Is fly fishing for you--Choosing line
October 13th 2007 00:01
Fly line is rated something like WF-7-F which translates to weight forward, 7 weight, floating. Weight forward is basically the taper of the line but, you will probably run into double taper and level line and possibly more but, go with the weight forward if you’re starting from scratch. It’s MUCH easier to cast!
The number stuff can trip you up so, if you get nothing else from this post remember this—always match the number rating of your rod to the same number when it comes to line. For example, the #7 line mentioned earlier would be appropriate for a #7 weight rod. With equipment of that weight, you are also moving up into the echelon of larger fish such as bass or small saltwater species.
The “F” part of the line, “floating” is pretty self-explanatory. Some line is made to float and some isn’t. To decide, it’s best to try and match the line to the flies you are using. If the fly is designed to stay on top of the water, a floating line is in order.
That’s enough about the line itself. However, putting line on a fly rod is not the same as it is in other fishing applications. Before you start adding line, you’re going to need backing—NOT financial assistance from Mom and Dad! Backing is a heavy line composed of often man made fibers and, perhaps, plastic coated. When your true line wraps around the backing, it reduces line memory and provides the length necessary in case a fish decides to “make a run for it” after being hooked. It’s not easy to say exactly how much backing to use but, around 75 yds. (68 m.) will USUALLY work for smaller species while large game fish may require something like 300-400 yds. (275-365 m.).
After the backing and main line, you must attach a leader. One of the first questions people ask is about the length of the leader. Unfortunately, I have to use an answer I hate and say that it depends. It depends on water conditions, weight of the other line and equipment, and the targeted fish. Generally speaking, under normal circumstances with an average set up, you can use a leader around 10 feet (3m.) but, if you’re river fishing in a swift current, you may want to cut that in half.
At the end of your leader is the tippet. This is around 2 feet long and your fly goes at the end. It’s always a good idea to have an extra tippet. I only get to fly fish a couple times a year so, I’m not a great flymaster and always carry a couple!
The number stuff can trip you up so, if you get nothing else from this post remember this—always match the number rating of your rod to the same number when it comes to line. For example, the #7 line mentioned earlier would be appropriate for a #7 weight rod. With equipment of that weight, you are also moving up into the echelon of larger fish such as bass or small saltwater species.
The “F” part of the line, “floating” is pretty self-explanatory. Some line is made to float and some isn’t. To decide, it’s best to try and match the line to the flies you are using. If the fly is designed to stay on top of the water, a floating line is in order.
That’s enough about the line itself. However, putting line on a fly rod is not the same as it is in other fishing applications. Before you start adding line, you’re going to need backing—NOT financial assistance from Mom and Dad! Backing is a heavy line composed of often man made fibers and, perhaps, plastic coated. When your true line wraps around the backing, it reduces line memory and provides the length necessary in case a fish decides to “make a run for it” after being hooked. It’s not easy to say exactly how much backing to use but, around 75 yds. (68 m.) will USUALLY work for smaller species while large game fish may require something like 300-400 yds. (275-365 m.).
After the backing and main line, you must attach a leader. One of the first questions people ask is about the length of the leader. Unfortunately, I have to use an answer I hate and say that it depends. It depends on water conditions, weight of the other line and equipment, and the targeted fish. Generally speaking, under normal circumstances with an average set up, you can use a leader around 10 feet (3m.) but, if you’re river fishing in a swift current, you may want to cut that in half.
At the end of your leader is the tippet. This is around 2 feet long and your fly goes at the end. It’s always a good idea to have an extra tippet. I only get to fly fish a couple times a year so, I’m not a great flymaster and always carry a couple!
This info will get you on your way. As you get more involved in fly fishing, it can begin consuming you and you’ll begin searching for more remote places until you find your spot where the fish practically jump into your creel. With the right equipment and a little practice serenity is just a cast way!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
* Images from Wikipedia
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