Choosing the right fly fishing line can be bewildering, especially if you’re a beginner. But it doesn’t have to be! It could be pretty simple once you understand the basic principles behind it.
Don't let yourself be overwhelmed by many brands, technologies, and constructions. Choosing the right fly fishing line must be a decision based on knowledge.
Examine the characteristics of each line type and consider whether it aligns with your fly fishing needs and preferences. Experiment with different lines by trying to cast them to find the one that best suits your style and specific requirements.
Understanding the weight system is the first step in choosing the right fly fishing line. Fly rods are built to throw lines of a particular weight, so a 5-weight rod is most compatible with a 5-weight line, while a 10-weight rod is most compatible with a 10-weight line.
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association sets a standard grain weight for each fly line, as fly lines are measured in grains. If you pair an incorrect-weight fly line with your fly rod, it might not be properly balanced and, as a result, might not perform well. Each fly rod has an AFTM line rating, commonly located on the blank close to the grip, often beside a number sign, like #5 or occasionally #5/6. Each number represents a specific weight of the fly line according to the AFTM rating criteria.
Remember that the guideline weight of the fly line only includes the front thirty feet, ignoring any weight beyond that as per the line manufacturer's specifications. Recently, with the advancement of faster action fly rods, manufacturers have started expanding the AFTM guidelines' limits. Several AFTM #6 fly lines weigh #6.5, allowing a caster to bend a fast-action rod more easily.
Various line densities are available to all types and all skill levels of fly anglers, ranging from full floating lines to ones that sink at almost one foot per second!
A river fly fisherman will rarely require anything besides a floating line. A small stillwater angler might also want to carry an intermediate and slow sinking line. A competition boat angler could carry fifteen fishing lines in their bag, ranging from floaters to bottom dredgers, and all of them can be used during a day of fishing as well! Salmon anglers typically have two options for fishing lines: Spey lines, which have long bellies and gradual tapers, and shooting head fly lines made for double-handed rods. Like individual fly lines, these different types are all available in various densities, often with multiple tip choices that come with interchangeable tip parts.
Best For: Dry flies, nymphs, poppers, shallow-water streamer fishing
If you’re choosing the right fly fishing line and have to choose just one, a floating line would be considered the standard option. Fly fishing was first created to imitate insects and other small creatures seen on the water's surface. So naturally, traditional fly-casting techniques rely on the characteristics and operation of a floating line.
A common misconception among beginners about fly fishing is that a floating fly line is not beneficial for using nymphs or streamer patterns that are not meant to be on the surface. However, it’s far from the truth! Most fly-fishing activities occur in water that is shallower than 10 feet. By changing the length of your leader, you can successfully fish with subsurface flies using a floating line in various situations. Weight-forward floating lines are the best choice for many different uses, only turning to other options when fishing in specialized situations.
When choosing the right fly fishing line, consider special coatings, density, and weight. These play crucial roles in creating an effective presentation in the water.
Density affects the buoyancy of the line in the water. A floating fly line is a standard option for those new to fly fishing as it is user-friendly and can be used with dry flies and some wet flies. Knowing the process of choosing a floating fly line is quite simple. As a novice fisherman, you should choose a bright or highly visible color to easily track your line on the water and improve your casting technique. On the flip side, darker hues are more suitable for concealing lines.
Best For: Large streamers, large rivers and lakes, saltwater fishing
Sink-tip lines combine elements of both floating and full-sinking lines. The running line is buoyant. However, instead of a thick, narrowing floating head, these lines have a sinking line head ranging from 10 to 30 feet. Selecting the ideal sink tip for the job is more complicated than simply picking a weight-forward floating line.
Dedicated streamer fishermen mainly use sink-tip lines to target trout, muskies, pike, and saltwater species. What is important is that these lines are not necessarily used to reach a specific depth but rather to quickly sink a fly below the surface and counteract the natural buoyancy of larger flies used for large predatory fish. Sink tips are convenient in fast-flowing water since you frequently have to cast at a small area, such as a seam behind a rock or short eddy, and you need your fly to reach that spot quickly. A benefit of sink tips is that they are usually simpler to cast than full-sink lines since the weighted head gives the same power as a weight-forward floating line.
Best For: Targeting fish in depths greater than 15 feet
Full-sink lines are considered specialty tools. So, if you’re a beginner choosing the right fly fishing line, it’s perfectly fine not to look into this type too much. Even experienced fly fishermen will tell you that even with many years spent on the water, there have only been a few occasions where they needed to use full-sink lines. In many cases, a better choice would have been to use a spinning rod due to its higher efficiency. However, there is a purpose for having these lines, so if you need to attract a lake trout in deep water, you will need them.
Despite advancements in modern technology, full-sink lines remain heavy and somewhat difficult to cast, even after the past decade. The entire 90 feet of the fly line contains a weighted core, with most of them being consistent in diameter throughout, resulting in the absence of a tapered section that assists in smooth passage through the guides.
If you require a sinking line, remember it will not sink in a direct, level trajectory. The fly and leader will create slight resistance, causing the line to form a small “U” shape between the fly and the rod's tip. When you're bringing in the fly, you must consider this droop. If you strip too leisurely, a strike could fail to reach the end of the rod. If you feel a bite, you must quickly and aggressively set the hook to reel in and catch the fish successfully.
The change in thickness between your line’s segments is known as the taper. A fly line consists of just three taper areas: the rear taper, belly, and front taper. Having a clear understanding of the function of each of these tapers will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right fly fishing line.
When it comes to fly lines, many decisions will ultimately come down to individual taste. Additionally, the differences between these taper types have become slightly blurred with the development of modern lines. So, casting and considering other factors before buying is still best.
The most frequently purchased tapers are Weight-Forward (WF) lines. The WF Taper design was developed to help achieve greater casting distances. It consists of two primary parts: the Head—the thick, weighted section at the front—and the running line—the thinner, lighter part connected to the reel's backing.
A typical WF fly line consists of three sections: the front taper, the body, and the back taper, which transitions into the running line. Manufacturers can alter weight distribution in the head section by incorporating various front and back tapers with the weight forward line design. They can use these to adjust the weight towards or away from the tip of the fly line. Lately, weight has been shifted forward to add weight to the front portion of the line for easier casting at shorter distances. However, there are consequences. For instance, shifting the weight towards the front decreases the weight at the rear of the head, resulting in increased difficulty when roll casting and mending.
The Head, usually around 30ft in length, bears the load necessary to propel the remainder of the line. If you want to achieve a long cast, you must make extra casts to lengthen the line past the rod tip with the thin running line still inside the rod guides, then make the final cast to release the running line. The thinner, lighter running line has reduced weight and friction, allowing longer casting distances.
Weight forward lines restrict false casting to the fly line head length, as attempting to false cast with any running line beyond the rod tip will cause the loop to hinge and become unstable.
Most modern WF taper designs perform effectively at short distances for casting, which is perfect for beginners choosing the right fly fishing line. On the other hand, a WF line with a lengthy front taper design might need more weight to properly load the rod during shorter casts, making it challenging to cast effectively.
DT lines used to be common for early PVC lines since they were simple to make. A Double Taper line starts thin at the tip, widens along its length, and then narrows down at the rear. The fly line is symmetric and has no distinct front or back; you can reverse it if the end attached to the leader gets damaged or broken. It provides you with twice the lifespan of a WF.
When distance casting with a DT line, the body encounters more weight and friction than a WF running line, making it less capable of being shot as far. So, to achieve a long cast with a DT line, you must release more line into the air during false casting compared to using a WF line.
Casting a DT line for short distances is not hard at all, as the DT line accurately matches the weight of the rod to load the tip properly. The even weight distribution along its length makes performing a roll cast simpler than a WF line, especially when casting far distances. Fixing DT lines is also simpler than repairing WF lines, thanks to the balanced weight distribution.
Spey/Triangular taper lines feature a slender running line and a head section with a triangular shape. There is a brief back taper from the running line to the thickest part of the line, followed by a lengthy front taper to the front point. In general, the length of the triangular taper ranges from 30 to 40 feet. This design concentrates more weight on the rod's tip, enhancing the energy transfer efficiency for roll casting. Placing additional weight nearer to the tip of the rod also simplifies the process of mending.
To achieve successful long casts, you should extend the head portion just past the tip of the rod and execute a roll cast to create sufficient momentum for shooting the entire running line.
Appropriate gear is crucial in all sports, particularly fly fishing. However, the equipment can occasionally be puzzling, daunting, and tricky to maneuver for a beginner fisherman. So, here are additional tips to help you choose the right fly fishing line.
The more lines you experiment with for your rod, the more educated purchasing choices you can make. After trying a 6WT line with a 5WT rod, you may discover that it aligns better with your casting technique.
Casting sinking lines can be difficult, and you may only like using some. Additionally, some options may be more appropriate for you than others. Although there are many types of lines for fly fishing, the most commonly used are weight-forward (WF) lines that correspond to the weight of your fly rod. That's everything you need to begin as a beginner fly fisher.
A WF5 (Weight Forward, 5 Weight) floating line is sufficient for fishing with a 5WT fly rod. When striped bass fishing with an 8WT fly rod, an 8WT intermediate sinking fly line is a good choice.
Although it’s best for beginners to follow the weight rating on a fly line, it does not mean you’re limited and can’t cast with a different weight rod. It is possible to use a 6WT line with a 5WT rod. There could be scenarios in which a longer line could benefit you.
Imagine spending three hours presenting weightless dry flies skillfully to fish feeding near the surface. Once you have caught some fish, you must start returning home shortly. Before deciding to stop and give up, taking a risk and trying to pass a streamer through the hole could be beneficial. Regrettably, swapping out your dry fly for a big streamer won't be as effective as desired. It will be difficult to turn over your line, and you may struggle with casting control. Another choice is to replace the line on your rod with a heavier weight and taper—usually one size bigger.
When choosing the right fly fishing line, it's crucial to consider the surroundings you will be fishing in. Remember, the kind of water, the type of fish, and the general conditions can significantly impact your decision.
When fishing in freshwater for trout or bass, choosing a fly line designed for those conditions is essential. Freshwater fly lines are designed to excel in the diverse settings of rivers, streams, and lakes. They provide the perfect combination of flexibility and strength required for effective casting and handling of the energetic movements of freshwater fish. A floating line is commonly favored for trout fishing in streams because it offers improved control and presentation of dry flies.
Because of the environment, a unique strategy is needed when pursuing saltwater species such as Bonefish. Saltwater fly lines are created to endure the challenging environment of the sea, such as UV rays and salt damage. Saltwater lines tend to be more rigid than freshwater lines to handle the heat and more powerful fish in saltwater habitats. Frequently, they also have a unique covering to decrease friction and enhance casting distance, which is especially important for the vast flats where Bonefish are commonly located.
Aside from the type of water, you must also consider the temperatures you are fishing in when choosing the right fly fishing line. Opt for a tropical line when fishing in tropical saltwater. Select a cold water line when fishing in freshwater.
Ready to learn more? Experience fly fishing with Latitudes Outfitting! Our guides not only show you which fly lines to use, how to throw, and retrieve, but their responsibilities extend further than that. They prioritize the preservation of the rivers and fish in top condition. These experts dedicate themselves to teaching about fishing and safeguarding our waterways. They realize that they must take care of these pristine waters during each trip so future generations can also have the opportunity to fish. Their primary task is not just to fish but to promote the long-term viability of fishing for all by diligently caring for the environment.
Robert Gary has assembled a group of top-notch guides in western Montana to offer outstanding fly-fishing experiences! Our skilled guides are friendly, patient, and diligent, ensuring that experienced and beginner anglers have a successful day on the water. Our primary focus is ensuring your happiness and satisfaction by delivering outstanding customer service during your Montana fly fishing adventure. So, plan your next fishing adventure with us today!
Robert Gary, Owner/Outfitter #7970
PO Box 1281
Hamilton, MT 59840
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