RIO Elite Flats Pro
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating
- Low-stretch DirectCore for hard, solid strip sets
- High floating running line that will not sink and impede the cast
- Easy annealing, low-memory core that lays perfectly straight on the water
Description
Conquer the flats with RIO’s Flats Pro tropical saltwater line. This line has a mid length head and long back taper for smooth, effortless loops, and a weight distribution that provide perfect presentations of just about any fly you are likely to use. Each line is built on RIO’s low-memory DirectCore that is extremely easy to anneal (stretch) and lies perfectly straight on the water, yet retains the stiffness needed to cast in hot conditions. In addition the line is built with SlickCast—the slickest, most durable coating on the market.
Features
• Mid-Length Head with Long Back Taper — Sits between a short shooting head and a long carry line. Loads quickly at close range; the extended back taper allows carrying more line in the air and picking up long casts off the water without stripping back in.
• ConnectCore Plus — Low-stretch core technology that transfers strip-set energy more directly to the hook point than standard stretch cores. Provides more decisive hookups on hard-mouthed species and better feedback through the line on takes.
• SlickCast Coating — RIO’s proprietary coating built into the outer layer for reduced guide friction and improved shooting distance. Resists cracking and abrasion from coral, sand, and boat surfaces. Does not require regular re-application.
• High-Floating Running Line — Specifically engineered to float high in the surface film, preventing the running line from sinking and creating drag during the retrieve or the next cast.
• ½ Size Heavy — Manufactured to weigh half a line size heavier than its labeled weight for easier rod loading at close range. Buy the weight matching your rod’s marked weight.
• SureFire Tri-Color System — Visual color coding shows the head-to-running-line transition during casting and indicates line out during a fish’s run. Two colorways for floating versions: Aqua/Orange/Sand and Gray/Sand/Kelp.
• Welded Loops — Front and rear welded loops for fast, secure connections to leader and backing.
• Available 6–12 wt — Covers the full range of tropical saltwater applications from light bonefish through trophy tarpon.
• Tropical Formulation — Core and coating engineered to remain stiff and functional in hot conditions. Not suitable for cold water use.
Rod Pairing
| Rod Action | Pairing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Action | Excellent | Pairs well with modern saltwater rods and provides quick loading, high line speed, and control in the wind. |
| Medium-Fast Action | Very Good | Loads easily and maintains the smooth loops and controlled presentation this taper is designed to deliver. |
| Medium Action | Use Caution | The heavier-than-standard grain weight may overload softer rods, particularly when carrying more of the head. |
Size Guide
| Line Weight | Head Length | Head Weight | Grain Weight (30') | Species / Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WF6F | 48 ft | 265 gr | 185 gr | Technical bonefish, smaller flats species, and calm conditions |
| WF7F | 49 ft | 305 gr | 210 gr | Technical bonefish, light redfish, sea trout, sheepshead |
| WF8F | 49 ft | 335 gr | 240 gr | All-around bonefish, redfish, triggerfish, and light permit fishing, peacock bass, golden dorado |
| WF9F | 50 ft | 400 gr | 280 gr | Permit, large bonefish, juvenile tarpon, triggerfish, snook, peacock bass, golden dorado |
| WF10F | 50 ft | 475 gr | 330 gr | Permit, juvenile tarpon, bull redfish, roosterfish, trevally, cuda, bumphead parrotfish |
| WF11F | 50 ft | 545 gr | 380 gr | Tarpon, roosterfish, GT |
| WF12F | 50 ft | 590 gr | 430 gr | Tarpon, GT, arapaima, offshore |
FAQ
What are the parts of a fly line and what does each section do?
A modern weight-forward fly line has five sections, each with a specific role: Running Line: The thin, level back section connecting the head to the backing. It shoots through rod guides on the forward cast — thinner diameter means less friction and more distance. The Flats Pro uses a high-floating running line that resists sinking into the surface film, which keeps it from dragging during a retrieve or impeding the next cast. Rear Taper: The transition from thin running line to the thick belly. The Flats Pro’s long rear taper is one of its defining design features — it allows you to carry more line in the air than a short-tapered line and pick up a long line off the water without stripping everything back in. Belly: The thickest, heaviest section — the primary weight carrier. The Flats Pro has a mid-length head overall, placing it between short shooting heads and long distance lines in how it loads and carries. Front Taper: The transition from belly to tip. Tip: The final level section at the line end, where the leader connects. The Flats Pro’s tip is part of the SureFire tri-color system — the color change from head to running line tells you exactly where the head ends during casting.
How does the Flats Pro taper compare to a short-head saltwater line like the SA Grand Slam?
The two lines represent different approaches to tropical saltwater fly fishing. The SA Grand Slam has a short 40-foot head specifically built for quick loading with minimal false casts — ideal for fast, close-range presentations to moving fish. The Flats Pro has a mid-length head with a long back taper, which gives it more versatility: it loads quickly at close range but also allows carrying line in the air and making longer casts when conditions demand. The Flats Pro is ½ size heavy (vs. the Grand Slam’s ¾ overweight), making it slightly more moderate in its overloading. If your primary fishing involves very quick, short shots at fast-moving fish, the Grand Slam’s shorter head may have an edge. For days that mix short presentations with longer distance casts, the Flats Pro’s longer head provides more range.
What is ConnectCore Plus and how does it affect fishing?
ConnectCore Plus is RIO’s low-stretch core technology. Standard fly line cores stretch significantly under load — when you strip set on a bonefish or tarpon, a portion of the hook-set energy is absorbed by the stretching core before it reaches the hook point. ConnectCore Plus minimizes this stretch, transmitting more of the strip set directly to the hook. The practical effect is a more decisive hook set on hard-mouthed species like tarpon and permit, and more direct feedback through the line when a fish takes.
What is SlickCast coating?
SlickCast is RIO’s proprietary fly line coating, designed to reduce friction through the rod guides for improved shooting distance. Unlike coatings applied as a surface treatment, SlickCast is built into the outer coating layer and maintains its performance without regular re-application. It also resists cracking and abrasion from contact with coral, sand, and boat surfaces — relevant for a line that will drag across a skiff deck and through guides repeatedly over a week of fishing. RIO claims SlickCast to be among the most durable coatings in the category.
What does ½ size heavy mean, and which weight should I buy?
The Flats Pro is manufactured to weigh ½ a line size heavier than its labeled weight — a WF-8-F carries the grain weight of approximately an 8½-weight. This helps fast and medium-fast action rods load at the short casting distances typical of flats fishing. Buy the line weight that matches your rod’s marked weight; the overweight is already built in. Do not step down a size to compensate — this will underload the rod.
How do I care for this line?
Rinse with fresh water after every saltwater session. Salt, sunscreen, and fish slime degrade the coating over time. Periodically clean with a mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry fully before spooling. Avoid leaving the line on a hot surface (boat deck, dock) in direct sun for extended periods. Do not apply petroleum-based or silicone dressings, which can interact with SlickCast. If your fly line really needs an overhaul, consider RIO's Agent X fly line cleaning kit.
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