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<\/a><\/p>\nThe AFFTA single-handed rating table<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Fly-lines for two-handed fly-rods use a different rating scale and there are four categories which are based on head length.<\/p>\n The AFFTA two-handed rating table<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n There is also another rating scale for Skagit lines. These are lines that have a short, buoyant, body designed to make it easy to turn over an interchangeable heavier tip, which can be helpful for fishing in situations where there are \u00a0space restrictions. Skagit lines are designed for use with fast-sinking tips and heavy flies.<\/p>\n A selection of typical fly-line profiles<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Fly line Profiles<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nChoice of fly-line depends upon the size of fly, fishing depth, speed of current, casting space, water temperature, prevailing wind strength and casting distance but most casters are concerned with creating tight loops, which reduce wind resistance and give good turnover.
\nWhen the fly-line has been cast, then how it behaves in the water has to be considered. For example to avoid skating the fly along the water\u2019s surface it is common practice to attach an intermediate tip to the fly-line, or sometimes the fish can be way below the water\u2019s surface and so a sinking line is the best way of reaching them. There is a wide selection of speciality lines available for all conditions and styles of fishing. However, for versatility, multi-tip lines have been developed or there is a range of shooting heads which are loop to loop connected to a running line for a quick change over. Thus it is not necessary for the modern angler to carry lots of reels or spools.
\nThe most widely used type of fly-line is probably the weight forward floater, which gives the best combination of turnover and distance and it is relatively easy to roll cast. However, many modern fishers are using shooting heads because these give greater versatility and can be used more effectively in confined casting spaces, for instance where there is a high river bank, trees or undergrowth which will inhibit a back cast. These lines are relatively short, are available in a variety of densities from floating to fast sinking and everything in between, including density combinations such as an intermediate\/sink line. There is also a modern trend to use a heavy bodied line with relatively short poly-tips, thus widening the fishing options available to the angler, whilst being extremely compact and portable.
\nSome fishers prefer to use double taper fly-lines because they find them easier to roll cast and consider that they give a better presentation but this is a question of personal preference.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n