One of the major differences between fly fishing and other fishing techniques is the type of line that is used. Fly fishermen use small flies crafted from feathers and fur that would be impossible to cast with spinning or bait casting gear. A fly line provides the weight needed to generate momentum and propel a fly through the air. They are available in a variety of styles, so choose one that fits the type of fishing you prefer.
Functions of a Fly Line
Fly fishing and spin fishing both require some form of weight to load the rod and cast your offering. When casting a spinning rod, the weight of the lure or bait pulls line off the reel. The opposite relationship exists when casting a fly rod. The weight of the fly line loads the rod and pulls the fly through the air. When casting a fly rod, remember that you are actually casting the line, not the fly.
Standard Fly Line Weights
An important relationship exists between a fly rod and its fly line. In order to function properly, a fly rod must be equipped with a line that will allow it to load and cast comfortably. If the line is too light or too heavy, casting will be difficult. A system exists that allows an angler to easily select the appropriate fly line for any given rod. The system designates a number to each fly line, 1 to 15, which represents the lines actual weight in grains. The weight of a fly line can then be matched to a fly rod with the same number. In other words, a 5-weight fly line is designed to be paired with a 5-weight fly rod.
Taper Designs
Most modern fly lines are designed with a specific taper designed to make fishing in a particular situation easier. The best all-around option is a weight forward taper. This type of fly line has a thicker, heavier front section that gradually gets thinner before leveling out. Double taper fly lines start out thin, gradually get thicker and then slim back down. This taper is preferred when a subtle presentation is required. A shooting taper is useful when maximum distance is essential. This design features a heavy, 20 to 30 foot front section attached to a thin shooting—or running—line. The running line shoots through the guides with less friction allowing the angler to make longer casts.
Taper Designs
There are four major types of fly line densities. The most common and versatile is a floating fly line. This type of line is always used when fishing dry flies and is equally effective when fishing nymphs and streamers in relatively shallow water. A sink-tip line has a portion, usually about 20 feet, of line that sinks. This helps get a fly down in fast or deep water. Intermediate lines sink at a relatively slow rate. The entire length of the line sinks making it an ideal choice for shallow lakes and ponds. Full sink fly lines are designed to sink quickly and are often used when trolling or fishing deep pools.
Purchasing a Fly Line
Fly lines are available in a variety of color options. Brightly colored lines are easier for the angler to see, but may spook wary fish. Drab colors are more cryptic, but difficult to see in low light conditions. Fly lines are labeled using a system that describes the line type. For example, a label reading WF-5-F indicates a weight forward, 5-weight, floating fly line. Pay close attention to these labels to ensure you get the proper type of line.
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