Scientific Anglers Sonar Grand Slam Clear Tip
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- 8 foot clear, intermediate sink tip for ultra wary fish
- Intermediate tip gets the fly down to fish
- Overweighted by .75 sizes to load rods quickly; use designated line weight for your rod
- Short, powerful head turns over long leaders and heavy flies
- Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments
- Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate)
Description
Tarpon. Bonefish. Permit. All in one day. All on one line. That’s the idea behind the Mastery Grand Slam, a fly line designed specifically to help you achieve one of angling’s most elusive accomplishments. We’ve taken our most popular saltwater taper and added a clear intermediate tip for ultra wary fish.
Features
• 8ft Clear Intermediate Tip — Sinks at 1.25 ips to present flies to ultra-wary fish without spooking them.
• Short, Powerful Head — A constant 40' across every weight; turns over long leaders and heavy flies.
• Overweighted .75 Sizes — Loads fast-action rods quickly; fish your rod's designated line weight.
• Tropi-Core Technology — Stays stiff and slick in hot, tropical conditions instead of going soft or sticky.
• AST Slickness Additive — Built into the coating for lasting reduced friction and longer, easier casts.
• 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 | Ideal | The short, powerful head loads quickly with long leaders and heavy flies. |
| Medium-Fast Action | Works Well | Handles the taper fine; slightly less snap turning over the biggest flies. |
| Medium Action | Not Recommended | The overweighted, short head loads a soft blank too fast for good control. |
Size Guide
| Line Weight | Head Length | Head Weight | Grain Wt (30') | Species / Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WF7 | 40.0' / 12.2M | 255gr / 16.5g | 205gr / 13.2g | Light bonefish, permit |
| WF8 | 40.0' / 12.2M | 300gr / 19.4g | 235gr / 15.1g | Bonefish, permit, small tarpon, snook, peacock bass, golden dorado, redfish |
| WF9 | 40.0' / 12.2M | 335gr / 21.7g | 270gr / 17.5g | Permit, snook, redfish, tarpon, peacock bass, golden dorado, redfish |
| WF10 | 40.0' / 12.2M | 390gr / 25.2g | 320gr / 20.6g | Tarpon, redfish, larger permit, barracuda, trevally |
| WF11 | 40.0' / 12.2M | 450gr / 29.1g | 365gr / 23.8g | Large tarpon, roosterfish, nearshore species |
| WF12 | 40.0' / 12.2M | 515gr / 33.3g | 435gr / 28.1g | Large tarpon, offshore |
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. AST slickness additive built into the coating keeps friction low for long shots. Rear Taper: The transition from running line to belly. Short, matching the compact, front-loaded design of this taper. Belly (Head): The thickest section — a constant 40 feet across every size, built short and powerful to turn over long leaders and heavy flies with minimal effort. Front Taper: The transition from belly to tip. Short and forceful, built for cutting through wind rather than a delicate presentation. Tip: An 8-foot clear intermediate section that sinks at 1.25 inches per second, dropping the fly just under the surface for ultra-wary fish — the rest of the line floats.
What is AST and how does it affect performance?
AST — Advanced Shooting Technology — is Scientific Anglers' original slickness additive, mixed directly into the line's coating rather than applied as a surface treatment. Because it's built into the coating itself, it lasts as long as the line does rather than wearing off, and it also helps repel dirt and grime that would otherwise build up and slow the line down. In practice, that means less friction through the guides for longer, easier casts.
What is Tropi-Core and why does it matter for a Grand Slam trip?
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 designed to remain stiff and slick in those hot, tropical conditions instead of breaking down over a long day chasing bonefish, permit, and tarpon on the same trip.
How does this compare to the RIO Elite Flats Pro Stealth Tip?
Both pair a mostly-floating line with a short, clear intermediate tip for stealth, but the tapers differ. The Sonar Grand Slam Clear Tip uses a short, constant 40' head built .75 sizes heavy with a 8-foot clear tip, prioritizing quick loading and turning over long leaders with heavier flies. The RIO Elite Flats Pro Stealth Tip uses a longer, mid-length 48' head at closer to standard weight with a 6-foot clear tip, prioritizing line control and a softer presentation. Choose the Sonar Grand Slam when the priority is loading the rod fast, for quick shots, or for turning over bigger flies. Choose the RIO Flats Pro Stealth Tip for more delicate, presentation-focused work.
