adh-world
Mountain River's Baltic Seatrout fly lines have caused lively discussions in recent years. No wonder, because such a well-balanced fly line for inshore fishing is not found every day at this price. With the latest generation of this special line the line developers from England present a longer version: The Baltic Sea Trout 2.0 X-Long. Martin Rieck from World Fly Angler has put the line (#7 Float/Intermediate) through its paces.
The second generation (2.0) of the Baltic Seatrout fly line from Mountain River has not changed much from the previous model. However, for many long distance hunters on the coast, the new version has a decisive advantage: its overall length. Many fly fishermen in the past have been enthusiastic about the salty silver fly line and there is no doubt that version 2.0 will change that. The 2.0 takes over the assertive haunch of its predecessor, but extends the running line by a full 7.6 meters - from 27.4 meters to now a proud 35 meters. This will please all those who are looking for an efficient way to transport their fly even further towards the horizon.
Fundamental changes in the construction of the Baltic Seatrout 2.0 were not made, but it seems that the complete processing of the line, if not changed, was at least improved. The very thin running line shows no defects over its entire length, neither by blowing nor by a not centrally vulcanized core or similar. In addition, the RL feels extremely smooth, but retains its grip at the crucial moment. The small loops at both ends of the line are flawlessly welded just like the previous model!
The Taper
After the small front loop, the front taper begins with a steadily increasing diameter over a length of approx. 3m and merges into the approx. 2m long, first belly. The whole belly is clearly divided into two diameters and weights. The first belly is about two classes above the "standard" and ensures that the line has excellent shooting characteristics - even with headwind or bigger flies! After a small reduction in diameter, the second belly follows over the next 5 meters, which contributes to the total weight of the club as well as providing stability and clean flight characteristics. The rear taper to the running line is about 2 meters before the extended RL begins with a diameter of about 0.65mm. At the end of the running line there is also a perfectly welded loop. The soul of the Baltic Seatrout is still a low stretch braid, which ensures good bite detection due to the low stretch.
The Casting
When "grabbing" the line to pull the first meters from the reel, it simply feels good. Also the following first roll casts (to lay out the head) work easily. The Front Taper works very well and always rolls and stretches itself cleanly, regardless of the fly. Which is not always the case with a shooting head that resembles the line. When false casting (to get more meters of fly line out of the rod), it quickly becomes clear that this line has an enormous ability to assert itself! A clear pull gives the caster the direct feeling that the rod is effectively loaded. Both casting and stripping of the line are almost silent due to the smooth coating. Nevertheless, the line is very easy to grip. Even without the classic double haul, the line flies to a comfortable distance. If you then use the double haul, the Baltic Seatrout shoots with a high line speed into the distance. This is a big advantage especially on windy days
The Conclusion
The Baltic Seatrout 2.0 X-Long from Mountain River is definitely one of the most enthusiastic lines we have fished on the coast so far. Even in perfect onshore wind this line works effortlessly and transports all typical coastal patterns with ease. However, you shouldn't let the Rear Taper run too far out of the rod, otherwise the cast will collapse immediately. This is understandable, because in the area of the rear taper (the last 2 m) the line diameter is drastically reduced.
The latest version is 7.6m longer, but the crisp head length of 10.2m has been kept. Personally I would have liked the X-Long version to have a head of 12m, so that I can use the line even on very calm, windless days. On the other hand, under "normal" conditions on the coast, it is completely convincing and combines the advantages of a shooting head with those of a full line. The Baltic Seatrout in the float/intermediate version has a perfect sink rate and offers my fly where I want it to be, even in rough conditions. The line continues to be one of the most effective "weapons" on the coast for me and is a clear recommendation for anyone who wants to combine LESS work with covering MUCH water. Even when pike fishing in shallow water I can imagine the "aggressiveness" of the line very well and I will definitely use it there one day. The floating variant is a recommendation for summer fishing and exciting fishing in the darker hours of the day. I will also test this floating version once for pike. Because I am sure that it can easily transport big poppers etc. Also for our fishing for asp in the river the floating line is certainly very suitable. So don't be distracted by the packaging and the name of this excellent short-belly fly line: The Baltic Seatrout 2.0 X-Long.
