The Basics of Choosing the Correct Floating Fly Line

The Basics of Choosing the Correct Floating Fly Line

With the plethora of fly lines available on the market, choosing the right one can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you find the best line for your needs.

Understanding Your Rod’s Action: The first step is to understand the action of your rod—is it fast, medium-fast, or slow? Floating fly lines are measured in grain weight, based on the weight of the first 30 feet of the line. While there is an industry standard for these weights, lines can be heavier or lighter than this standard, making it crucial to know the standard weight to decide what line suits your rod and fishing situation best.

Standard Weight Lines Table:

Modern Fly Rods and Line Weight: Today's fly rods often have faster actions compared to when these standards were established. Consequently, many manufacturers produce lines that are ½ size or even a full size heavier than the standard. For example, a 5wt line might weigh 150 grains or 160 grains instead of the standard 140 grains.

Line Taper: Manufacturers also alter the taper of the line to affect casting performance. A shorter head allows for quicker rod loading, making it ideal for short casts or throwing larger flies. Conversely, a longer head is often labeled as a distance line because it enables carrying more line in the air and requires more line out the tip to load the rod properly.

Choosing the Right Line: Consider the type of fishing you'll be doing most often, the size of the river or stream, or whether you’ll be fishing in a pond or lake. Also, consider the size of the flies you'll be using. If you have a 5wt rod and fish medium to large trout rivers and the occasional farm pond, a line that is ½ size heavier is a safe bet.

For more detailed guidance, check out our YouTube page where we delve further into this topic.