Line Weight

The fly-line supplies the weight for casting and makes it possible to cast from the smallest of dry flies to large salmon flies.

Lines come in a wide variety of weights, profiles, densities and even colours to enable you to match the line to the rod you are using and in most instances, the type of fishing you have chosen.

For general stillwater fishing, lines of between #5 - #9 are best whilst salmon fishing tends to require heavier lines of between #10 - #12. Most fly rods will have a line rating of their own and will usually be shown on the blank of the rod just above the handle. In most cases the maufacturers line rating should be accepted. Sometimes the line rating of the rod will show for example (AFTM #5 - #7), this means that the rod should comfortably handle lines with a rating of between #5 and #7 and gives you some choice.

Line Profile

On any fly-line you purchase, you will notice that there are two letters on the manufacturers packaging. These are normally either WF (weight forward), DT (double taper) or ST (shooting taper) and tell you about the profile of the line.

The most popular line profile for stillwater fishing is undoubtedly the weight-forward line (WF), where the weight of the line is concentrated at the front end to allow long casts to be made easily. This is achieved by making the front taper thicken to a belly, before tapering off again to a thin running line.

Where optimum presentation of your cast is the most important aspect, than a double taper line is the one to choose. Equally tapered at either end with the weight in the middle, this type of line is easy to cast and also has the advantage that it can be reversed when one end wears out. Most river anglers prefer to fish with a double taper line.

The shooting taper, or shooting head, is a very specialized line in which the heavy front taper is sliced to a fine running line of braided nylon. This type of line is only suitable for distance casting and needs a double haul cast to get it out.

Line Density

You can choose from a floating, sink-tip, intermediate, slow-sinking, medium-sinking or fast-sinking line to match the mood and location of the trout.

Ideally you would have everyone of these in your tackle bag, but overall the floating line will prove the most versatile for both river and stillwater fishing.

Line Colour

Traditionally only available in white or ivory, modern floating fly-lines are now available in a wide spectrum of colours, many of which make it easier for you to see your line. Sinking lines tend to be in darker colours while the most popular being colourless.

If you are just starting fly fishing, start off with a budget-priced line from a British manufacturer, and as your casting skills progress upgrade to a better quality line. In my opinion, the best lines on the market are made by Scientific Anglers and are reasonably priced compared to some of their competitors. You will also need backing line and braided loops to attach you line to your reel. Some lines come pre-fitted with braided loops and this makes life a lot easier. If in any doubt, ask advice from the tackle dealer you purchase it from.

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