tapered fly line and their intended uses

[soyavenger]

im guessing that each style of taper has a specific purpose, and im also guessing that it has to do with wind and desired cast distance. correct me if im wrong, but...

the gradual taper thats thickest in the middle would be for long casts on calm days?

lines that are weighted more on the leader end are best for windy conditions?

are there advantages to untapered lines?

ive seen in catalogs that theyre pretty specific, with diagrams as to where the taper begins, where the thickest section is, and where the taper ends. they seem pretty specialized for different conditions and even different species.

 

[Ard]

If you 'google' fly lines you will be able to find diagrams and explanations that are far more detailed than I would attempt to explain in text here.

The only line I own that is not a double taper is a spey line having multiple heads. For general fly fishing with every rod I own from 3wt to 9wt I use double taper lines. Of course this is my choice based on experience with various tapers, others will disagree perhaps but they (DT lines) are a good foundation for beginners and advanced anglers alike.

I choose to deal with cross wind conditions by adjusting my casting loop to a very tight (or narrow) loop between the running and outgoing line during a cast. Illustrations of the open and tight loop are also a click away on your computer. Line speed, timing, and power added to the cast will fare better in the wind than a wind cutter type line that is handled poorly.

Hope that gets the discussion started.

Good topic,

Ard

 

[Kerry Pitt]

Because I cast poorly no matter what I use, I will add this bit of useless trivia.
The double taper was developed because of silk lines. The lines took a bit of maintenance, to clean and dress. Then after a part day the one end would waterlog. The line could be removed and reversed so the fly fisher had another half day of casting. The double taper gave the fly fisher the same taper on both ends.
Personally I find that if you cast well, it doesn't matter what line you use. If you don't, it doesn't matter what line you use.

 

[MoscaPescador]

im guessing that each style of taper has a specific purpose, and im also guessing that it has to do with wind and desired cast distance. correct me if im wrong, but...

I believe that the correct word that you are looking for is "application." Wind and distance can be a factor. Also consider the sizes of the flies being cast along with the line.

the gradual taper thats thickest in the middle would be for long casts on calm days?

From this description, it sounds like you are referring to a double taper line. People like this type for a few reasons. First it roll casts nicely because the belly is consistently weighted. Second it is really good for line control (mending). Lastly if the front end wears down, the line can be flipped around. The back end is now the front end. I actually like this for lighter weight creeking rods in which distance isn't an issue.

lines that are weighted more on the leader end are best for windy conditions?

This sounds like a weight forward design. If you are shooting a lot of line, it is better in the wind. All the mass is concentrated in the head. It pulls the thinner running line.

are there advantages to untapered lines?

None that I know of. Some might chimb in on this.

ive seen in catalogs that theyre pretty specific, with diagrams as to where the taper begins, where the thickest section is, and where the taper ends. they seem pretty specialized for different conditions and even different species.

This is why I brought up the term "application." Some lines are designed to present a small fly very gently. These lines usually have long narrow front tapers. Other fly lines are designed to turn over indo-bobbers, weight, and multiple flies. These lines usually have heavy front sections. Some lines are designed to turn over big poppers. These lines have a heavy front section with plenty of mass behind the head.

Don't get carried away on trying to understand all the tapers. You will probably end up pulling all your hair out.

MP

 

[jackinok]

I'll chime in on this one.the untapered (level) lines have thier uses also,they have some very good advantages in certain aplications.first they will load a rod faster than any other,which makes fishing in close quarters far easier.They are easier (in my opinion) to mend also.since the whole line drifts in a current at a even rate. They float better,(maybe)since the tips are not a smaller size,(this of course would be an old line, most new lines float very well).I use a level line all the time bass fishing,in my opinion it makes casting large flies on a short line easiest of all.Lots of people here use a bass tapered line which is basically a wt forward line with a short taper which would load a rod in the same way basically. Were living in the age of specialty tapers ,so the old level lines get a bad,somewhat undeserved rap in my opinion.they have their place just like any other.