Understanding Fly Fishing Lines

The single most important thing to consider is that the fly line must match the weight on the rod it is to be used on. Due to the many manufactures and wide range of fishing conditions there is an almost endless selection of tapers and variations.

Fly lines basically come in level, double, weight forward and shooting tapers. I am sure everyone has their opinion on this matter, as to what is the best overall line. You will have to decide which taper is best suitable for your fishing conditions. Fly lines come in ether a floating or sinking or a combination of the two.

Weight Forward -This is by far the most popular line and used by most people that I go fishing with. As the name suggest the weight is in the forward section of the line. The weight of the line is usually measured in the first 30 feet. Generally this line will permit longer casting distances. This taper is an excellent choice for windy conditions or long distance casting. If you are fishing in tight casting situations be aware that this line is hard to roll cast.

Double Taper - These lines have a 6 foot to 10 foot tapered section at each end of the fly line and have a long level section in the middle of the line. This line will give you a more delicate presentation of your fly. Not a very good choice for windy conditions or long distance casting but an excellent choice for roll casting. A double taper line can be reversed, making this an economical choice as you can use both ends.

Shooting Tapers – These lines while they are great for making very long casts, lack the delicacy needed for general all-around fly fishing. The line, due to the weight in the front of the line, can spook the fish when it hits the water. This line is harder to control for a beginner. Also since the back end of the fly line is thinner than standard fly line, it has a wicked tendency to coil and get knotted up. For beginner anglers, a shooting taper fly line is not recommended. A shooting taper fly line works well to make very long distance casts and fish in windy conditions.

Level Taper – A level taper fly line has absolutely no taper and is of uniform weight and width for its total length. While theses lines float extremely well they are the most difficult to cast and handle. Beginner anglers should stay away for this taper of line.

The best overall fly line for a beginner would be the weight forward, as you gain experience you can try the different tapers and see what feels best to you.

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About the Author

Andy Klynstra works for Oil-Net.Com providing professionals in the global oil and gas industry with the information, products and services they need.

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Fly Fishing Lines Reviewed

One of the most important disissions when fly fishing is choosing the right fly line for your fishing rod is imperative for success. Fly rods are rated for a given line - or more usually two lines.

Normally the line rating is written somewhere on the butt of the rod, usually as two numbers separated by a / mark. E.g. 3/4 or 7/8. These two figures demonstrate the manufacturers suggested fly line rating. The first figure is for a Double Taper line and the second for a Weight Forward line.

If you are a beginner, a double taper line is one where the thickest part of the line is in the center of its length and the line then tapers away equally towards the two ends.

A weight forward line has an altogether different profile. As the name suggests most the weight of the line, the thickest part, is concentrated at the front end. Behind this section is a long thin section of equal diameter line known as the running line.

The variation between these two profiles reflects the way the lines are used.

A double taper line is used when shorter casts are required, often on rivers and streams. In these conditions you are ordinarily casting to fish high in the water or rising. Because of the slower taper on a double taper line it is easier to cast more delicately and avoid scaring the fish.

One other exceptionaladvantage of the double taper line is that the taper is the same whichever end you use. So if you damage one end of the line you can turn it round and use the other end.

Fortunately the manufacturers do not charge extra for this - yet!

Weight forward lines are better for fishing the wider rivers and lakes where longer casting may be required. Because the weight of the line is concentrated in the front end the rod loads quicker. This makes it easier to build up line speed and momentum which helps to shoot line on the delivery, making for longer casts. This type of line is also better able to cast into or across awkward winds.

The main disadvantage of these types of line is that because more of the weight is concentrated in the front end, there is a much steeper taper to the line end. So these lines tend to land more heavily on the water. This makes delicate presentation more difficult.

The other disadvantage of weight forward lines are that there is a unmistakable right and a wrong way to put the line on the reel. The thin running line has to go on first so that the heavier forward end comes off the reel first.

Get the line the wrong way round and you will find it almost impossible to cast.

While it is always best for beginners to keep with the manufacturers’ recommendation for line rating, modern rods are far more receptive at handling various lines than older rods.

Apart from anything else the more experienced fly fisher develops a feel for when the rod is correctly loaded and can adjust his casting to suit heavier or lighter lines than recommended.

Hopefully, these guidelines help you to recognize and choose the right fly line for your rod and your fishing.

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