Flylines

The fly line is what drives the entire cast in fly fishing. It is the weight and construction of the line that loads the rod and moves the fly forward. Therefore, the choice of fly line affects both the casting feel, control and how the fly is presented in the water. A properly matched line makes the equipment feel balanced and the cast floats naturally.

Fly lines come in several different designs depending on how they are to be fished. The differences are mainly about sinking speed, taper and class. Regardless of whether the fishing is done in the sea, along the coast or in flowing water, it is the line that determines how deep the fly goes and how effective the presentation will be.

Different types of fly lines

The choice of density controls how deep the fly is fished and how quickly it reaches the right level in the water.

Floating lines

Floating lines lie on the surface and are often used for dry fly fishing and shallower fishing. They provide good control over the line and make it easier to cast in flowing water. Floating lines are common when the fly is to be fished near the surface or when the presentation should be soft and controlled.

Intermediate and hover

Intermediate lines sink slowly and are fished just below the surface. They are used when the fly is not to be on the surface but rather to be in shallow water. Hover lines break the surface tension and lie just below the water surface. They are common in coastal fishing where the fly should move evenly in the upper water layer.

Sink lines and sink tips

Sink lines are used when the fly is to be in deeper water. They come in different sink rates, from slow to fast sinking. Sink tip lines have a floating tail and a sinking tip. This gives better control over the line while also allowing the fly to be fished deeper.

WF or DT – the difference in taper

The taper affects how the line casts and how energy is transferred through the cast.

WF (Weight Forward)

WF is the most common type of fly line. It is forward-weighted and makes it easier to cast further and handle larger flies. Most modern fly lines are WF because they work in many different situations.

DT (Double Taper)

DT has an even taper on both ends. It gives a smoother presentation and is often used for more precise fishing at shorter distances. A DT line can also be reversed when one end is worn.

Adjust fly line by class

The class of the fly line should match the class of the rod. A class 6 line is used together with a class 6 rod for the equipment to work correctly. The wrong class affects how the rod is loaded and how the cast is experienced.

The choice of class depends on the type of fishing that is being conducted. Lighter classes are used for finer presentations and smaller flies, while higher classes handle larger flies and more load.

Adjust for water and depth

Depth, current and fishing style determine which fly line works best. In shallow water, float or intermediate is often enough. In deeper water or stronger currents, a faster sink rate is needed to reach the right level.

Inshore fishing, intermediate or hover are often used to keep the fly in the right layer. In the wild, sink tips can provide better control while the fly is being pulled down into the current.

Shooting lines and specialty lines

Shooting lines are mainly used with lumps or two-handed equipment. They reduce friction and make the cast go further. There are also specialty fly lines for specific types of fishing, where the taper and coating are tailored to the target.

To think about when choosing a fly line

• Always match the line class to the reel
• Choose density according to depth and fishing situation
• WF is suitable for most types of fly fishing
• Sink tip provides a combination of control and depth
• Adjust the sink rate according to how fast the fly will sink

Fly lines affect the entire fishing experience. With the right line, the equipment feels balanced, the cast is stable and the fly is presented at the right level in the water.