fly fishing tips · Fly Line · Gear · How To · Mar 22, 2023

When to Replace Your Fly Line & What to Replace it With

As fly fishing enthusiasts, we often focus on selecting the perfect fly and rod, but we sometimes overlook the importance of the fly line. The fly line is an essential component of your fly fishing setup, and it's important to know when it's time to replace it. Some signs that you may need new fly line include cracking, splitting, and excessive wear on the line. If the line isn’t floating as well as it did when it was new, that can also be a sign that it needs to be replaced. Here's what you need to know about fly line and when to replace it.

What is Fly Line?

Fly line is the weight-forward line that connects your fly to your rod. It's typically made of a durable plastic coating with a braided or monofilament core. The line is designed to help you cast your fly and control its movement in the water. Fly lines come in various types, including floating, sinking, and sink-tip, each tailored for different fishing conditions and techniques. The choice of fly line significantly affects casting performance, fly presentation, and overall fishing success.

When to Replace Your Fly Line

Visible Damage: The first sign that it's time to replace your fly line is visible damage. Look for cracks, nicks, or abrasions in the line. Even small cracks or nicks can weaken the line and make it more likely to break during casting or when fighting a fish.
Reduced Performance: Over time, fly line can lose its slickness and become more difficult to cast. If you notice that your line is not shooting through the guides as smoothly as it used to, or if you're having trouble casting as far as you used to, it may be time to replace your line.
Memory: Fly line can develop memory, which means it retains the shape of the spool it was wound on. This can cause your line to tangle or coil during casting, reducing your casting distance and accuracy.
Sinking Line: If you're using a sinking line, it's important to know that the line can become waterlogged over time, causing it to sink more slowly or not at all. If you notice that your sinking line is not sinking as quickly as it used to, it may be time to replace it.
Age: Even if your fly line appears to be in good condition, it's important to remember that all fly line has a lifespan. Over time, the plastic coating can break down, making the line more brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. If you can't remember the last time you replaced your fly line, it's probably time to do so.

When selecting a fly line for your setup, it’s important to choose a line that is specifically made for the type of fishing you plan to do (e.g., freshwater or saltwater, dry fly or nymphing). It’s also important to select a weight of line that is appropriate for your rod (the weight of the line should be the same as the weight listed on your rod). Finally, consider factors such as line taper, color, and density to find a line that works well for your style of fishing.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of fly lines and their advantages and disadvantages:

Weight Forward (WF)

Weight Forward fly line is ingeniously designed with a heavier front section, which is the key to its performance. This front-loaded design aids the angler in several ways, particularly when it comes to casting. The heavy front section stores more energy during the casting stroke, which can then be released to propel the fly further and with more power. This characteristic is especially beneficial in windy conditions, where extra weight and momentum are needed to cut through the air and reach the target.

Design and Taper: The taper of the WF line is what distinguishes it from other types of fly lines. It begins with a thick, heavy front section that gradually tapers down to a thinner running line. This transition from thick to thin is smooth, allowing for a seamless transfer of energy along the line during the cast. The thick front end stores the energy, and as the cast is made, this energy moves through the taper, accelerating the line and sending it towards the target with precision and power.

Advantages of Weight Forward (WF) Fly Line:
Ease of Casting: The WF line's design makes it easier for anglers to cast, especially for beginners who might struggle with the timing and rhythm of fly casting.
Long-Distance Casting: The heavy front section allows for longer casts, making this line ideal for fishing in large rivers or lakes where reaching distant fish is necessary.
Versatility with Big Flies: The WF line can efficiently handle larger flies, which often require more energy to cast. This makes it a preferred choice for targeting larger species or fishing in waters where bigger presentations are needed.
Disadvantages:
Accuracy at Short Distances: While the WF line excels in power and distance, its heavy front section can be less accurate at shorter distances.
Learning Curve: For those new to fly fishing, the powerful nature of the WF line may require some adjustment. Anglers must learn to control the energy and power of the line to maximize its benefits without compromising precision.

Double Taper (DT)

Double Taper fly line embodies the essence of precision and versatility. Characterized by its unique symmetrical design, this line features a tapered construction at both ends, making it a distinctive choice for anglers seeking finesse and control in their casting. Double Taper fly line is often celebrated as a good all-around choice for fly fishing enthusiasts. Its combination of versatility, ease of use, and ability to make delicate presentations makes it a valuable tool in an angler's arsenal.

Ease of Casting: Despite its sophisticated design, the DT line is surprisingly user-friendly, offering an ease of casting that appeals to both novice and experienced anglers alike. The consistent diameter and balance of the line facilitate smooth, effortless casts.

Advantages of Double Taper Fly Line:
Perfect for Gentle Fly Landings: It's designed to place flies on the water softly, which is crucial for not spooking fish.
Flexible for Various Ranges: This line can handle both short and medium casting distances effectively, offering versatility in different fishing scenarios.
User-Friendly Casting: Its design makes it straightforward to cast, which is great for anglers of all skill levels.
Disadvantages: Limited for Long Casts: It's not the best choice for casting over long distances, as its design prioritizes finesse over power.
Struggles in Windy Conditions: Due to its design focused on delicate presentations, it might not perform as well in windy situations compared to other lines.

Sink Tip

Sink Tip fly line is ingeniously crafted to enhance the fly fishing experience, especially in scenarios where the target fish are located in deeper waters or prefer to stay near the bottom. This line is distinguished by its unique design, featuring a sinking tip at the front end while the remainder of the line is buoyant and designed to float. This specialized configuration is the key to its effectiveness in various fishing environments.

Ideal for Deeper Waters: This line excels in environments where fish are not feeding at the surface, such as deep rivers, lakes, or sea fishing spots. It's specifically tailored for situations where the fish are holding at specific depths, often due to the temperature, light conditions, or chasing after particular types of prey. By allowing the fly to sink to these levels, the Sink Tip line bridges the gap between surface and bottom, opening up a realm of fishing opportunities that might be inaccessible with a standard floating line.

Advantages of Sink Tip Fly Line:Effective for Deep Water: The sinking tip helps get your fly down to deeper water levels, making it perfect for reaching fish that are lower in the water column.
Targets Bottom-Dwelling Fish: It's specifically designed for fishing areas where fish are known to stay near the bottom, enhancing your chances of a catch.
Disadvantages: Limited Use in Shallow Waters: Because the tip sinks, it's not the best option for fishing in shallow areas, as it might get caught on the bottom.
Not Suitable for Surface Flies: This line isn't ideal for fishing with floating flies or engaging in dry fly fishing, as the sinking tip contradicts the purpose of surface presentations.

Full Sink

Full Sink fly line is a game-changer for serious fly fishermen aiming to catch fish deep underwater. Unlike other lines that only sink partially, the Full Sink line is made to go completely underwater, allowing for a smooth drop straight down into the water. This feature is crucial for deep water fishing, as it lets anglers reach spots where fish hide at the bottom, places that couldn't be fished effectively with other types of lines.

Mastering the Depths: Equipped with a Full Sink fly line, anglers can venture beyond the surface and target fish dwelling in the depths of still waters or rivers with a slow current. This line is particularly effective in lakes, deep pools, and slow-moving rivers where fish may congregate in cooler, deeper water far from the reach of conventional floating lines. By presenting flies at these deeper levels, anglers can mimic the natural descent of prey, appealing directly to the predatory instincts of fish.

Advantages of Full Sink Fly Line:Reaches Deep Water: The Full Sink fly line is designed to sink uniformly, making it perfect for targeting fish in deep water. This allows anglers to explore and fish in deeper zones where certain fish species prefer to stay.
Uniform Presentation: Since the entire line sinks, it ensures a more consistent and controlled presentation of the fly at deeper levels. This can be particularly effective in still waters or slow-moving currents, where precision is key.
Disadvantages: Limited to Deep Water Use: Its design for deep water makes it less versatile for fishing in shallow areas. Anglers might need to switch lines if they move to fishing spots with varying water depths.
Not Suitable for Surface Flies: This line isn't ideal for fishing with floating flies or engaging in dry fly fishing, as the sinking tip contradicts the purpose of surface presentations.

Super Sink

Super Sink fly line represents a pinnacle of innovation for the dedicated angler, offering unparalleled capabilities for reaching the depths where elusive fish dwell. Designed with the specific intention of descending rapidly through the water column, this line is a boon for those targeting the depths of fast-moving rivers or the mysterious abyss of deep pools. As a specialty line, it caters to the needs of advanced anglers who seek to conquer challenging fishing environments and pursue species that lesser lines could never hope to reach.

Designed for the Demands of Fast Water and Deep Pools: Fishing in fast-moving waters and deep pools presents a unique set of challenges, including the need to quickly adjust depths and combat the powerful currents that can carry lighter lines away. The Super Sink fly line is crafted to overcome these obstacles, providing the weight and momentum necessary to penetrate the water's surface tension and deliver flies to where the fish are feeding or holding. This capability is invaluable for targeting species that prefer the cooler, darker waters found at significant depths.

Advantages of Super Sink Fly Line:Fast Sinking Capability: This line is engineered to sink quickly, making it perfect for fishing in areas with fast-moving water. It gets the fly down to the desired depth more efficiently than other types of lines.
Ideal for Deep Pool Fishing: The Super Sink line excels in deep water environments, such as large pools in rivers, where getting your fly deep enough to reach fish is crucial.
Disadvantages:Limited Use in Shallow Waters: Due to its quick-sinking nature, it's not the best option for fishing in shallow areas where a more delicate approach is needed.
Not Suitable for Surface Fly Techniques: If your fishing strategy involves using floating flies or dry flies, this line may not be the best fit as it's designed to sink, not float.

Regarding the welded loop, it’s simply a loop of the fly line’s material that’s welded to the end of the line. This makes it easier to attach leaders or tippets to the line.

The advantage of a welded loop is that it’s easier to change leaders and tippets without knotting, which can weaken the line. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the fly line by reducing wear and tear on the line, which can lead to breakage. The disadvantage is that a welded loop adds a small amount of weight to the end of the line, which can affect the line’s buoyancy and casting performance. However, this is typically not a significant issue for most anglers, and the convenience of the welded loop outweighs any minor disadvantages.

By keeping an eye on your fly line and replacing it when necessary, you'll be able to cast more smoothly, control your fly more effectively, and increase your chances of hooking your next catch.