So, you finally pulled the trigger on a fancy new reel. You now must load it with a backing and fly line. Having so many options of line tapers can often be overwhelming for some anglers. After working in a shop for several years, I’ve noticed that fly lines are often a topic that gets overlooked. Fly lines are tools, certain tools excel with certain techniques over others. Lines can be discussed ad nauseam; this is a basic description to explain tapers and why they are not to be ignored.
Let’s first break a line into two sections, the head, and the running line. The head of the fly line is the weight-forward (thicker) section of the line. The running line is the small diameter section behind the head of the line, connected to your backing. The head of the line is where you get all your power while casting. The head of the line is typically 30’- 60’. A short head (30’-40’) fly line will excel in picking up and delivering a fly to a target quickly. The short head also loads the rod without many false casts making them great for trout streamers. However, the short head means a long running line which is difficult to mend and roll cast. On the other hand, long tapered heads (50’-60’) will be good for nymphing and dry fly fishing. These lines are perfect for roll casting and mending because the weight is distributed throughout more of the line.
Below are four totally different lines that show the tapers very well.
*Be aware of the lines that are heavier than marked. These are good for fast action rods but can feel heavy on moderate action or fiberglass rods.
This bass bug line is designed for fishing heavy, wind resistant dry flies to a target quickly. Notice that most of the weight of the line is in the first 30’ and begins to taper down at 40’. Streamer lines are also often one and half to two sizes heavier than marked.
This indicator line is made for roll casting and mending nymph rigs with split shot and floats. This is a long-headed line, notice that the weight of the line is distributed across the first 60’. The long rear taper makes mending a breeze. This line is also one and half size heavy to help turn over heavy leaders.
This is a general all-purpose line. Designed for doing a little bit of everything but not everything well. Most of the weight of this line is within the first 40’ and tapers to the running line at 50’. This line is a half-size heavy. This style of line is great if you know you’ll be doing a variety of tactics.
Long leader nymphing lines are level tapers because you are casting the weight of the dry flies, not the line. Nymph lines can have a mono or braid core. Mono cores are good in warm-moderate temperatures and have stretch but in cold temperatures they are stiff. Braid cores do not stretch and are good to use in cold weather.
All fly line companies have specific lines for certain styles of fishing. The boxes that lines come in are a great resource and explain the line very well. Again, lines are tools, make sure you are using the right tool for the job!