Unlike other fishing methods, lines play an important role in fly fishing. When you fly fish, you should be careful to choose a proper fly line that fits best your fishing method. Any fly fisher should know the different profiles and densities of a fly line before buying it.

Weight /AFTMA

Fly Lines are numbered from 1 to 12 by the weight of the line. These numbers are called AFTMA. AFTMA is a standard code for the fishing tackle according to the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association. AFTMA is a standard used for rods, and reels besides fly lines. In order to get a better result, you should match the AFTMA of line with the rod and reel. Actually, AFTMA helps you better identify the fly line weight. Fly lines are weighted in the first 30ft. The following table will show you the weight and standard AFTMA of the fly lines.

• Note: All weights are in Grains. (1 Grain = 64.8 mg or 1 Grain = 0.35 oz)

Fly Line Profile

Fly Lines have different profiles in accordance to the line tip shape and are categorized in different tapers shapes each for a delicate fishing method and purpose. The following Diagram shows the shape of the fly fishing lines. So, let’s get inside these profiles.

 Level

These lines are level from tip to the end with no taper or belly. Although these are not suitable for long casting, but have the best presentation.

Double Taper

Easy to mend with two symmetric tapers at both ends, Double Tapers have also good presentation for dry flies especially suitable in small rivers. The symmetric tapers let you reverse if one end is damaged.

Weight Forward

As all the weight is at the forward end of the fly line, it lets you have a longer casts in fly fishing. These fly lines are the most common lines used by many anglers as designed for medium to long range.

Wind Taper

These lines are weight forward lines that have compound taper in order to cut the wind. These are great help in windy days.

Shooting Taper

About 30-40ft fly line with factory spliced loop. This is for attaching monofilament or current fly line.

Fly Line Density

Density of a fly line identifies whether the line floats or sinks. There are five types of fly line densities available; floating, sinking tip, sinking, intermediate, and finally fast sinking lines.

Floating

Floating fly lines just do what the name refers. These lines are used for dry fly fishing but are the most versatile fly lines. These lines can be used with other sub-surface fishing methods such as using nymphs, streamers, and wet flies as well. For beginners it is highly recommended to begin with these fly lines as floating lines are easy to cast.

Sinking Tip

The first 10-30ft sinks while the other parts of these lines keep floating. It is proper line for using streamer and nymph fishing because the sinking tip helps you make the fly down in the surface and the floating part helps you in pick ups.

Slow (Intermediate) Sinking

Intermediate fly lines have even speed in sinking and the entire line sinks. These lines are ideal for fishing at the time when you want the line sink just a little into the surface. For instance these are good for avoiding your fly to go into vegetation at the bottom but sink.

Sinking

These lines sink with a relatively speed. These lines sink rate ranges between 2 to 10 inches/second. You should decide what sinking rate meets your need. In fast moving water you need more sinking rate so that your line goes down sooner.

Fast Sinking

Obviously, you can get it from the name. These lines go down really fast and sink as if they are stone. These are only used in either saltwater fly fishing or in deep lakes.

Fly Line Codes

Finally about the color, this is not the fly line that you should be careful of color. Fly lines are usually fluoresant so that they can be visible in the dark evening fly fishing. Leader or better to say your tippet plays the camouflage role for you.