Fly Lines by Pat Fowler and Keith Breuker "Matching the weight of the line and the rating of the rod creates a balanced outfit that will readily make a normal-length cast." Line choices have dramatically increased in recent years. There are lines designed for particular species and situations, including a variety of floating and sinking line combinations with a wide range of sink rates. While your local fly shop can give you good advice on lines -- especially if it has guides who are willing to share their expertise -- this month's feature will cover most of your fishing situations. Line Ratings Line ratings range from 1 to 15, with 1 being the lightest. Line numbers are assigned according to the weight of the first 30 feet of line, which is the length of an average cast. Thirty feet of a 6-weight line will properly load a 6-weight rod during the cast. Matching the weight of the line and the rating of the rod creates a balanced outfit that will readily make a normal-length cast. Basic Line Types 1. Double Taper Thin at both ends of the line, thicker toward the middle. Versatile, roll casts effectively, mends well. Can deliver a delicate presentation. Can be reversed after one end wears, giving two lines for the price of one. Thick middle inhibits distance casting. 2. Weight-Forward Taper The most popular-selling line. Thin at one end, tapers to a thick section, then tapers back down to a thin running line, which forms the longest section. Shoots well for longer casts. Takes less room on the reel than the same-weight double taper. Does not mend as well. Can only be fished with one end. 3. Triangle Taper Developed by Lee Wulff. Extremely long taper. Roll casts superbly. Can provide a very delicate presentation. Shoots well. Only one end can be used for fishing. 4. Level Taper No taper. Tends to kick downward at the end of the cast. Should not be considered worth the lower price. 5. Shooting Head Thirty to 38 feet of tapered line. Usually with a loop connection to attach separate running line. Used for long-distance casting and versatility. 6. Shooting Line Small-diameter, lightweight running line, used with shooting heads for distance casting. 7. Backing Braided, supple, small-diameter line, used to extend line length and cushion line on the reel. Allows large fish to swim beyond the length of the fly line. Choosing a Line Most line manufacturers print brochures touting their current line's best uses. If you are not sure which taper you need, use the line manufacturers' literature to aid your selection. You might also ask your retailer to let you cast different lines, thereby choosing the one that you like best. Your first line should be either a floating double-taper or weight-forward line. Whatever line you choose, keep in mind that different line types fit different situations, and don't be afraid to change lines. Line Care Fly lines are degraded by heat and preserved by cold. So avoid storing lines in a parked car on a sunny day. In the off-season, you can store them on the reel in a cool, dry place. Although it is possible to wear out a line in a year--if you're fortunate to fish that much--a well-preserved and well-maintained line can last three to six years with normal use. Insect repellent, gasoline, and most solvents will ruin a line in short order. In such cases the portion of the line that is handled is cracked and worn while the rest of the line is still in good condition. This is a sure sign that you're not being careful to remove insect repellent or other solvents from your hands before fishing. To protect your line, always apply insect repellent with the backs of your hands or use a stick-type repellent. Cleaning If your floating line begins to sink after some use, dirt and scum are probably the culprits. Clean line floats better and slides through the guides more smoothly for better shooting and playing of large fish. For optimum performance, clean your line regularly. We recommend once every two or three outings--sooner if needed. Most cleaning can be accomplished on the stream in a matter of seconds with a handy rag containing a small amount of mild hand soap. Simply run the used portion of the line through the rag. Commercial cleaning pads are also available for this purpose. Since some lines are coated with lubricating agents, and others are infused with lubricants designed to slowly leach to the surface during normal use, we suggest that you consult your manufacturer's recommendations for the best cleaning and maintenance techniques. Line Troubleshooting Floating Line Sinks Clean line per manufacturer instructions Replace line Line Surface Cracks Clean hands carefully before handling line Avoid getting insect repellent on hands Store line in a cool place Replace line Try a different brand of line Knots Do Not Hold Check knot procedure Replace line that may have degraded Difficult to Cast Check if line weight matches rod Weighted flies are more difficult to cast Lightweight lines will be difficult in wind Get professional casting instruction Line Memory (Getting Out Kinks) Stretch line to straighten it Try other brands This material in Fly Fisher's Notebook originated in a book called The Complete Pocket Guide to Fly Fishing, which was published through Countrysport Press. If you are interested in having the entire book in the convenient pocket-size form that you can carry in your vest, contact Countrysport Press for a copy. Copyright © 1996 by Pat Fowler and Keith Breuker. Illustrations Copyright © 1996 by Jenny Leggett.