Scientific Anglers SONAR Saltwater Intermediate Fly Line (Discontinued Version)

Scientific Anglers' SONAR Saltwater Intermediate Fly Line (discontinued version) is built for anglers who need stealth, control, and clean presentations just under the surface. Designed for inshore saltwater, surf lines, and windswept flats, it sinks slowly to cut surface chop and keep your fly tracking true. It suits anglers targeting wary fish in bright, calm conditions as well as those fighting wind and current where a floating line gets pushed around.

Features

Stealthy Intermediate Density - The slow sink rate rides a few inches below the surface, eliminating wake and flash while maintaining a direct connection to the fly. It keeps shrimp, crab, and baitfish patterns in the strike zone longer and makes line control far easier than with a floater in wind or chop.

Warmwater Optimized Core - Built to stay firm and shoot clean in hot climates, the core resists wilting on skiffs, decks, and poling platforms. It remains low-memory in tropical heat so your first shot is not wasted fighting coils.

Quick-Loading, Wind-Punching Head - An assertive, front-biased taper turns over weighted flies and bite tippets with minimal false casting. It loads fast at short to medium distances and drives tight loops into headwinds, perfect for rapid shots at cruising fish.

Slick, Durable Saltwater Coating - A hard, high-lubricity jacket reduces friction for easy shooting and stands up to UV, salt, and deck abuse. It slips through guides smoothly, helping you deliver accurate casts when seconds matter.

Ready-to-Rig Welded Loops - Factory-welded loops make it quick to switch leaders or connect to backing, saving time when the tide or the bite window is short.

Uses

Flats and Inshore Sight Fishing - Ideal for redfish on flood tides, bonefish on glassy flats, or snook laid up along mangroves. The intermediate head minimizes surface disturbance so spooky fish see the fly, not the line, and you keep a tight connection for precise strips and solid hook sets.

In choppy light or gusty wind, the line’s slow sink stabilizes presentations, helping shrimp and crab patterns track naturally along sand, turtle grass, or limestone. Picture a quick two-false-cast shot to a tailing red: the head loads fast, turns over neatly, and the fly swims below the ripple where fish are comfortable.

Surf, Jetties, and Tidal Rips - For stripers, blues, and snook around current seams, the intermediate density prevents your line from skating, keeping clousers and baitfish patterns in the feeding lane longer. You’ll feel takes sooner and stay connected when waves or current would otherwise push a floating line off target.

Temperature / Conditions

Best in warm to tropical climates, from summer inshore conditions to full tropical heat on the flats. The line remains manageable on hot decks and during long poling sessions. In cold water or winter air temps, it may feel stiffer and less supple; performance is optimized when the line is warm.

Taper / Weight / Design

A compact, front-loaded head with a firm front taper provides fast loading and decisive turnover for weighted patterns and larger leaders. A moderate rear section offers stability for carrying line and making quick second shots. Offered in popular saltwater weights suited to 6–10 weight rods, it pairs well with modern fast-action sticks and rewards crisp, short-stroke casting styles common in sight fishing.

More Info

• Best for: Inshore saltwater, flats, surf and beaches, windy conditions, spooky fish
• Loops: Welded loop front and rear for quick rigging
• Sinking/Floating: Intermediate, slow sink (approximately 1–2 inches per second)