Any casting differences between WF and DT lines?

[silver creek]

Realizing that any labeling system must be easy enough to be understood by a beginning fly fisher, what system would you suggest to designate both the line(s) and the rod(s) which are designed to cast them?

[Hardyreels]

I have cast Weight Forward or Rocket Taper, and Double Taper lines as well as Level lines. I would tell a beginner to buy / use a DT line for the simple purpose of not confusing that person. After the person had become proficient at casting and familiar with the feel of DT line I would say that they could then buy / use different line designs and find what suits their style or rod best.

I cast about the same with any line, of course there are subtle differences but I often believe we do too much hair splitting. Heck, I remember when level or DT were all the sporting goods stores had. You had to look for or order a Rocket Taper line. For the readers under 40, Rocket taper was what WF lines were called in the late 60's - about 1983 or so. At least where I lived in North Central PA.

Ard

[wjc]

Realizing that any labeling system must be easy enough to be understood by a beginning fly fisher, what system would you suggest to designate both the line(s) and the rod(s) which are designed to cast them?

I think the entire head wt. on weight forward lines should be printed on the package. If the manufacturers want to stick a number on it in addition to the head weight then that number should reflect the entire head wt, not just the first 30 feet of it.

Rod manufacturers could then either specify the rods as they do now, by one or more line wt numbers, or a weight range.

Cheers,
Jim

[glcaddis]

Not many line makers do make DT8 and higher. The ones that do are usually catering to the Spey crowd who like the long belly line for certain kinds of fishing.

[oarfish]

Originally Posted by Hardyreels

Heck, I remember when level or DT were all the sporting goods stores had. You had to look for or order a Rocket Taper line. For the readers under 40, Rocket taper was what WF lines were called in the late 60's - about 1983 or so. At least where I lived in North Central PA.

What a way to make a guy feel a little senior Ard but you right, I still have a few of new boxed rocket tapers, well there not new any longer.

Rick

[dabluz]

I wonder how many potential fly fishermen were turned off because they had fly lines that did not match their particular rod. Add to that the fact that most fly fishermen do not have the budget to buy different lines in order to get the best match for their rod.

I once had a rod made of boron. That was at least 20 years ago. It was a rod sold by the company called "Indian Bay" .... a company known for selling very inexpensive fishing equipment. I used a rocket taper line on this rod. Anyway....short casts were next to impossible but when came time to make longer casts, the rod started to shine. It was a very stiff rod. If I knew then what I know now, I would have used a heavier line on this rod. However, I lost half of the rod in a bad thunderstorm. I was in my canoe and a guy offered to tow me with his boat and motor. The tip of the rod fell over board and he couldn't hear me telling him to stop. In any event, I doubt that rod part floated and it was getting dark. I didn't pay much for the rod but I sure would like to try that rod out again.

Who knows, maybe my Fenwick Eagle would feel better with a heavier line. I'm anxious to try it out with a Rio Gold fly line I recently bought.

[fredaevans]

Maybe I've missed this in the above but the 'difference' between WF and DT lines is pretty straight forward .. as is the calcualtion of the grain weights (assuming the manufacturer doesn't 'lie').

The 'Maths,' as the Brits would say, really is pretty simple and I'll try to keep it that way as I'm doing the numbers off the top of my head at 0315. (Yes, my work day starts at that time of the morning.)

Soooo, the line (first 30' feet) is 300 grains (lets skip what the forward/back taper does to the number, I have no clue). So that's 10 grains per foot. With a weight forward line all you've got is the '300.' With a Double Taper you keep getting more as you pull off more line. Each additional 12 inches is another 10 grains. 60 foot of line in the air that initial 300 is now 600.

You no longer have a 'x' rated line you have one close to double that number (again, I'm not going to look up the exact).

Which is the better line, for what combo of reasons? Your call.

[wjc]

Well, I have an update on the Rio head weight contradictions on their web site. Whether it was due to all my snivelling and whining on multiple websites for 2 years I can't say for sure.

I would guess the answer to be yes, because, instead of just fixing the mistake, they simply eilminated the entire page and with it, the only sink tip line that I really like.

Maybe some day I'll learn to keep my mouth shut - though likely that will only come after I become worm food.

[EastTexas]

Sometimes you don't choose the flyline it chooses you!

I tested identical 4 WT outfits at Orvis Day - one w/ DT the other WF; to my surprise I casted better & further w/ DT even on a windy day!!!

When it's time to replace my 5wt & 6wt lines they will be DT's

[Hardyreels]

I hear that East Texas,

All my fly lines are DT except the long belly Spey lines. I've always been satisfied with DT but have tried WF lines all the ways back when they were known as 'Rocket Tapers'.

Like anything else you can not have an educated preference or opinion unless you have conducted experiments contributing to that preference etc.