[NewFlyFisher]

Again - being quite new to this - more questions.

I would be interested in comments indicating what to consider when selecting line weight for my existing 7/8 weight rod and a new 4/5 weight rod taht I am considerring. With the dual designation, I am somewhat unclear what choice to make and what to consider in making it. In both cases I am planning to get a floating WF line and have seen many good suggestions on quality and vendors to consider. Just not sure on weight selection.

Thanks
Larry

[sandfly]

go with the heavier line weight..

[bonefish41]

Originally Posted by NewFlyFisher

Again - being quite new to this - more questions.

I would be interested in comments indicating what to consider when selecting line weight for my existing 7/8 weight rod and a new 4/5 weight rod taht I am considerring. With the dual designation, I am somewhat unclear what choice to make and what to consider in making it. In both cases I am planning to get a floating WF line and have seen many good suggestions on quality and vendors to consider. Just not sure on weight selection.

Thanks
Larry

L

can you try out before you buy if not would agree heavier if you are casting under 50 feet of fly line

[randyflycaster]

I you're using a double taper, however, I'd probably go with the lighter
weight.

Randy Kadish

[fyshstykr]

I agree with Bonefish, see if you can cast the 2 lines for each rod, most fly shops will have a few reels loaded with various wts and tapers.
The heavier the line, the better the rod will load, but you also need to look at the action of the rod, a faster action rod will handle the heavier line easier than a softer action rod generally.

I would also suggest trying different line tapers, I've found that newbies have an easier time casting a w/f line than a d/t, nothing against a d/t line as it has a time and place, but the w/f line seems a bit easier when teaching someone to cast.
J.

[BigCliff]

I agree with those above: start out with a WF line an the heavier of the two indicated line weights.

I consider the Cortland 333 lines the starting point for what I call "decent" fly lines. $30+ may seem pricey for "fishin strang", but having a quality line really is quite important. Other brands worth considering are Airflo, Scientific Anglers, Rio, and Orvis.

Best value line for a Beginner: Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Headstart Fly Line at L.L.Bean

[fyshstykr]

Not meaning to hi-jack the thread but I have seen a few people mention "Airflow" lines, I used them years ago but have not seen them in this area for a long time, thought maybe they went under or something, maybe I'm just in the wrong shop.
Are they still made in England?

[BigCliff]

Pretty sure they are still made in the UK. They're kinda hard to find, but I'm a fan. Still need to get one of their ridge lines to try out.

[NewFlyFisher]

Well - took some action on this this week. I finally purchased a 5 wt. rod (TFO signature series - 4 piece - 9'). As I see it as my go to dry fly rod, I did want to put good line on it. I chose the Rio Selective Trout - hopefully it will be a good choice.

As for my 7/8 wt. rod, although, I did not purchase anything yet, thanks to the input I will be getting an 8 weight, but will probably stay with something a little less price, Mainstream, or 333 or ???

Thanks for all the input.

[Nooksack Mac]

The rule of thumb to buy the heavier line for a rod with two designated sizes is because a novice fly fisher often has an uncertain feel for the way a rod and line feel when being cast. The heavier line makes itself felt more definitely. Later, after more experience, fly casters often prefer a lighter line as their sense of touch has developed.

If the rod/reel combo is chosen to emphasize delicacy over power, that may well tip the choice (for a dual line-weight rod) toward the lighter line; for a heavier power rod, the default choice should go toward the heavier line: a 9-weight line for an 8/9 rod.

Airflo lines (drop the w) have a respectable share of the U.S. market. They are quite competitive in the spey line arena.