How to Buy Fly-Fishing Line

Choosing the proper fly-fishing line is integral to your fishing success. The fly has almost no weight, so it's the line that gives you the momentum to place your fly in the desired location.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fly-fishing Wading Jackets
• Backing/fly-fishing
• Fishing Fly Box
• Fishing Fly Kit
• Fly-fishing Flies
• Fly-fishing Leaders
• Fly-fishing Lines
• Fly-fishing Nets
• Fly-fishing Reels
• Fly-fishing Rods
• Fly-fishing Vests
• Waders

1. Understand that there are two basic shapes, or tapers, for fly lines: double taper and weight-forward. Double taper lines start with one diameter, increase in diameter for a section and then reduce back to the initial diameter. They are more delicate and easier to roll cast. Weight-forward tapers are what the name implies, with more weight at the lead end of the line. They are not as delicate as double taper lines and are harder to roll cast. But they carry more weight and can be better to cast through windy conditions.

2. Decide if you want a floating or sinking line. Floating lines are more versatile and are the only ones that will allow you to use a dry fly, which stays on top of the water. They also allow you to cast easily once the line is in the water since it stays on the surface. Sinking lines are for fishing deep water and are hard to cast once the line is in the water. You usually have to strip (retrieve) all the line before you can cast again.

3. Think about getting colored line. You want to be able to follow your line once it's cast. Don't worry about the color spooking the fish - the neutral-colored leader is your camouflage that connects the line to fly, and is what the fish can see.

4. Remember to get backing, the braided line tied to the fly reel that you attach your line to. It's what allows a large fish to run past the limit of the length of your fly line. There aren't a lot of variables for backing; you just need to attach your line to the reel with it.

5. Get something to clean your line with, which will lengthen the line's life. Dirt and the film off of the water coat the line and can make a mess when coiled up in your reel. Look into the specific line cleaners available.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

on 6/30/2006 Instead of buying multiple spools and line types as you expand your casting options, look at multi-tip fly lines. This option gives you a floating tip and several different density sinking tips. I have an 8 weight set that I use for bass and a 6 weight that I use for trout.

That said, I tend to use the floating tip the most--lets say 80% of the time, so do not be in a rush to diversify.