Fly Fishing Lines

Choosing the correct fly line will help you control and cast better,
and therebye hopefully improve your catch.

This choice can be difficult, and several things have to be taken into consideration,
but below is a basic guide to help you make the right choice.

The average length of a fly line varies from 90 feet to 120 feet.
It is always the first 30 feet of the line that gives you the weight of the line,
called the AFTM rating. This rating is signified by a number
and must be matched to the line weight of the rod for the particular fishing situation.
Line weights range from #1 as the lightest and up to #15 as the heaviest.

Lighter lines – size #1 up to #6 are suitable for dry fly
and nymph fishing on rivers and smaller still waters.

Mid weight lines – size #6 through to #10 are suitable for fishing
on larger still waters, reservoirs and larger rivers.

Heavy lines – size #8 through to #15 are suitable for saltwater
and large freshwater species in big rivers.

The heavy lines increases casting distance
and helps turn over larger wind resistant flies,
but the presentation will be less delicate.

Almost all fly lines are tapered. The performance (presentation and distance)
of the line is achieved by the taper, and it is therefore important
to choose a taper that suits your fishing requirements.

Weight Forward (WF) is the most popular taper and, as its name implies,
the weight is concentrated in the front of the line with a thinner running line
behind the thick weighted head section which is designed to shoot with ease.
Weight forward lines work well for both short and long distance casts.

Double Taper (DT) is not as popular, but still has some followers.
Tapered at both ends with a thick middle section, long casting is difficult.
Double tapered lines offer no advantages over weight forward lines
other than being able to reverse the line when the front end starts to wear.

Shooting Head (SH) is a heavy front head section of fly line,
around 30 feet long, which is attached to a thin shooting or running line.
Shooting heads are designed for extreme casting distance,
but are not recommended for the beginner or occasional angler,
as well as the angler who require delicate presentation.

Floating line is the most common used and important fly line density.
A good choice for beginners and occasional anglers.
It can be used for fishing dry flies on the surface,
as well as nymphs, wet flies and lures below the surface.
The most important features of a floating line,
is that it floats high on the water free from line memory.

Intermediate lines are designed to fish in the upper water layers.
They sink very slowly, and can therefore also, if left sinking long enough,
fish near the bottom of shallow lakes. Ideal for avoiding surface wake
on calm days as well as for improving line control on windy days.

Sinking lines are available in a variety of sinking densities,
from slow sinking (Di2) sinking at around 2 inches per second,
to ultra fast sinking (Di8) line sinking at around 8 inches per second.
A sinking line helps you get the fly to the depth where the fish are feeding.
The deeper the fish, the quicker the sink rate needs to be.

Sink-tip lines have the advantage of being able to control the fishing depth
similar to a slow sinking line, but also the benefit of a floating line.

Fly lines are available in a vide range of colours.

Generally floating lines are brighter in colour and more visible than sinking lines.
This is mainly because it is easier to see a bright line on the surface,
than a dark coloured line, and thereby detect a bite.

Clear intermediate lines are ideal for shy fish in calm clear waters.

Sinking lines are usually darker in colour to avoid scaring fish at depth.