Fly Fishing - Line FAQs

Choosing the right fly line is as important as choosing the rod, if not more important. There is nothing worse than using a nice rod and reel with a really cheap fly line that is not in balance with the rod.

What are the basics?

It is the fly line that carries the fly and leader across the water to the feeding fish and will present the fly according to the type of line and ability of the person casting. The rating given to a line is a measure of its weight when 30 feet of line are out of the rod. It is this weight that loads the rod when casting (causes it to flex). It is important that the rating of your rod and line match. Many rods will have a rating that covers more than one weight eg.#6/8. This indicates that the rod can cast a #6, #7 or #8 line. In this instance it is likely that the rod would be best with a #7 line in the hands of an experienced caster. Remember that a higher rating will cast greater distances but will impact the water with greater disturbance. A lower rated line will be more delicate and will present the fly much more gently. Fly lines are produced They are produced in various densities, floating, neutral, sink tip, intermediate, slow sinking, fast sinking, very fast sinking, and a few in between. They also come in three profiles, Level (L), (DT) Double Taper and (WF) Weight Forward.

What is a floating line?

A fly line where the entire line floats; best all round fly line

What is a sink tip line?

A floating fly line where the tip portion sinks; available in 4 foot, 10 foot, 12 foot, 15 foot, 20 foot, 24 foot, and 30 foot sinking tips; the 10 foot sink-tips are most commonly used and are practical in many applications; sink-tip lines are useful in all types of fly fishing, but especially in wet fly or streamer fishing.

What is a sinking line?

A fly line in which the entire length of the line sinks beneath the surface of the water. Depending on the manufacturer they can be further classified into Slow, Fast and Very Fast sinking lines.

What is a Shooting Taper or Shooting Head Line?

A short single tapered fly line, 30-38 feet long; shooting heads are designed for longest casts with minimum effort; shooting heads allow quick change of line types (floating, sinking, sink-tip, etc.)by quickly interchanging head sections; shooting heads are most commonly used with salmon, steelhead, saltwater, and shad fishing, though they can be used in all types of fly fishing.

What is a Double Taper line?

A DT 'Double Taper' line is thickest at its middle and gets thinner at each end. Although not great for casting long distance they are preferable if presentation is an issue. The other benefit of a DT 'Double Taper' is that if one end gets damaged it can be reversed on the reel and the other end used, extending its useful life.

What does Weight Forward Mean?

An easy casting fly line because it carries most of its weight in the forward section of the line; instead of a level middle section, like a double taper, it quickly tapers down to a fine diameter running line which shoots through the guides with less resistance for added distance; the most versatile fly line.

Who are the top manufacturers of fly lines?

Orvis, Airflow, Scientific Anglers, Royal Wulff, Cortland, and many others.

What color should I choose?

You will notice that lines come in a wide range of colors. They are generally bright fluorescent colours in yellow and orange or natural shades of green, peach, buff or brown. Many fishermen like to use a fairly bright floating line in yellow or peach. It is easier to see a bright floating line and can make it easier to detect takes from shy fish. Having your lines in different colors for different densities will make it easier for you to identify them one from another.

How much do fly lines cost?

There is a significant range of cost when looking to purchase a new line. The best way to find a line that fits your budget is to figure out which type of line you need then shop the internet.