I just picked up a Headwaters 7’ 9"- 2 piece- 5 weight bamboo rod. For all my fly fishing life I’ve been a dyed in the wool weight forward fly line kind of person. Now I’m wondering if maybe a double tapered line would be better for bamboo. I’m not so much concerned with distance anymore, but more concerned with performance. What would be the advantage of either? A WF or DT? My casting distance has been limited to 60 feet.
One of the basic advantages of DT lines is that you can get twice the life out of them by just turning them around when one end wears out. The other is that they tend to roll cast better (easier?) that other lines. What advantage they may have with bamboo I don’t know. Not familiar with bamboo at all.
I make and fish bamboo rods both single handed and two handed. I have never been picky over fly lines for bamboo. I do use WWF lines because the DT is not that easy to find. I do tend to prefer those lines made by Scientific Anglers over any of the others.
Jerry
The nature of bamboo is such that a number of weight lines within reason may be used. Depending upon the feel and skill of the caster, you may find a line one weight either higher or lower than the designed line weight may suit your casting better. I have several boo rods and I find that a different size line and shape (WF/DT) than the designed line weight makes a difference in my casting. I have a designed 4 weight boo rod that I find I can better handle with a 5 DT line. Suggest that you try several lines and determine what is best for you.
I have one and use a WF6 line, seems to load much better to match my stroke.
Smooth sweet grass goodness…
Its a excellent rod. IMHO
Stay safe
I have one I use a WF6 on it, seems to load much better to match my stroke.
Smooth sweet grass goodness…
Its an excellent rod.
Stay safe
Joe, I use a WF on most of my bamboo rods, the exception is the 2wt. With your casting style I would recommend staying with the weight forward lines.
Once the snow melts I would be happy to stop by with a bag of reels with different lines for you to try. Maybe we can get Jeff to try a grass rod!
That would be cool. 
Yes. Yes it would!
Hi Jerry,
So good to see you post! Will you be at any of the fly fishing shows this year? I would love to see you again.
Mike
I have 406 lines on my bamboo rods, DT’s on the 3 & 4, WF on the 5.
Check your PM
5wt DT Phoenix silk line in green:
https://www.bearsden.com/page1024.html
Dress it with a floatant called Otter Butter (or you can use the tin of Red Mucilin that comes with the line):
https://moonlitflyfishing.com/products/otter-butter?_pos=1&_sid=4d2223483&_ss=r
If for some reason after many hours of fishing the tip starts to sink, which has never happened to me with Otter Butter, unspool your line on the stream bank, flip the line around and fish the other end. Also, consider ordering a Zen silk furled leader to use with your silk fly line for the ultimate setup:
https://www.zenoutfitters.com/store/p_448450/silk-furled-trout-leader