The correct fly line for my rod
Good evening all – I just finished building my first fly rod (5wt) this holiday weekend and purchased a reel off ebay. Now all I need to do is pick the correct fly-line. Any good, fairly decently priced fly line out there (internet) that you use or recommend? Now the real question is how often do I change the line? Is it necessary to use a backing? A leader? Thanks in advance and would appreciate any other relevant information about fly fishing line.
Thanks, Corey
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Tags: Cheap Fly, Fly, fly fishing line, Fly Line, Fly Rod
September 7th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Cory,
I recommend that you buy the best line that you can afford. The well known manufacturers of fly lines such as Cortland and Scientific Anglers will float better and last longer than a cheap line that most likely in the long run will frustrate you and you will wish you bought a better line. Cortland 333 is a good line and it’s not too expensive. There are cheaper lines but I’ve never used them and I have no idea how good they are. A weight forward line is easier to learn to cast with. Keep the line clean and it will last a long time. Dirty line doesn’t float like it should and won’t glide through your guides smoothly making your casts get shorter as stuff builds up on the line. You can get cleaner and a scrub pad anywhere that sells fly fishing supplies. You’ll also need backing and a leader. Backing is just a braided line that goes on the reel before the fly line to keep you from getting spooled since the fly line is only about 30 yards. What size and length leader depends on where you are fishing and what you are fishing for. You can make knotted leaders or buy tapered leaders. You’ll also need some tippet material. It’s just a small diameter line that goes on the end of the leader. If you have a fly shop near you they should have everything you need to get started. The shop here will put the backing and line on your reel if you but it there. They can also give you tips on what patterns work good in your area and some good places to fish. I use a 9′ 5 wt. rod to fish for trout on the Holston river in Tennessee a lot. Usually an 8′ 5X leader and 7X tippet is the set-up I use for fishing the small fly patterns that work there. Good luck with your new rod.
September 8th, 2010 at 6:40 am
Tippet hit right on the mark..
Cheap fly lines are a false saving. A good flyline, with a modicum of care, will last you many years. Best bet for a first line is a weight forward floating type. Backing is braided line that backs up the flyline. Usually it’s there just as a filler and a cushion. Under most fishing conditions you’ll never see it again once it’s spooled on. The fly line gets attached to the backing. Then a leader goes on the front of the fly-line, tapering the diameter down to the point where you can tie on a fly.
Just wanted to ad my 2-cents.