Fly Lines

Once you have chosen your type of fishing and decided on the weight of fly line that you will use, it's time to think about the taper and density. When you first look at all the lines on offer it may seem a bit complicated but dont worry all will be revealed.

Unlike any other form of fishing, you are not casting a bait or lead. The fly line is the weight that makes the rod load on casting
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All fly lines are measured by weight on the first 30 foot of line (excluding the final short tip section) no matter what taper or density. The line is made up of a core that determines its tensile strength and stretch and a coating that determines its weight and density.

In simple terms, think of a floating line that is full of special bubbles to make it float. Sinking lines have different densities of additives inside the coating to control the sink rate.

The taper determines how the energy is transmitted during casting. Double taper lines are the same from the middle to each end of the fly line hence double taper. Weight forward lines are designed to have a taper, a main section, a running line and are made and called according to the various tapers employed.

That is a highly simplified explanation but it is all you need to know for now. My fellow instructor and friend at Snowbee recommended an excellent book that is full of information for the more technical amongst us. "Modern Fly Lines" by Bruce W Richards. It explains the history and all the technical bits in easy to follow terms. I found it an excellant book.

Parts of the fly line

Core: the inside of the fly line usually about 20lb for trout up to maybe 40lbs for heavy saltwater. Important to have the right amount of stretch and stiffness to suit the requirements of the angler.

Coating: provides the weight and density of the line.

Tip: the short level section that you will attach the leader to

Front taper: determines how delicately the fly is delivered.

Belly: widest section of the fly line.

Rear taper: the back of the fly line identical to the front taper in a double tapered line and the running (shooting) line in a weight forward line.

Double Taper fly line
Weight Forward Taper fly line

There are lots of good quality fly lines available and well worth the investment. I have personally been using Snowbee fly lines for many years as I find that for the price they are excellent value.

A recent development has been multi tip fly lines allowing the angler to change the taper and density of a floating fly line tip section.

The arrival of Spey casting fly lines has revolutionized Salmon casting and made it a lot easier for the angler to get more distance.

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