Fly Lines

Fly lines is specially tapered lengths of thick line that enable you to perform the art of casting the fly line without additional weight up front. There is a confusingly range of fly fishin lines available on the market. However as with all other aspects of fly fishing, every component is logically arranged and classified to make it easier to fit the one component to the other.

All fly lines carries a label on the box with a notice that specifies every detail about the particular line. This code is divided into three sections of information.

1. The Taper of the line.
2. The AFTM size of the line.
3. The characteristics of the line (Floater, intermediate, sinker etc.)

Taper Codes:

• L = Level Line (no taper)
• DT = Double Taper (tapered at both sides)
• ST = Shooting Taper (a single taper cut to 30ft)
• WF = Weight Forward (also known as a rocket taper)

Density codes:

• F = Floating Line
• S = Sinking Line (you get up to nine different sink rates)
• I = Intermediate density (a little denser than water)
• F/S = Sink Tip (only the tip sinks)

The weight of the fly line is an indication of the weight (in grains) of the first 30 ft. of line.  If you plan to fish for small fish in streams, dams, lakes or rivers, your first line should probably be a 4-5 weight, floating line. The following will give you an idea of some of the types of fly fishing lines available on the market today.

• Floating line: used to present a fly on or near the surface of the water. This is the most commonly used line for fishing with dry flies early morning and late afternoon when there are lots of insect hatching around the waters.
• Intermediate line: a very slow sinking line - used for calm waters and over underwater weed beds. 
• Slow Sinking line: used to present the fly right on the bottom.  Sinking line is heavier and more difficult to use.

• Sinking Tip line: designed so that only the beginning of the line is heavy enough to sink.  Sink depth is determined by how much of the line is weighted.  (This line is easier to cast than a full sinking line).
• Double Taper lines: can be used on both sides – if the one side gets worn out, change to the other side!

Here is a quick reference for the ratio you will use when connecting an fly line to the tippet and then to the fly (hook).

Lines for the Beginner Fly Fisher

Starting out in fly fishing for the first time seems a bit confusing, but your line requirements are actually quite straightforward. All you require is a floating line and a medium-to-fast sinking line. NOTE: Buy full tapered length lines and not shooting tapers (shooting tapers are only cut to 30ft)

Double taper lines are the most suitable for beginner when learning to cast and are easier to use. You can upgrade to a weight forward and shooting tapers after you have mastered the basics of casting.

How to buy a Fly Line

Take care when you buy a fly line, cheap lines are almost always a bad investment. Because fly lines are subject to great stress, high speed, impact and all kinds wear and tear especially in the hands of a learner caster, try to buy the best you can afford. Some of the top lines will last you for years to come , if properly cared for.

Here are the names of some great Fly Line Manufacturers:

• Airflo
• Cortland
• Hardy
• Masterline 
• Scientific Anglers
• Wulff 

Fly Line Resources

• Fly Fishing Lines 
• Shop for cheap Fly Lines