RIO Elite Warmwater Predator
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Short, powerful front taper to cast large and heavy flies
- Unique, rear-loaded heads for precise, accurate casts
- Low stretch DirectCore for solid strip sets
- Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast
- Features RIO's SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control
Description
Whether fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass in warmwater or golden dorado and peacock bass in the jungle, there are times when a large fly is the only option. Modeled after RIO's popular Elite Predator line, the Elite Warmwater Predator is built specifically to cast those big flies with precision and accuracy in warmer conditions -- and this Full Floating version keeps the entire line on the surface for topwater strikes over weed beds and structure.
A short, powerful front taper and plenty of weight up front give this line no problem casting the biggest and meatiest flies with ease, while the unique rear-loaded head design delivers precise, accurate casts. Because the running line floats rather than sinking, it's far easier to pick up for a fast recast than a typical intermediate-equipped running line -- exactly what's needed when working a popper along a weed edge. RIO's low-stretch DirectCore delivers solid strip-sets on explosive strikes, SlickCast keeps the line shooting cleanly through the guides even on a hot boat deck, and the SureFire tri-color system marks the tip, loading point, and running line for a precise casting reference.
Features
• Full Floating Line — The entire line, including running line, stays on the surface for topwater strikes.
• Short, Powerful Front Taper — Casts the biggest and meatiest flies with ease.
• Rear-Loaded Head Design — Delivers precise, accurate casts even with bulky flies.
• DirectCore Low-Stretch — Solid strip-sets on explosive bass and peacock bass strikes.
• SlickCast Coating — Stays slick in warmwater and tropical heat; reduces friction for longer, easier casts.
• SureFire Tri-Color System — Marks the tip, loading sweet spot, and running line for a precise casting reference.
• Welded Loops, Front and Rear — Fast, secure connections to backing and leader.
Rod Pairing
| Rod Action | Pairing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Action | Ideal | The short, rear-loaded head is built for fast blanks -- loads instantly with big flies. |
| Medium-Fast Action | Works Well | Handles most warmwater flies fine; slightly more challenging on the biggest poppers and streams |
| Medium Action | Not Recommended | The short, heavy head overloads the blank fast; a fast-action rod is the right tool. |
Size Guide
| Line Weight | Head Length | Head Weight | Grain Wt (30') | Species / Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WF6 | 36' / 11M | 238gr / 15.4g | 198gr / 12.8g | Largemouth/smallmouth bass, topwater |
| WF7 | 34' / 11M | 270gr / 17.5g | 240gr / 14.6g | Largemouth bass, peacock bass |
| WF8 | 34' / 11M | 316gr / 20.5g | 280gr / 18g | Peacock bass, golden dorado, big poppers for largemouth |
| WF9 | 34' / 11M | 370gr / 24.0g | 330gr / 17.8g | Peacock bass, golden dorado |
| WF10 | 32' / 11M | 410gr / 26.6g | 390gr / 22.1g | Big peacock bass, golden dorado |
FAQ
What are the parts of a fly line and what does each section do?
A weight-forward fly line has five sections: Running Line: The thin, level back section that shoots through guides. On this line the running line floats -- easier to mend and pick up for a fast recast than a typical intermediate-equipped running line. Rear Taper: The transition from running line to belly. Short, matching the unique rear-loaded design of this taper. Belly (Head): The thickest section -- short and powerful by design, with plenty of weight up front to cast the biggest and meatiest flies with ease. Front Taper: The transition from belly to tip. Short and forceful, built to turn over large, wind-resistant flies rather than deliver a delicate presentation. Tip: The final section where the leader connects, finished with a welded loop for a fast, secure connection.
How does the Full Floating version compare to the other Warmwater Predator densities?
RIO builds the Elite Warmwater Predator in four configurations on the same rear-loaded taper and DirectCore: Full Floating (F) (reviewed here) -- top-water action; the entire line floats for poppers, weedless flies, and surface presentations. A great option for shallow-water golden dorado in Bolivia, or surface presentations for peacock bass. Float/Hover/Intermediate (F/H/I) -- a floating running line with 10' of Hover sinking line and 10' of Intermediate at the front, fishing the top 2-3 feet. Float/Intermediate/S3 (F/I/S3) -- a floating running line with 10' of Intermediate and 10' of Medium Sink (S3), dropping below the top 3 feet. Float/S5/S7 (F/S5/S7) -- a floating running line with 10' of Fast Sink (S5) and 10' of Extra-Fast Sink (S7), for getting flies down deep and fast. Choose the Full Floating version for topwater strikes and working flies over and around weed beds. Reach for one of the sink-tip versions when fish are holding below the surface.
What is DirectCore and why does it matter for bass and peacock bass?
DirectCore is RIO's low-stretch core technology. Bass and peacock bass often strike explosively and require an immediate, solid hook-set to keep from throwing the hook, especially with big, heavy flies that have some give in the take. A low-stretch core transmits that strip-set energy directly to the hook rather than absorbing it, producing firmer, more positive hook-ups on hard, sudden strikes.
What is SlickCast and how does it hold up in warmwater and jungle heat?
SlickCast is RIO's proprietary coating, built to be the slickest and most durable finish the company has measured. In warm climates specifically, it's engineered to stay slick and cast well rather than turning soft and sticky on a hot boat deck -- a real issue with lower-quality coatings in direct tropical sun. That translates to less friction through the guides for longer, easier casts with big, air-resistant flies, plus better durability over a season of hard fishing.
What is the SureFire tri-color system?
SureFire is a three-color marking system built into the line to give a visual casting reference. The first color marks the tip, the second marks the belly's optimal loading point, and the third marks the running line. When distance and accuracy both matter -- placing a topwater fly tight to a laydown or a weed edge -- being able to see exactly how much head is out helps an angler load the rod consistently and stop the cast at the right moment.
Product Video
