Loon Outdoors Top Ride Powder Dry Fly Floatant with Kingfisher Dry Shake Holder
Spencer Kielar The Loon Outdoors Top Ride Powder Dry Fly Floatant with Kingfisher Dry Shake Holder is a popular fly-fishing accessory designed to keep dry flies floating high on the water. Here’s a breakdown of its features and benefits:
Key Features:
1. Top Ride Powder Floatant
– A hydrophobic powder that absorbs moisture and rejuvenates dried-out flies.
– Works well with CDC (Cul de Canard) feathers and other delicate materials.
– Helps restore buoyancy without gumming up the fly.
2. Kingfisher Dry Shake Holder
– A small, durable plastic container with a built-in mesh screen for easy application.
– Allows you to shake the powder onto the fly while keeping excess from spilling.
– Compact and fits easily in a vest or pack.
How to Use:
1. Pre-Treating Flies:
– Place a dry fly in the Dry Shake Holder, add a small amount of Top Ride powder, and shake gently to coat the fly.
– Blow off excess powder before casting.
2. Reviving Flies on the Water:
– If a fly becomes waterlogged, dry it with a desiccant (like Loon’s Desiccant Dry Shake), then apply Top Ride to restore floatation.
Pros:
✔ Lightweight and portable.
✔ Effective on CDC and synthetic flies.
✔ Doesn’t leave a greasy residue like liquid floatants.
Cons:
✖ Can be messy in windy conditions.
✖ Not ideal for pre-treating large flies (better for touch-ups).
Best For:
– Anglers fishing small dry flies in slow-moving water.
– Situations where CDC or delicate materials need frequent drying.
Alternatives:
– Loon Aquel (liquid silicone-based floatant) for pre-treatment.
– Frog’s Fanny (similar powder floatant).
If you fish dry flies frequently, especially CDC patterns, this is a great tool to have in your kit for quick fly revival. Would you like tips on how to use it effectively in different conditions?