Fly lines for every application
Cast better & catch more with the right fly line
CAST BETTER AND CATCH MORE WITH THE RIGHT FLY LINE
The fly line plays a fundamental role in fly fishing. Because it is not just the connection between you and the fly. Unlike other fishing methods, in fly fishing the line is crucial for being able to cast your fly at all. Because the necessary casting weight is not in the fly, but in the fly line.
With a fly line that is matched to your fly rod and preferred technique, you will cast much better and more relaxed. More casts and more precise presentations also mean that you can fish much more efficiently and ultimately catch more fish.
We would therefore like to give you a few tips here to help you find the right fly line.
WHAT IS AN AFTMA LINE CLASS?
The American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association (AFTMA) is a trade organisation that sets standards for fly lines and fly rods. One of the standards set by the AFTMA is a classification system for fly lines to help you choose the right line for your fly rod.
The AFTMA classification system for fly lines consists of a number that refers to the weight of the line. The weight of the line is an important factor when selecting a fly line. Only if the fly line and fly rod are well matched can you utilise the full potential of your fly rod and cast comfortably.
For example, if your fly rod is designed for line class #5, it will cast harmoniously and therefore optimally with a fly line of line class #5.
THE DIFFERENT PROFILES OF FLY LINES
Fly lines differ not only in terms of their line class, i.e. their weight. Fly lines can also have different tapers. There are basically three different tapers of fly lines:
Level Lines: The simplest line profile is a fly line with a constant diameter over its entire length. Formerly widespread, they are now only used for very specialised applications such as Euro Nymphing with ultra-thin fly lines or in Tenkara fishing.
Double tapered (DT): Double tapered fly lines have a continuous diameter that gets thinner at both ends of the line, i.e. it tapers. The thinner tip allows you to present the fly delicately, as the fly line rolls off more gently. This line profile is mainly used when fly fishing with a dry fly.
Another major advantage of DT lines is the ability that you can fish both sides of the line. If one side of the line is worn and roughened, you simply pull off the fly line completely and spool it again to the fly reel starting at the worn side. In this way, the working life of a DT line can be doubled.
Weight forward (WF): Fly lines where the casting weight of the line is concentrated towards the front part of the line are called weight forward or simply WF lines. This line profile allows long casts without great effort. Large, heavy or bushy flies can also be cast well with such fly lines.
The head of these fly lines consists of a thicker belly, which carries the weight of the line, as well as a front and rear taper with a decreasing diameter. The front tip and the entire rear section, the so-called running line of these fly lines, are kept thin. The thin tip ensures good unrolling properties, and the thin running line ensures low friction at the running guides and therefore long casts. WF lines are usually two-coloured so that you can easily distinguish the head section from the running line. This helps you to find the optimum point for loading your rod and let your line shoot for long casts.
WHAT ARE FLY LINES MADE OF?
Modern fly lines are made from a monofilament or braided core, which is coated with a polymer. This coating gives the fly line its different properties. A high-quality fly line is characterised by a smooth surface that glides well and easily through the running guides of the fly rod. Moreover a good coating enhances the life span of your fly line.
In the past, fly lines were made from silk. Almost forgotten in the meantime, these lines have recently become increasingly popular again, especially among connoisseurs and enthusiasts. Silk fly lines have very unique properties that make them very pleasant to fish with. However, the care requirements of a silk line are also considerably higher than those of a modern synthetic fly line. However, with the right handling, you can enjoy excellent fly fishing with a silk line for many years, so that the higher price is put into perspective. You can find a selection of excellent silk fly lines here.
SHOULD I USE A SINKING OR A FLOATING FLY LINE?
This depends primarily on the water depth at which you want to present your flies. We make a basic distinction:
Floating fly lines (F for floating): The coating of the fly line has a low specific weight so that the fly line floats on the surface of the water.
Intermediate fly lines (I for intermediate): Intermediate fly lines are those that sink very slowly and tend to hover in the water column.
Sinking fly lines (S for sinking): have a coating that is weighted with additives to ensure a certain sink rate. This is normally specified in IPS (inches per second) and a number. 3 IPS means that this line sinks on average around 3 inches per second, i.e. around 7.5 cm per second. This allows you to offer your flies at a precisely defined depth by simply counting the seconds after casting before you start retrieving.
With intermediate and sinking lines, you will also find models where the entire line sinks, or only the tip part (so-called sink tip), while the rear part of the line floats. This part of the line is usually also coloured differently.
THE RIGHT FLY LINE
In our online shop, we offer you a wide selection of different fly lines so that you can find the right fly line for all types of water and every fishing technique. Would you like to buy a new fly line, but are unsure which fly line suits you and your fly rod best? Then simply contact us. Together we will find the right fly line for you.