Fly Lines

[Canoeman1947]

My preference would be the mid to top of the line Scientific Angler lines, but unless I can catch them on clearance sale I pass them up because of the high price. In the last year or so I have started using Barrio lines from Scotland, particularly the Small Stream series. Mike Barrio does an excellent job of designing line tapers, has them built to his specs by one of the largest line manufacturers in the UK. Ships worldwide direct from Barrio Lines with no shipping charges. Small Stream line usually runs around $35, and I have been very happy with these lines. I have no financial interest in this company, just a very satisfied customer.

Larry

[Rever]

How often do you change fly lines? I use three different rods/line weights (double taper). Haven't changed lines on two of them for 30 years. They cast and float!

[Clay]

How often do you change fly lines? I use three different rods/line weights (double taper). Haven't changed lines on two of them for 30 years. They cast and float!

New lines will cast better and float higher. It's not a specific time range for me but it's more about how much I use that outfit. Bluntly have 14 rod and reel outfits. I DON'T change them all over X years. I do have a particular 7 weight that keeps me company on the water more often than not, and that outfit doesn't go three years without changing the line. It just gets cut up and abraded.

I think a new line would make you think that your casting skill has had a dramatic increase since last season. Give it a try and put a smile on your face.

[Rever]

Thank you for your observations and experience. Smiling is good and my casting "skills" could certainly improve!

[Lotech]

I have a Cortland 444 Peach, in a WF5F on one of my reels that's still going strong after more than 10 years. I love that line.

[BigA]

For fly fishing with rods five weight and lower, I am not that particular. I tend to buy whatever I can find on sales for the lower weight rods. Some of those rods cast better with standard weight rods, and some cast better with the "half weight" heavy lines.

My experience has been that the higher end Scientific Angler fly lines last longer than RIO or Cortland lines, especially if I use the lines for warm water fishing. Fishing in ponds or rivers with silt and sand dirties up the fly lines and Scientific Anglers fly lines are easier to keep clean and slick, so they fish well longer than other lines. That being said, I usually buy fly lines when I can get them on sale.

For heavier line weights where I am fishing with heavy, bulky flies, the fly line taper and design can make a big difference.

[Rever]

Do any of you feel in transferring from a double taper line to weight forward that you need to speed up your casting tempo?

I replaced my 40 year old Cortland DT with Scientific Angler Frequency WF. It seemed that I had more issues with my line snagging on my back cast. . .