Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Bonefish
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability
- Revised taper for delicate deliveries to skittish fish in crystal-clear water; an excellent line for bonefish and permit
- Loads fast and lands light for increased accuracy
- Medium-length head for line control and optimal casting and fishing at 60-80 feet
- Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments
Description
Built true to weight rather than overweighted, this line is tuned for the precise, delicate deliveries that skittish fish in crystal-clear water demand — no heavy-handed turnover to spook a tailing bonefish before the fly ever lands.
A medium-length compound head (35.5-41.8 feet depending on size) gives smooth, controlled turnover and easy pickup for a quick recast, with line control and casting accuracy tuned for the 60-80 foot range where most bonefish shots happen. SA's AST Plus slickness additive is built into the coating itself for longer, easier casts that hold up over a full season, while Tropi-Core keeps the whole line stiff and slick on a hot boat deck instead of going soft and sticky.
Features
• Medium-Length Compound Head — Tuned for line control and casting accuracy at 60-80 feet.
• True-to-Weight Design — Loads and lands light for a delicate presentation to spooky fish.
• Short Front Taper — Smooth, controlled turnover and easy pickup for a quick recast.
• AST Plus Slickness Additive — Up to 40% slicker and 60%+ longer-lasting than lines with no additive.
• Tropi-Core Technology — Stiff core stays stiff and slick in hot, tropical conditions.
• SA Line ID — Printed weight and taper marking directly on the line.
• Welded Loops, Front and Rear — Fast, secure connections to backing and leader.
Rod Pairing
| Rod Action | Pairing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Action | Works Well | Loads fine at typical 40-60ft distances; true-to-weight build needs a clean stroke. |
| Medium-Fast Action | Ideal | The compound taper's medium-length head matches this action for accuracy and control. |
| Medium Action | Works Well | Delivers flies delicately; less punch than a fast blank in wind at long range. |
Size Guide
| Line Weight | Head Length | Head Weight | Grain Wt (30') | Species / Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WF6 | 35.5' / 10.8M | 190gr / 12.3g | 160gr / 10.4g | Light bonefish |
| WF7 | 37.5' / 11.4M | 240gr / 15.6g | 185gr / 12g | Light bonefish |
| WF8 | 39.7' / 12.1M | 280gr / 18.1g | 210gr / 13.6g | All-around bonefish, light permit |
| WF9 | 41.8' / 12.8M | 340gr / 22.2g | 240gr / 15.6g | Larger bonefish, permit, windy conditions |
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. Rear Taper: The transition from running line to belly. Belly (Head): The thickest section — here a medium-length compound taper (35.5-41.8 feet depending on size) built for line control and casting accuracy at the 60-80 foot range where most bonefish shots happen. Front Taper: The transition from belly to tip. A short front taper on this line is what gives it smooth, controlled turnover and easy pickup for a quick recast. Tip: The final section where the leader connects, finished with a welded loop for a fast, secure connection.
How does this compare to the Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus and the Amplitude Textured Bonefish?
SA builds three closely related bonefish tapers, all sharing AST Plus and Tropi-Core: Amplitude Smooth Bonefish (reviewed here): True-to-weight, with a medium-length compound head (35.5-41.8') and a smooth, traditional finish. Built for delicate deliveries to skittish fish in crystal-clear water.
Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Plus: Based on SA's Grand Slam taper, with a longer, constant 50.5' head and a half-size-heavy build, plus a high-contrast sighter for tracking line on long runs. Still a smooth finish.
Amplitude Textured Bonefish: The same taper, head length, and grain weight as the Smooth Bonefish reviewed here, but with a textured finish that adds Floating Texture on the tip, Shooting Texture on the running line, and a Tactical Reference Point sighter. Choose the Smooth Bonefish for the classic true-to-weight taper at the lowest price. Choose the Bonefish Plus for a longer head and a bit more mass to punch through wind. Choose the Textured Bonefish for the added texture features at a higher price, on the identical taper.
What is AST Plus and how does it affect performance?
AST Plus is Scientific Anglers' upgraded slickness additive, built into the coating rather than applied to the surface. SA rates it up to 40% slicker and over 60% longer-lasting than a line with no additive. Because the compound can migrate within the coating, AST Plus works its way back to the surface as the line wears, so the slickness — and the longer, easier casts it produces — holds up over a full season rather than fading after the first few trips.
What is Tropi-Core and why does it matter?
Tropi-Core is Scientific Anglers' core technology built specifically for tropical climates. A standard fly line core can go soft, sticky, or lose structure on a hot boat deck or in direct tropical sun; Tropi-Core is built on a stiff core designed to stay stiff and slick in those hot, tropical conditions rather than breaking down over a day chasing bonefish on the flats.
What are the downsides of the Amplitude Smooth Bonefish?
A few honest considerations. Being built true to weight rather than overweighted means it won't load a fast-action rod as instantly at close range as an overweighted taper — anglers who prioritize punching through wind over delicate presentation may prefer the Bonefish Plus or a Grand Slam line instead.
Product Video
