4 Fly fishing lines for the beginners.
The most confusing initial step for a beginner fly fisherman is the choosing a fly line, each of which is designed for different levels of control or practicality, depending on level of expertise and angling situation. If you are new to fly fishing, there are many designs of fly lines to consider. But, in this article let me help you decipher the topic of fly line.
Fly line tapers are adjustments or enhancements to the line to aid in casting, depending on the necessity of the angling situation. Taper implies that fly lines do not have uniform diameter (thickness) throughout the length, and are thus "not level." Adjustments in line manufacture are often made that either increase the weight (which depends on density and diameter) or the diameter in key sections of the line, greatly altering casting and line control. There are several fly line tapers available among fly fishing suppliers, which are indicated by simple abbreviations in their descriptions or on packaging as follows:
Level Taper (L) Double Taper (DT) Weight Forward Taper (WF) Shooting Taper (ST)
LEVEL TAPER (L) is the easiest to understand but the least used in fly fishing.
Level taper has even weight and diameter and floats extremely well. However, level taper line is much more difficult to cast and control than other lines. It also tends to make a racket when it hits the water due to the aerial dynamics. Though it is the least expensive fly line available, beginners should avoid level taper line.
WEIGHT FORWARD (WF) is the most popular fly line, as well as the most expensive. The first 30 feet has greater diameter, thus a little extra weight built into the forward portion. The remainder of the line is "level," thus of equal diameter as well as density". With weight forward line, larger flies can be used affording longer and more effective casts, even in windy conditions.
It is crucial this line is put on the reel correctly or it simply will not perform as designed. The end of the line with the added weight and width should be in the lead, while the level portion of the line should be tied to the reel. Unlike level taper or double taper lines, if this fly line becomes cracked or damaged it cannot be reversed.
Weight forward fly line are good for beginners. It is good for long casts, provides better control, and is always used when casting heavy things like bass bugs or streamers.
DOUBLE TAPER (DT) is manufactured with the taper reversed from that of weight forward. Double taper line has a thicker and weightier middle section that gradually shrinks in diameter the closer it gets to the end of the fly line. It is important to remember that double taper line is "balanced," meaning that both ends of the line weigh the same with equivalent diameter, with the weightier portion of the line in the middle. The double taper is therefore reversible, and should the front of the line become worn out, it can be turned around and attached to the reel from the other end.
SHOOTING TAPER (ST) line, which was truly designed for fly casting tournaments. Similar to a weight forward line, the first 20 feet is heavily weighted and the remainder is of uniform diameter and density (weight) but much thinner than a traditional weight forward line. The extra weight and width of the first 20 feet, in combination with the remaining length of thinner line, reduces the drag on the fly rod guides, making the line extremely agile for the adept handler.
In the hands of an expert, a shooting taper line greatly increases the potential for casting distance. Yet, while great for long distance casting, shooting taper line lacks the delicacy needed for general all-around fly fishing and can make a quite a racket when it hits the water. Since the reel ward portion of the line is thinner than standard fly line, it has a nasty tendency to coil and knot up. As you can imagine, this line is not recommended for beginners.
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