Rio Gripshooter
RIO Gripshooter is a specialist shooting line for shooting-head systems, developed for Spey casting and fishing at range. It combines a thin nylon shooting section with a distinctly thicker, coated handling section. The two parts perform separate roles: the slim running line is designed to shoot readily during the cast, while the section held by the angler provides a more secure grip, particularly in cold conditions.
The Gripshooter profile is based on RIO SlickShooter but adds the coated handling section. This is a practical distinction for anglers managing a shooting head with a double-handed rod. The thicker section is easier to hold while arranging coils, setting up the cast and checking line as it shoots. Its thin nylon running section reduces the amount of line resting on or being pulled across the water. It is also light enough to be held clear of the surface at range, helping the angler retain control of the head and fly well out into the swing.
Profile and fishing use
Gripshooter is neither a complete fly line nor a stand-alone shooting head. It serves as the running line used behind an interchangeable head. At the front is an 8-inch welded loop, provided for efficient attachment and head changes. This is useful when one outfit needs to accommodate different shooting heads selected for a particular casting approach, fishing situation or style of fly presentation, without having to form a new connection whenever the head is changed.
- Type: shooting line for shooting heads and Spey casting.
- The thin nylon shooting section supports efficient line release at range.
- A thicker, coated handling section improves grip in cold conditions.
- The family includes 25 lb, 35 lb, 44 lb and 50 lb designations.
This profile suits anglers who want the low bulk and light weight of a thin shooting section without having to handle that same narrow line throughout the cast. Once the head has been delivered, the light running line can be held away from the water more readily, reducing its influence on the head and assisting control of the fly during the later stages of the swing. The coated section is especially relevant when casts are repeated and wet line must be managed in cold weather. The appropriate version should be considered in relation to the shooting head and the complete outfit. Gripshooter remains a running line: it does not replace the head and does not itself determine whether the fishing section floats, hovers or sinks.