How to Choose Fishing Line Size

Rod manufacturers design each fly rod for a particular weight of fly fishing line. These lines generally run from sizes 1 through 13, with one being the lightest and 13 being the heaviest. A line that is properly matched to the rod will "load" the road by causing the rod to flex in the appropriate manner to accurately deliver the fly line. However, sometimes particular fishing situations call for a fly fishing line that deviates from the manufacturer's recommended line size. Whereas in fly fishing the weight of the fly line drags the weightless fly through the air on the cast, in other forms of fishing the weight of the lure drags the relatively small-diameter fishing line through the air on the cast. Consequently, the size and weight of the fishing line is generally of greater importance in fly fishing than is the size and weight of the fishing line in other fishing disciplines. However, the size and weight of the line does have some impact on other fishing styles.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly rod
  • Fly fishing lines
  • Fishing rod
  • Fishing lines
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Instructions

  1. Choosing Appropriate Fly Line Sizes

    • 1

      Determine the taper of fly fishing line you plan to use. The most common tapers are a weight forward taper and a double taper. A weight forward line is tapered in that the front portion of line is of a larger diameter than the rest of the line. This taper makes a weight forward line easier to cast. In contrast, in a double taper line the larger diameter of the line is located in the middle portion of the line. This taper allows a more delicate presentation.

    • 2

      Identify the weight of the fly fishing line suggested by the rod manufacturer. The suggested line weight is usually printed on the rod handle or on the rod blank just above the handle.

    • 3

      Practice casting the rod using the manufacturer's designated line weight and the line weights that are one number higher and one number lower than the designated line weight. If you prefer a line weight other than the designated line weight, feel free to use that line weight for general fishing purposes.

    • 4

      Think about the type of fishing you plan to do that day. If you will be dry fly fishing in clear water for fish that are easily spooked, then you may want to drop down one line weight to achieve a more delicate presentation.

    • 5

      Evaluate the amount of casting space you will have when fishing. If you are fishing in a confined space, you may want to go up one line weight because the heavier line will permit you to properly "load" the rod while using a smaller amount of line than the amount you would use under more normal fishing conditions.

    Choosing Appropriate Line Sizes in Other Fishing Disciplines

    • 6

      Choose the fishing line material that you will be using for a particular fishing endeavor. The most common fishing lines are monofilament lines and braided superlines. Monofilament lines have a lower strength-to-diameter ratio and have much more stretch than the braided superlines. However, the braided superlines generally increase wear and tear on your fishing gear.

    • 7

      Determine whether you will need to optimize casting distance. Generally, a smaller-diameter fishing line will permit longer casts than will a thicker and heavier fishing line because the weight of your terminal tackle can more easily pull the lighter line through the rod guides. If you need to make longer casts, use a smaller-diameter fishing line.

    • 8

      Ask yourself whether your anticipated approach to fishing on the day in question will require a stronger line. A stronger line is required when fishing in heavy cover or pursuing larger fish. If a stronger line is required use a larger-diameter fishing line.

    • 9

      Determine whether the fishing conditions dictate using a less-visible fishing line. In some situations, such as clear low-water fishing, a thicker fishing line can spook fish and prevent them from striking your terminal tackle. If the conditions are such that the fish are skittish, consider using a smaller-diameter line.