When using floating or Midge Tip lines it is easy to know when your retrieve is nearing completion due to the bright easy to see color of the fly line laying on the water’s surface. Gauging how close you are to the end of your retrieve is not so easy when using sinking lines. More often than not we lose track of where we are in our retrieve and try to recast too soon. Lifting a sinking line from the water too soon is difficult as the line is still at depth due to its weight. The faster the sink rate the harder it is to lift the line from the water and re-cast. More importantly we rob ourselves of valuable retrieve distance and the chance to fish the hang. Hang markers help alleviate this issue
Hang markers can be placed at any interval along the fly line. I typically create a hang marker 10 feet from the end of the fly line by winding on and whip finishing a short ½”-3/4” section of high visibility tying thread such as white, bright orange or hot pink. Once the thread had been attached to the line coat the wraps with brushable superglue and UV Knot Sense for protection. Hang markers do not affect the castability of the line. As you work your fly through the water you either see or feel the hang marker as it touches your retrieve hand signaling the end of the presentation is near and it is time to initiate the hang. If you are in the market for a new sinking line RIO’s new InTouch series of sinking lines comes complete with a hang marker. I have a number of these lines and the hang markers are fantastic.