredibly effective way of fishing early on in the fishing year. But I should also highlight the fact that this style of line, more than most, offers angles. And it’s these angles that can often make such a huge difference to your fishing day.
Clean Sweep Fly Line – Angle Change
A ‘level path’ if retrieval is all well and good but this often just results in follows rather than takes. However, introducing a change in angle (think, the hang) and your catch rate soon improves. These lines allow an angle ‘on the drop’ then there’s straight-line travel, and finally, the flies rise up once the weight of the middle section is out of the water. Three awesome angles that can up the catch rate! Stick ‘the hang‘ in there, and you have got the ideal fish-finders for sunk line techniques.
The ‘U’ shaped curve is excellent for stimulating a reflex reaction from the following trout. The sudden change of direction as the flies fish through the arc, coupled with the flies speeding up as they sweep up from deep toward the surface, is a real trigger.
Although more difficult to fish from the bank, the line enables you to search the layers and contours on your retrieve. You should fish them from a dam wall or a steep bank due to the line’s profile. From boat or bank try a Booby on the point as this will exaggerate the sinking profile to give it a more pronounced sweep. These lines are ideal for lure fishing with flies such as Blobs, Boobies, Mini Lures, and ‘big stuff’. I find these lines are also very good for fishing traditional wet flies in the top four feet of water from drifting boats. The line anchoring the tip section, so the flies can fish without hindrance
