What flyline do you reccommend for very fast moving water, rapids and the foot of small waterfalls, a friend suggested double taper.
Hi there Neee etc.etc
It’s not my place to welcome you to this forum but, what the heck, WELCOME.
As to your question: The conditions you specified are not enough info to suggest a fly line type. The type of fly (dry, nymph etc.) also plays an important role. The double taper line is probably a good idea inasmuch as it is nicely tapered to perhaps help eliminate some of the current drag etc. The double taper only makes this type of line more economical to use since after much use, you can reverse the ends and you can effectively have a new line. I would also suggest fishing this situation if possible with as little upstream angle as possible.
“very fast moving water, rapids and the foot of small waterfalls”
From what you are asking I think you need to also consider the weight of the line.
This can depend on the size of the water as well as the fish you are after.
Very Fast moving water: This water type may not have feeding fish directly in the fast run but is more likely to have them along it’s foam lines , banks or structures, trees, rocks ect. Trout in these areas could be fished over with a 3wg to 6wg of a floating double taper type line. My choice if distance is not be a factor. If the area is quite wide and a longer cast is required you could use a wg forward taper, but I don’t perfer them myself. With this line choice you can make casts to 50feet or more nicely.
Rapids: Depending on the depth you can have some good fishing right in the rapids.
A 3wg to 5wg DT line should be just right.
Water falls: 3wg - 5wg DT possible ever a smaller line can work fine. You may want to condsider a weighted nymph or sinking tip. I like to get in under the falls what I call the fish bowl.
Just my own thoughts of course. But to directly answer your question a floating double taper line would be a very good choice.
Steve
[This message has been edited by Steve Molcsan (edited 12 February 2005).]
just to add more information:
(1)fish peacock bass 3 to 10 lbs although I have only been able to take the larger ones on spinning rods using large 4+ inchs shallow water plugs and heavy spoons.
(2)fly used large buck-tails with rubber legs
(3)rod weight 6 and 8 wts
(4) loacation of the fish- they actualy feed in the fast water, hiding in deep cuts in the rocks
(5)problem - 1. I have only been fly fishing a couple of months
2. when I try to get the line in a good locations the current pulls it away too fast.
3. The line is difficult to pick up off the water
nseereeram,
Let me attempt to help you a bit with some of your questions:
5. Stay tuned to FAOL , problem solved!
That was easy!
2.) current pulls it away: I would think there is a current lane that your should get your fly in.
Conflicting currents will pull your line
out of this specific lane. Not allowing
enough time for the fish to strike. It only takes a few seconds if you get your drift
in the fishes view.
Also try to re-position yourself for a better cast. You will need extra slack in your line/leader in this fast water.
Work on your presention skills.
This site can help with this but only time spent on the water will give you what you need.
I have never fished for this species so
another may have better sugestions but
this will give you a good point to start.
Two books I can recommend are Slack Line Strategies by John Judy and Drag free drift
by Joseph A. Kissane. Joseph’s book offers
very good advice on building your own leaders. Each will give you sound advice
to build your abilities.
As far as picking line off the water a good
casting lesson would be in order, there are
various methods that can be learned to make a water pickup easier, do a search here at FAOL I am sure it will help.
You can also practice yourself once you get the written information, but it may be a bit slower,But eh what’s the hurry.
Sounds to me like your well on your way.
Steve
[This message has been edited by Steve Molcsan (edited 14 February 2005).]