Scientific Anglers Magnitude Textured Infinity Clear Tip Floating Fly Line
Kirk Deeter
June 22, 2025
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I tested some Scientific Anglers saltwater clear tip lines (Magnitude Textured Infinity Salt Full Clear Fly Line @ $179.95) last summer in Baja and liked them. Although we also wondered, “Is the line worth almost twice what you’d pay for a perfectly functional saltwater line from another brand?” The answer ended up being yes, and no, depending on what kind of an angler you are, and where you’re headed fishing.
But I do most of my fly fishing in fresh water, mostly for trout, so this is the line I’ve really been looking forward to checking out: The Magnitude Textured Infinity Clear Floating Fly Line. The line comes in both a 10-foot clear floating tip and +40-foot clear head (depending on line weight).
I’ve spent three solid months fishing both versions of the fly line (10-foot tip, clear floating head) and here’s my feedback:
1. This is the best floating, and casting, clear tip fly line I’ve fished. I’ve used a number of clear tips over the years, and frankly, many of them were pretty disappointing–they sank or fell apart, and lost their effectiveness pretty quickly. This fly line is completely different. It rides as well as the other colorful/coated lines I fish, and I think the stealth factor can make a positive difference when approaching wary fish.
2. The business part of the line–the 49-foot head in a 5-weight–is the clear part. Does that really matter? It certainly doesn’t hurt the cause. Having spent enough time in New Zealand and Tasmania throwing 15-foot leader/tippet rigs, and then bringing that method home to the States, I have become a fan of clarity. A crappy presentation with drag will hurt you regardless of color or clear lines, but when you make a clean shot and drift with a clear tip–yeah, that seems to matter, in a good way. You can also grab a 10-foot clear floating tip fly line, which provides the advantages of the clear/camouflage approach, but more visual feedback with the rest of the line head for mending etc.
3. The belly in this line has a textured coating, and I wasn’t a fan of textured lines whistling through the guides on my rods several years ago, but I’ve warmed to that now. This line shoots clean, and that helps both distance and accuracy. This line isn’t just about “looks.” It’s a legit, performance casting line. And that’s not just about distance, which matters little to none on most trout rivers–it’s about accuracy, and that is paramount.
I think Scientific Anglers nailed it in this quest for the “holy grail” of a clear, floating fly line that performs like a high-end casting and presenting line. Durability, of course, is another factor, and I won’t be ready to talk about that until I spend about another 100 days on the water with it. But so far, so good.
Pros
Clear tip offers stealth and allows the angler to focus on delivery and fishing.
It’s weighted a half-measure heavy, to accommodate most of the fast-action rods on the market.
It’s a wonderful all-around casting taper–Scientific Anglers did some homework here, and as such, this isn’t a novelty line.
I consider it a legitimate breakthrough line that will cause many of us to rethink clear-tip lines going forward. It might be a new standard.
Cons
If you like to see your line as you cast and present to fish, this one is clear. I wouldn’t recommend it for newbies learning to cast, mend and such.
The half-size heavy might be a bit overkill for slower action rods, particularly bamboo rods.
Memory is an issue in sub 50-degree water.
Textured lines still gather grit if you don’t diligently clean and rinse. And you must adjust your tolerance for the noise it can make.
$180 is a lot to spend on a fly line.
$180 is a ton of money for a fly line. But I still say investing in a line will do more to help your cast than investing in a rod that costs considerably more, especially if you don’t know how to get the most of the rod.
Let’s be honest. If you’re a beginner or intermediate who’s still working on casting and presentation, this line is too much for you.
If you’re just into slinging lead and bobbers, this is overkill.
On the other hand, if you are mid-level or expert and you really care (as you should) about the stealth factor, this line could pay dividends when it comes to upping your game on spring creeks, or in clear water where presentation is paramount. It casts better than 90% of the other fly lines you can use, and the clarity in the tip section certainly won’t hurt you.
- Price: $179.95
- Size/Type: Weight-forward 5-weight, floating fly line
- Taper Design: Extended head length for accuracy at distance
- Total Length: 90 feet
- Head Length: 49 feet
- Head Weight: 225 grains
- Line Coating: DuraCoat leverages advanced dual-polymer design to optimize line stiffness, abrasion resistance and slickness. Enhanced with EST+ slickness additive for unmatched durability, smoother shooting and eco-friendly performance
- Temperature Performance: Optimized for use above 50F/10C. The line can be fished below those temperatures, but will require stretching by hand to manage coils
- Weight Standards: Half-size heavy to turn over large flies on windy days
- Warranty information: Customer Support
“If your Scientific Anglers fly line is damaged, it’s best to contact their customer service directly. They can assess the situation and determine if a replacement is warranted.”
This fly line is designed to perform best in waters ranging in temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you fish water colder than that, you’ll need to stretch it out to overcome some memory issues. If you fish water warmer than that–and you shouldn’t be fishing water approaching 70 degrees Fahrenheit–it gets a bit noodly.
But if you want a solid trout fishing line that casts with clean accuracy, where you can feel the rod load reliably, Scientific Anglers did a fine job in designing this taper.
Again, the clear tip isn’t a crutch that will bail you out of a poor cast or drift, simply by virtue of how it looks to the human eye. But, yeah, I think it can matter and make a positive difference in technical situations when you’re dealing with selective fish, and the stealth factor is paramount.
Add this clear tip to a great cast, a good drift and having the right bug on the end of your line, and I honestly don’t think there’s much more you can do to help your chances.
For dry-fly fishing especially, this allows you to take that extra step to bring forth an “A” game.
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