How to Choose the Right Fly Line

Different environments and applications require different presentations and line characteristics. Choosing the correct fly line for your fishing conditions ensures accurate casting, natural fly movement, and effective hook-sets.

• Small streams: Light, supple floating lines with long front tapers for short, precise casts and delicate turnover; ideal for dry flies and small nymphs.
• Lakes and stillwaters: Keep floating, intermediate, and Type 3–Type 6 sinking lines. Float for dries/indicators, intermediate for slow retrieves, sinking to reach deeper fish.
• River fishing: Floating lines with moderate front tapers for line control, mending, roll casts, and accuracy in changing currents.
• Warm-water saltwater: Tropical-core floating or intermediate lines with stiff, heat-resistant coatings for turnover and stability in wind.
• Cold-water saltwater: Softer-coating lines that stay flexible, minimise coil memory, and maintain shootability in temperate estuaries or surf.

A fly line’s taper, core, and coating dictate casting feel and turnover. Understanding these helps you pick the right model for your style and water.

• Weight-forward (WF): Heavier front section loads the rod quickly and helps with distance and wind; ideal for stillwaters, bass, and general use.
• Double taper (DT): Even taper both ends for delicate river work, roll casts, and control; reverse when one end wears out.
• Specialised WF designs: Long-belly tapers for smooth distance/control; short aggressive tapers for quick loading and big flies; textured coatings to reduce friction and improve floatation.
• Sink rates: Floating, intermediate, and Type 3–Type 6 sinking options control fishing depth and time in the zone.
• Temperature rating: Cold-water lines stay supple; tropical lines resist wilting in heat.

Fly-line pricing reflects how much technology goes into the coating, core and taper design. Every line includes slickness additives; higher-priced models use more advanced versions and refined tapers. Entry- and mid-range lines feature AST for durability and reduced friction, while premium lines use AST+ for extended slickness and superior distance. Temperature-specific coatings and cores exist at all price points, matched to cold-, temperate- or tropical-water use.

• Entry-level (under R1,000): Floating or intermediate lines that load easily and present smoothly; include AST and welded front loops with straightforward tapers.
• Mid-range (R1,000–R2,000): Enhanced AST, welded loops at both ends, printed line ID markings, and more sophisticated tapers for speed, loop stability, and shooting distance.
• Premium (R2,000+): AST+ coatings, fully welded loops, clear line IDs, complex multi-taper profiles, and specialised temperature-rated cores for maximum slickness, longevity, and consistency.

Choosing your first line: Start with a versatile weight-forward floating line that matches your rod weight; it’s the most forgiving, all-round option for South African trout and yellowfish.

Proper care protects performance and extends lifespan. Heat, dirt, and tension shorten working life; regular cleaning keeps lines slick and floating high. Store cool, avoid tight winding, and keep chemicals off the coating.

• Avoid tension: Never store lines wound tight; pressure creates flat spots and memory coils.
• Cool storage: Keep lines out of direct sun and heat to prevent softening or cracking.
• Clean regularly: Wipe with mild soap and fresh water; remove dirt that migrates to the tip and makes it sink.
• Never cast without a leader/tippet: Without it, casting energy focuses on the line tip, risking cracks or delamination.
• No swimming pools: Chlorine and pool chemicals damage the coating and reduce slickness.
• Avoid sunscreen/insect repellent: Chemical contact can break down coatings and reduce slickness over time.