http://flyfishing.about.com/od/gettingstarted/a/flylines.htm Here's a little information of the types of fly line available as a general overview including level, tapered, floating and sinking lines.
Most fly lines are ninety feet long and come in different weights.The unit of measure used by fly line manufacturers is a grain, with7000 grains equals one pound. Fly line manufacturers are allowed asmall margin of error above and below their specified weight.
Fly Line Weights
Listed below are the fly fishing industry weight designations forthe most popular fly lines. There are specialty fly lines both smallerand larger than those listed.
- 1-weight - 60 grains
- 2-weight - 80 grains
- 3-weight - 100 grains
- 4-weight - 120 grains
- 5-weight - 140 grains
- 6-weight - 160 grains
- 7-weight - 185 grains
- 8-weight - 210 grains
- 9-weight - 240 grains
Fly rods are designed to cast a line of a specified weight. Example: A 5-weight rod is designed to cast a 5-weight line.
Heavier lines can be cast greater distances and are better choices if you fish in windy conditions.
Lighter lines are better for finesse fishing in calm waters.
Level & Tapered Lines
Fly lines are manufactured in two different styles: level lines andtapered. Level lines have the same diameter their entire length and areeasier to manufacture, hence, they are less expensive. Tapered lineshave a section near the front which is fatter than the rest of theline. The fatter section weighs more and provides additional castingweight. This beefier section of line is referred to as the belly. Thenarrow part of the line behind the belly is called the running line.
Floating & Sinking Fly Lines
If you are fishing on or near the water's surface, a floating flyline is a good choice. The line's PVC coating floats on the waterssurface. Most floating lines are brightly colored and easy to see.
In some situations it is advantageous to use a fly which sinks. Agood example is when there is a lot of chop on the water's surface. Asinking line falls though the chop and is much easier to keep a tightline, which improves your chances of feeling a strike.
Sinking lines are judged by their descent rate. Lines that fallslowly through the waster are generically known as intermediate lines;lines that sink at a faster clip are know as sinking lines. The sinkrate is typically displayed in inches per second on the fly line's box.
Thanks to Greg Berlocher for this information.
JimDale
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