‘Awesome’, ‘Stunning’, ‘Wow’ are some of the words used to describe the new Thistledown Nano Technology fly lines when first launched and rated one of the best fly lines we had ever produced. Typical jaw-dropping reaction comes when people first cast this fly line – followed by a huge smile! But we have gone one better and produced a new braided core version, even more superior in performance with small welded loops at both ends and added a new #5-#7wt line to extend the amazing performance up to heavier weighted rods.

Understanding how it all works is another story, because when it states #2-5wt there really is only one single line that can and does function amazingly on all weight rods, whether they be a #2, #3, #4 or #5wt! Now there is also the single #5-#7wt line that again achieves the same. How? It comes down to simple physics – the optimum diameter and profile creates hardly any drag when casting. That means the ‘load weight’ factor becomes less critical to casting performance and the nominated rod weight becomes less important in achieving the cast. The new and refined components for these lines, being Core, Primer and Nano-Tec coating, combine to give the thinnest, most supple, weight forward profile possible. They still weigh very little but deliver incredible stealth and accuracy at the same time. The silky smooth finish and thin diameter means the line speed can be maintained throughout the casting action and delivers the fly precisely where required, with minimum effort. Even across a gale force wind this line has been used to great effect and will cut through almost any breeze with its drag coefficient being so small.

Thistledown was primarily designed for river and light fishing on small stillwaters but is now a regular companion on almost any application where an angler enjoys lightweight finesse, stealth and accuracy. For the heavier performance longer leader, heavier flies set up, associated with stillwater fishing, there is now the Thistledown² in the heavier #5-#7wt option. Both the lines are two-tone in colour, Shamrock Olive head with Buckskin running line.