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Fly Line Facts

The importance of the fly line is probably the most crucial part of a fly fisherman's equipment. Using the wrong type of fly line can ruin any day on the water. Unfortunately choosing a fly line is not the easiest task, especially when it comes to someone new to the sport. This is mostly due to the vast amount of choices that are available to us. Remember that it is crucial to match your equipment (fly line to fly rod to fly reel) so that you can get the optimum performance from a balanced system. If you do not have a properly balanced system, fly casting can become very difficult. This article is provided to assist in understanding fly lines as far as weight, tapers and density. These are the three main factors that will come into play for you to choose the line for your particular use.

Fly Line Weight

Fly lines are given a measuring unit of weight, which is clearly shown on the box of each fly line. This number corresponds to the actual weight of a fly line. Fly line is measured in grams, but because grams is a little bit more confusing to keep track of, the manufacturers adopted a standard measurement for fly lines. The new system lists fly lines from 1 thru 14, with 1 being the lightest and 14 being the heaviest. The way a fly line is measured is by actual weight of the first 30', excluding any tapers or adjustments. In short, the first 30' of level line. The following list will give you the number of the weight system to the actual weight in grams:

 1 wt - 60 grams                 8 wt - 210 grams

 2 wt - 80 grams                 9 wt - 240 grams

 3 wt - 100 grams             10 wt - 280 grams

 4 wt - 120 grams             11 wt - 330 grams

 5 wt - 140 grams             12 wt - 380 grams

 6 wt - 160 grams             13 wt - 420 grams

 7 wt - 185 grams             14 wt - 455 grams

The following list will give you an idea of what weight for what species or use:

Weight  1-3:  Small Trout Panfish and other small fish. Small flies and short casts.

Weight  4:  Panfish and small to medium sized trout. Small to medium size flies and short to medium casts.

Weight  5-6:  Medium to medium large trout and smaller bass. Medium to medium large flies. Longer casts.

Weight  7-8:  Large trout, large bass, steelhead, small salmon. Large streamers and large flies. Long casts.

Weight  9-14:  Large salmon and saltwater. Big flies.

The weight of the fly line is what allows for casting. In fly fishing the weight of the fly line combined with the action of the fly rod is what throws or propels the fly out onto the water.

Fly Line Tapers

There are many different types of tapers available to the fly fisherman. These tapers are essentially adjustments made to the fly line to enhance your ability to cast better, provide better line control and perform better under certain conditions. There are 4 main lines or tapers that you will see the most. They are Level (L), Double Taper (DT), Weight Forward (WF) and Shooting Taper (ST). Note the abbreviations. This is what you will see on the box of each line.

The Level Line, which in reality has no taper, is just that, level all the way through. Many beginners make the mistake of thinking this is just what they want, mostly because it is the least expensive. The truth is, they are the least used fly line and they are very difficult to cast, especially for the beginner. The best advice for the beginner is to stay away from a level taper or level line. 

The Double Taper is a fly line that is heavier and wider in the mid section. As it goes toward the both ends it gradually gets thinner and lighter. Both ends are the same. The double taper, at one time, used to be the most popular tapered line, especially for the trout fisherman. The qualities are that the light taper on the front of the fly line allows for the fly line to land on the water with minimum disturbance while the heavier mid section allows for good general casting. This is a good line to roll cast with as well. Now, the economics of a double taper is a positive factor too, because both ends are the same. Should the front part of your fly line start to show signs of wear over time, you can reverse the double taper line and you are back in business with basically a new line.

The Weight Forward lines are now the most popular fly lines on the market today. A weight forward line has extra width and weight built into the front of the fly line. You will see many variations of weight forward lines, but all adjustments are to fine tune for more specific applications. Some of these modifications are shorter heads, longer heads and heavier heads. These modifications are more specialized adjustments. The remainder of a weight forward fly line is level. This configuration is what makes the weight forward line so popular. The benefits are longer casts, the ability to cast larger flies and they are great lines to cast in windy conditions. As a note, these lines are not reversible and it is important that you put the right end to the reel. For the beginner this is the best choice and the easiest to learn.

Shooting Taper lines are a variation of the weight forward. They have a heavier head, Just like a weight forward line, but the biggest difference is that the remaining part of the line is much thinner and lighter than a weight forward line. These were first introduced for distance casting tournaments. They are great for making long cast, but they are not very delicate when it comes to the presentation. Also control of the line is not very easy. With the thinner line behind the head, another disadvantage is that it has a tendency to coil badly. A shooting taper line is not recommended line for the beginner.

Fly Line Density

Fly line density refers to whether a fly line sinks or floats. Also, if it sinks it refers to what rate it sinks at. There are five different fly line densities: Floating fly line, Sink-Tip fly line, Intermediate Sinking fly line and a Sinking fly line .

Floating fly line is self explanatory, it floats for the full length of the fly line. This is the most used fly line. Obviously dry fly fishing requires this fly line, but it is versatile in the fact that you can fish nymphs, wet flies and streamers with this line too. The weight of the sub-surface flies will draw down the leader and they can be fished effectively. Floating fly line is also very easy to cast. If you have just one fly line, the floating fly line is a very versatile line and can be used in a variety of ways.

The Sink-Tip line is another very popular fly line. This type of fly line has a tip that sinks, as its name implies. Sink tips can vary in length, up to 30', with the remainder of the line floating. Because a portion of this fly line floats it is an easier sinking line to pick up and cast. This line is used primarily for nymph and streamer fishing. When you choose a sink-tip line, or any sinking line you will notice a sink rate labeled on the box. Behind the sink rate number you will see the abbreviation IPS. This stands for Inches Per Second. You will have to make this determination as to how deep you want your fly and how quickly you want it to get there. One thing to keep in mind is that sink-tip lines have a tendency to sink quickly so, if you want your fly in the water only a little bit you may want to consider a different type of sinking line.

An Intermediate sinking line is a fly line that sinks entirely, but at a reasonably slow rate. Intermediate sinking lines are ideal where you want to submerge your fly just under the surface. This is a popular line for fishing lakes that have a good amount of weed and you want your fly to hold just above them. Another great use for this line, when it comes to river fishing, is midges and emergers.

Finally the Sinking Line is a full sinking line that will sink relatively quickly but at a uniform rate. This line is best used for deeper waters and fast moving waters. These can be work to cast, especially for the novice.

Once again, it is important to mention that you keep your fly fishing equipment balanced for optimum performance and ease of use.