Fly fishing is a real professional discipline, as casting alone can be difficult. The flies, also known as streamers or nymphs, are usually too light to be able to cast them properly. The casting weight is achieved by the weight of the line itself. This is why it plays such an important role in fly fishing and, as a beginner, there is a lot you can do wrong. Therefore, always inform yourself extensively!
In order to avoid buying the wrong line, you need to consider in advance which target fish, where you are fishing and with which fishing rod you are fishing for. The first differences can be seen in the cross-sectional lengths of the fly rods. Compared to the classic fishing line, which is the same thickness at every point, these lines do not have the same diameter at all points. This only applies to the L-level lines.
Other shapes are so-called double tapers, which are tapered on both sides. This enables a smoother landing on the water surface when casting. So-called weight forward lines have a club-shaped structure, which is why they are thicker towards the front. These lines are particularly suitable if you are not yet a great expert in fly fishing, as they have better casting properties.
Here is a list of the most common shapes with their names:
As already mentioned, the fly rod used plays an important role for fly lines. It contains information on the line class that should be used with the rod. These classes follow an international standardization established by the AFTMA. Accordingly, numbers from 1 to 15 are indicated on the rods. The line class of the fly line must match this in order to produce good casting properties.
For example, if you have a light single-handed rod and use a fly line that is far too big, you will not be able to cast successfully. Only make exceptions if you are a beginner. If you don't have enough experience yet, simply use a fly line of a line class above the class indicated on the rod to make it easier to cast the line.
Depending on the body size and the area of use, this also determines which rods and fly lines you need to use. With small flies and in small areas you use class 1*4. Class 5*6 are all-rounder classes. Class 7*9 is used with larger flies and streamers when fishing for salmon. Classes 10 – 15 are used for really large or heavy flies for sea fishing for tuna, tarpon, etc.
Now that you have processed the concentrated load of information about fly lines, make a decision about which line you need. Find the right fly line in our store and become a master of this extremely difficult technique.