Decoding Your Fly Line Box

So, you're scrolling through the various lines available on our site or you've wandered into the fly shop, eyes glazing over at the wall of neatly stacked boxes, each promising to be the magic bullet for your casting woes, or the perfect line for your next destination. The truth is, understanding what's inside those boxes can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics. But fear not—let's break down the technical jargon into something that makes sense, so you can walk out with the right line and maybe even a grin.

First things first: the cryptic code on the box. It usually looks something like this: WF5F. Here's the Rosetta Stone:

• WF: Weight Forward. This taper design has most of the weight toward the front, aiding in longer casts.
• 5: Line weight. Matches the rod weight; in this case, a 5-weight rod.
• F: Floating line. Stays on the water's surface.

Some other common and (not-so-common) symbols

• ST (Shooting Taper) – A short, heavy head designed to be paired with a running line for long-distance casting. Often used in streamer fishing or Spey casting.
• F/S (Floating/Sinking) – A combination line with a floating body and a sinking tip, useful for getting streamers or nymphs down while keeping most of the line on the surface for easier control.
• INT (Intermediate) – A slow-sinking line, typically sinking at 1-2 inches per second, ideal for fishing just below the surface.
• T (Tungsten-Tipped) – A sinking line with a tungsten-coated tip, allowing for a fast, controlled descent in deep water.
• Hover – A very slow-sinking line that stays just below the surface, often used in stillwater fishing when fish are feeding just under the top film.

Fly lines are categorized by weight, typically ranging from 1 to 15, with 1 being the lightest. This number should correspond to your rod's weight rating (as a base to work from). The weight is measured in grains over the first 30 feet of the line. While this is far from an exact science and something of personal preference, matching the line weight to your rod ensures optimal performance. 

Using a line that's too heavy or too light can affect casting accuracy and distance.

The taper of a fly line influences how energy is transferred during the cast, affecting distance, presentation, and overall control. Choosing the right taper can make casting easier, improve accuracy, and help you present flies more naturally. Here’s a closer look at the most common fly line tapers and their specific uses:

Weight Forward (WF) 

• What It Is: Most of the line’s weight is concentrated in the front third, making it easier to cast longer distances with less effort.
• Best For: General-purpose fishing, longer casts, and windy conditions. Ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
• Pros:
  • Shoots line efficiently with minimal false casting.
  • Handles larger flies and heavier nymph rigs well.
  • Easier to control in adverse weather conditions.
• Cons:
  • Not as delicate as other tapers.
  • Doesn’t mend as well as a double taper.
• Example: RIO Elite Rio Gold Fly Line – a weight-forward line with a long head for ultimate line control.

Double Taper (DT) 

• What It Is: A symmetrical taper where both ends are identical, allowing for delicate presentations and easy roll casting.
• Best For: Dry fly fishing, roll casting, and short-to-medium distances where finesse matters.
• Pros:
  • Excellent for mending and subtle fly presentations.
  • More economical—once one end wears out, flip it and use the other side.
  • Great for fishing small streams and technical waters.
• Cons:
  • Doesn’t shoot line as efficiently as a WF taper.
  • Not ideal for long-distance casting or heavy flies.

Level (L) 

• What It Is: A fly line with a consistent diameter and no taper at all. These are basically extinct, but:
• Best For: Niche applications like Euro nymphing and some saltwater uses.
• Pros:
  • Simple and inexpensive.
  • Great for direct contact when tight-line nymphing.
• Cons:
  • Lacks the finesse of tapered lines.
  • Poor turnover for casting.

Shooting Taper (ST) 

• What It Is: A short, heavy front section (head) paired with a thin running line, designed for long casts with minimal effort. Often used in two-piece setups where the shooting head can be swapped out.
• Best For: Streamer fishing, Spey casting, and saltwater applications where distance is key.
• Pros:
  • Allows for extreme distance with minimal false casting.
  • Great for big water and heavy flies.
• Cons:
  • Lacks precision and delicate presentation.
  • Can be difficult for beginners to control.
• Example: Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Fly Line – a powerful taper with extended head control.

Triangle Taper 

• What It Is: A continuous taper that places most of the weight toward the back, allowing for effortless roll casting and delicate presentations.
• Best For: Roll casting, switch rods, and delicate dry fly presentations.
• Pros:
  • Excels in small streams and close-quarters fishing.
  • Very smooth energy transfer for delicate presentations.
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for power casting or windy conditions.

Specialty Tapers

In addition to the standard tapers, many fly lines feature specialized variations tailored to different fishing styles. For example:

• Short-Head Weight Forward Lines (e.g., bass bug tapers) concentrate weight in a short front section for turning over big flies.
• Long-Head Weight Forward Lines offer better control and mending at distance.
• Euro Nymphing Tapers are ultra-thin and level for direct sensitivity when fishing light nymph rigs.

Choosing the right taper depends on your fishing conditions and style. Whether you're delicately laying down dry flies or bombing streamers across a windy river, there’s a taper designed to make your life easier.

Understanding the density of fly lines is crucial for effectively presenting your fly at the desired depth. Fly lines are categorized based on their buoyancy and sink rates, which are typically measured in inches per second (ips). Here's a breakdown:

Floating Lines (F)

These lines remain on the water's surface, ideal for dry flies and situations where you want your line visible.

Intermediate Lines (I)

Intermediate lines sink slowly, usually at a rate of 1.5 to 2 inches per second, making them suitable for fishing just below the surface. 

Sinking Lines (S)

Sinking lines are designed to submerge at specific rates: 

• Type I : 1.5–2.5 ips 
• Type II : 1.75–2.75 ips 
• Type III : 2.5–3.5 ips
• Type IV : 4.0–5.0 ips 
• Type V : 4.5–6.0 ips 
• Type VI : 6.0–7.0 ips f
• Type VII : 7.0–8.0 ips

Higher numbers indicate faster sink rates, allowing anglers to target deeper water columns.

Sink-Tip Lines with Running Lines

Sink-tip lines feature a sinking front section (tip) combined with a floating or intermediate running line. This design allows the fly to sink while enabling easier line management and mending. The sinking tips vary in length and sink rates. Check out the lines below to learn more:

Expanding your fly line arsenal can significantly enhance your angling experience across various fishing scenarios. Here are six fly lines available from J. Stockard, each catering to different applications:

1. RIO Elite Rio Gold Fly Line: Designed with a taper that provides incredible loop stability at distance and a front taper that delivers perfect presentation of flies between sizes #2 and #22. Its long head and back taper make it an excellent all-around fly line on rivers and lakes when long casts and complete line control are required. 

2. Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Fly Line: This line has the power to cast streamers yet retains delicacy for dry flies. It mends well and delivers flies at all distances. A Floating Texture on the tip section helps better flotation in the tip; it simply keeps dry flies floating longer. 

3. RIO MainStream Trout Floating Fly Line: Designed for the budget-conscious angler, this line offers a versatile weight-forward taper suitable for various trout fishing applications. Its supple core ensures smooth casting and reliable performance.

4. Scientific Anglers Frequency Trout Fly Line: This line features a versatile taper ideal for delicate presentations. Its mid-length head enhances control, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers targeting trout. 

5. RIO Elite Salmon/Steelhead Fly Line: Designed specifically for salmon and steelhead anglers, this line boasts a long head and rear taper for excellent mending and line control. Its low-stretch core enhances sensitivity and hook-setting performance. 

6. Scientific Anglers AirCel Floating Fly Line: This line is the original modern floating fly line, now with a front loop and a raised bump in the handling section to indicate the ideal place to begin the cast. With dependable flotation and durability, this line features a mid-length head for general fishing situations. 

Each of these lines offers unique features tailored to specific fishing scenarios, ensuring you can find the right match for your angling needs.

Deciphering a fly line box doesn't require a degree in cryptography. By understanding the key elements—taper, weight, and density—you can select a line that complements your rod and enhances your fishing experience. So next time you're faced with that wall of options, you'll know exactly what to look for. Happy casting!