Guiderunner
Rapid Line Changer
Retail: $23.99

Every now and then a new gadget comes along in the world of fly fishing that is not only fun and innovative, but actually makes life easier. This year we discovered one such product at a recent fly show. It’s called a Rapid Line Changer, from Guide Runner. The purpose of the Rapid Line Changer is to make it quick and easy to change your line without struggling to thread your rod while standing in a riverbed. And it actually works!

The Guide Runner is a simple idea. It’s little more than a small reel that straps onto the grip of your rod, holding about 20’ of extra line, with a special patented clip attached to the end. You insert the end of your leader into this clip using an overhand knot, then reel in the fly line, allowing the clip to pass through the guides until it reaches the reel. Then unclip the leader, exchange spools on the reel, insert the leader into the clip and reel in the Rapid Line Changer. This allows the new line to feed back through the guides. When the clip reaches the reel, just unclip the leader and you’re ready to resume fishing.

Trust me, it sounds more complicated than it is. But once you try it a few times, following the step-by-step instructions that come with the packaging, you’ll wonder why no one has thought about it until now.

You can contact Guide Runner at 360-805-1231. Or visit their website at: www.guiderunner.com. —Frank Martin