Fly Patrol Lines Long Shot Taper #8-9-10

With the LST 8, 9 and 10, we clearly enter the realm of pure streamer fishing. Moving the mass of a streamer and overcoming its aerodynamic drag requires weight in the fly line. With this first LST series dedicated to powerful fishing applications, we deliberately focused on fishing in the upper layers of the water column—situations that demand both power and finesse. The mass distribution is designed to promote efficient shooting, controlled casts and relatively delicate presentations. The head density is calibrated for a sink rate of 5 cm/s (S2), which is ideal for exploring shallow areas with weighted flies, but also perfectly suited for stripping poppers or gurglers on the surface, or fishing small baitfish imitations just below the surface.

The design brief

Here are three scenarios that illustrate the situations the LST 8, 9 and 10 are designed to handle. They offer a short journey along the water’s edge and a clear illustration of the design brief that guided our technical choices.

Scenario for a #8: Black bass in the ponds of the Landes

These structure-rich waters sometimes hold excellent bass populations. Submerged trees, lily pads, algae and duckweed provide abundant cover, and life is everywhere. Insects are plentiful—especially large dragonflies—and amphibians thrive here. As these spots are rarely deep, surface imitations are often the most effective way to target these “green devils.” Frog patterns reign supreme, along with brightly colored deer-hair baitfish. A #8 fly line is an excellent choice for easily casting these flies.

Scenario for a #9: Among the lily pads of the Audomarois marsh

With a network of several hundred kilometers of small waterways—the wateringues—the marshes near Saint-Omer form an exceptionally rich biotope. They still hold a healthy population of pike. In summer, fishing among the lily pads with surface lures often proves highly effective: poppers or gurglers imitating frogs, small lightweight streamers such as the Piker Point, and similar patterns.

Scenario 3: Seabass blitzes in the Bay of Audierne

The bay is a magical environment, home to an incredible diversity of marine life—fish, cetaceans and birds alike. Anglers target John dory or pollack as well as giant bluefin tuna and blue sharks. And of course, seabass are also present. While this area is not always easy to fish specifically with a fly rod, any skilled caster would be hard-pressed to head offshore without bringing along a #10 outfit, a reel and a box of streamers. It takes up little space, and if a school of seabass suddenly starts feeding just below the surface, it can lead to absolutely unforgettable fishing moments. The LST 10 allows small seabass streamers to be pushed far out—even into the wind—and to fish effectively just below the surface, where the action is concentrated.

Design philosophy

Head profile

The LST (Long Shoot Taper) fly lines are primarily designed for casting performance, with a strong emphasis on long-distance casting. The forward-shifted profile provides very clear feedback during false casts. The head measures a total of 14.5 meters, a deliberate choice aimed squarely at maximizing distance. This does not prevent the LST lines from excelling at short and medium ranges as well.

The sweet spot

While effective casting is obviously possible at all distances, including very short ones, our lines have a “sweet spot”—an optimal casting configuration when aiming to present the fly beyond 20 meters. The LST profile includes an intermediate-diameter segment between the head and the running line. This segment serves as your casting reference.

• Long cast (double haul, intermediate skill level): During false casts, let the line slip until you feel the running line between your fingers. At that moment, the intermediate section is inside the guides and the head is already outside. The line is ready for a spectacular shoot.
• Extreme cast (double haul, advanced skill level): For maximum distance, the entire head—including the intermediate section—can be carried outside the rod, leaving about one meter of running line beyond the tip guide. In this configuration, the airborne line consists of approximately 4 m of running line, 14.5 m of head and the leader (say 3 m), totaling 21 to 22 meters. Add an energetic shoot and 30 meters are well within reach.

Core

The LST core is relatively thin (24 lb) with low stretch (9%). This ensures virtually no memory—always appreciated when stripping out a running line that has been coiled on the reel for some time. The controlled stretch also provides excellent hook-set transmission at distance, which is essential in streamer fishing.

Coating

The coating of the LST 8, 9 and 10 is the same as that used on the ST3 and ST4: a very high-quality PVC coating with outstanding glide, immediately noticeable to anyone who has actually fished the line. It is a real pleasure to feel it slide through the guides, watch the loop extend effortlessly and, above all, experience how easily it shoots. The line has no memory—even after long storage—and unrolls smoothly and straight.

Usage recommendations

Here are some combinations we have tested and approved—blanks that allow you to get the very best out of our lines.

LST 8

• Fast8: A superb combination for light seabass fishing. Ten-centimeter streamers, shrimp or crabs fished on sight along the edges. The Fast8 feels feather-light in hand, and its extremely direct action provides absolute line control. Precision fishing at 15–20 meters—true sniper techniques.
• FP908: The obvious choice. The FP908 is powerful and light, yet retains a certain smoothness—a forgiving character in its reactions. Fishing this combo is easy and relaxed: the rod responds smoothly, the line unrolls effortlessly. Perfect for streamer fishing for predators or carp on nymphs.
• LH1007: An excellent duo for long-distance reservoir fishing, especially in windy conditions. With some practice in producing a clean double haul, this setup is capable of delivering impressive distances.
• LH866: Like all fiberglass rods, the Redneck 866 is very tolerant of line weight, especially overloading. With an LST8, it bends a bit deeper during the cast, adding smoothness to the action. This is extremely pleasant for casting poppers softly and under control, placing them tight to cover where big bass lurk.

LST 9

• LH909: The perfect combo for long-range seabass fishing. When fishing from the shore and distance is required, the authoritative power of the LH909 combined with the impeccable glide of the LST9 gets the job done beautifully.
• FAF1008: A FAF1008 paired with an LST9 forms the ultimate setup for XXH reservoir fishing. The immense power of this 10-foot rod drives the line through the wind with ease and carries even bulky flies such as sculpin minnows and game changers. This setup also makes perfect sense on migratory rivers, targeting sea trout or smaller salmon.

LST 10

• LH9010: A heavy, extremely effective setup for streamer fishing up to medium fly sizes. The LST10 cuts through the wind remarkably well, especially when powered by the crisp authority of the LH9010. This is the go-to coastal combo when conditions are rough. It is also ideal for targeting large carp, when heavy nymphs must be delivered accurately and the ensuing fight with a 12-kg fish must be fully controlled. Finally—and most importantly—it is the reference setup for “reasonable-sized” tuna (up to 6–8 kg). Small streamers rocket toward feeding fish, and the battles that follow are truly epic.
• INV7910: An ideal combo for pike fishing with light streamers, Piker’s Point patterns, gurglers and poppers in weed beds. Casting remains calm and controlled: strip out around 15 meters of line, then let it shoot through the guides—perfect glide and precise presentations.