First Impressions of Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants
Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants are essential for any serious fly fisherman, promising to keep your flies riding high and dry. Offered in spray, paste, powder, and gel formats, they aim to cater to various fly fishing needs and preferences. I was intrigued by the promise of the powdered floatant making flies “virtually waterproof,” a claim that immediately piqued my interest.
For years, I’ve battled the frustration of constantly re-applying floatant, especially with heavily hackled dry flies or after battling particularly slimy trout. My hope was that the Jackson Cardinal line could provide a more durable and effective solution. Upon receiving the Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants, I was struck by the compact size of each container. The minimalist packaging focused on functionality, suggesting a no-nonsense approach to performance.
I’ve previously used floatants from Gink and Loon Outdoors. These brands are well-regarded, but I found their gel and paste formulations sometimes left a visible sheen on the water. I chose to try the Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants because of the promise of the powdered version’s invisibility and its ability to revive waterlogged flies, a feature I hadn’t seen emphasized in other products. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping they would live up to the hype.
First impressions were positive, with the different formats seemingly well-suited for specific applications. I was eager to put them to the test and see if they could truly improve my dry fly fishing experience.
Real-World Testing: Putting Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants was on a challenging stretch of the South Platte River in Colorado. This location is known for its technical hatches and picky trout. I primarily used the gel floatant on smaller mayfly patterns and the paste on larger, more buoyant attractor flies.
The spray floatant proved especially useful for treating my leader, keeping it afloat and preventing drag. The gel was easy to apply, providing good floatation without leaving a noticeable residue. The paste was surprisingly effective on larger flies, keeping them riding high even after multiple drifts.
After about an hour, the first mayfly I treated with the gel began to sink after a particularly vigorous rise by a rainbow trout. I noticed that after a couple of hours of fishing, the paste needed to be reapplied to the larger fly. However, the initial application was much better than with some of the other floatants that I have used in the past.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve found the Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants to be generally reliable, but with some variations between the formats. The gel and paste consistently provide good floatation, though they do require reapplication after prolonged use or contact with fish slime. The spray works well for leaders and lines but doesn’t offer as much floatation for the flies themselves.
The powdered floatant, while effective at reviving drowned flies, can be a bit messy to apply on the water. None of the products have shown any signs of degradation or changes in performance after being stored in my fishing vest for an extended period. Comparing it to Gink, the Jackson Cardinal gel seems to last slightly longer, while the paste offers comparable performance to Loon Outdoors’ products.
Maintenance is minimal, simply requiring that the applicator nozzles are kept clean and free of debris. The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants perform well, but don’t completely eliminate the need for reapplication, especially in challenging conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants
Specifications
Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants are available in four forms: spray, paste, powder, and gel. The manufacturer is Jackson Cardinal. Each floatant is designed for specific applications in fly fishing.
- Spray Floatant: A silicone-based formula in a convenient spray bottle for waterproofing flies and leaders. Its quick application makes it suitable for on-the-go touch-ups.
- Paste Floatant: A high-floating paste designed for larger flies, lines, and leaders. Its thicker consistency provides extended floatation in demanding conditions.
- Powdered Floatant: A desiccant powder that makes flies virtually waterproof. It’s particularly effective for drying and re-floating drowned flies.
- Gel Floatant: A long-lasting, deep-penetrating floatant in a 1/2 ounce squeezable bottle. Its ease of use and extended performance make it suitable for various fly types.
The overall weight of the product is 0.09 lb, length is 1 ft, width is 1.1 in, and height is 4.3 in.
Performance & Functionality
The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants are designed to keep flies afloat, which is their primary function. Each format excels in different scenarios. The spray is great for quick leader treatments, while the paste handles larger flies effectively.
The powder is a lifesaver for reviving drowned flies, and the gel provides consistent floatation for smaller patterns. The strength lies in the variety, allowing anglers to adapt to different fly types and fishing conditions. A minor weakness is that no single format is perfect for every situation.
The powder can be messy, and the paste and gel require occasional reapplication. Overall, they meet expectations by providing reliable floatation solutions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants are designed with usability in mind. The gel and paste come in squeezable containers that are easy to handle with wet or cold hands. The spray bottle provides controlled application, while the powder comes in a container that allows for dipping flies.
The materials used are functional and durable, with the containers holding up well to repeated use in the field. While the design is not particularly flashy, it prioritizes practicality and ease of use. There’s virtually no learning curve, making these floatants accessible to both beginners and experienced anglers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants are designed to last for a fishing season or more with proper care. The formulas themselves don’t degrade quickly, and the containers are robust enough to withstand typical wear and tear. Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving keeping the applicator nozzles clean and ensuring the containers are tightly sealed when not in use.
Given the simple design, there are no real repair needs. The durability and ease of maintenance make these floatants a worthwhile investment for any angler.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants do not come with any additional accessories beyond the containers themselves. There are no customization options for the formulas or packaging. However, the products are compatible with a wide range of fly fishing gear and accessories, such as fly boxes, tippet holders, and fishing vests.
The variety of formats allows anglers to choose the best option for their specific needs. Anglers can pair the Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants with accessories from other brands to create a customized floatation system.
Pros and Cons of Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants
Pros
- The availability of different formats (spray, paste, powder, gel) caters to various needs.
- The powdered floatant effectively revives drowned flies.
- The gel provides long-lasting floatation for smaller fly patterns.
- The spray works well for treating leaders and lines to prevent drag.
- The paste is effective on larger, more buoyant flies.
Cons
- The powdered floatant can be messy to apply.
- The gel and paste require reapplication after prolonged use or contact with fish slime.
- No single format is perfect for every situation.
Who Should Buy Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants?
The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants are perfect for fly fishermen of all skill levels who use dry flies. They are particularly beneficial for anglers who fish in challenging conditions or target selective trout. Experienced anglers will appreciate the variety of formats and their specific applications.
Beginners will find the gel and spray easy to use and effective for maintaining fly floatation. Those who primarily fish with nymphs or streamers may not find these floatants as essential. A must-have accessory is a small applicator brush for the powdered floatant, as this can help to minimize mess.
Conclusion on Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants
The Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants offer a comprehensive solution for keeping flies afloat. The variety of formats caters to different needs, and the formulas are generally effective and reliable. While they are not a “magic bullet” that eliminates the need for reapplication, they do provide a noticeable improvement in fly floatation.
At $12.99, the price is justified given the performance and versatility of the product. I would personally recommend the Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants to any fly fisherman looking to improve their dry fly fishing experience. Give Jackson Cardinal Fly Floatants a try and see how they can help you catch more fish.