The Basics

On the package of every fly line is a code. This code describes the 3 most basic elements of a line and tell you much, but not all, of what you need to choose a line. This page describes the three basic elements as well as more advanced .

Basic Elements

Line Profile: This is a description of the profile or side view of the line that gives the angler an indication of how the weight is distributed along the lines length and how it is tapered.

Line weight: This is an indication of how much the line weighs and what weight class it would fall into under the AFTMA Line Weight Standard.

Floatability: This tells the angler how if the line floats or not. If it is a sinking line this describes how much of the line sinks and the speed at which it sinks.

 

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Reading the Label

 

Line Profile:

L = Level

DT = Double Taper

WF = Weight Forward

ST (SH) = Single Taper (Shooting Taper or Shooting Head)

 

Weight:

1 through 15

One rod company manufactures rods labeled as 0, 00 and 000, this "ought series" of rods are individual to this one rod company and are aimed at anglers who insist on catching fish on ultra-light weight gear. The lines are so light they are difficult to cast accurately in breezy conditions.

 

Floatability:

F = Floating

I= Intermediate Sink

S = Sinking ST = Sink Tip

 

Below are 4 sample fly line box labels and how they would be interpreted.

DT-5-F = Double Taper - 5 Weight – Floating

WF-7-ST = Weight Forward - 7 Weight – Sinking Tip

ST-9-S = Single Taper (Shooting Head) - 9 Weight – Sinking

WF-8-I = Weight Forward - 8 Weight - Intermediate

 

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Advanced Elements

Taper Functionality: This describes how the different parts of the fly line work to insure the line will cast properly.

Taper Design: This section discusses the compound taper elements available to a line designer and how each affects the cast.

Sink Rates: This discusses sinking line sink rates and how to interpret them.