Fly Lines Part 2: Breaking Down the Nuances
By Lenny Gliwa
TCO Fly Shop
In Part 1 of this 3-part series, George Costa explored the fundamental role that fly lines play in your overall fly fishing system. To quickly recap, he emphasized their impact on casting performance and the essentials that need to be considered to match your fly line with your fly rod. And he went into depth on line weights, tapers, and the importance of line maintenance. Now, we’re going even deeper to help you understand the differences between cold vs. warm water, freshwater vs. saltwater, and smooth vs. textured lines aiming to get you one step closer to picking the right line no matter what scenario you are considering. So let's jump in.
Cold Water vs. Warm Water Fly Lines
One of the most important considerations when selecting a fly line is the water temperature you'll be fishing in. Lines are designed with specific properties to perform optimally in either cold or warm conditions.
Differing Cores
The core material plays a vital role in how a line behaves in different temperatures. There are two key types of cores – mono and braid. A mono core is typically found in intermediate and clear tip lines. If a line is clear, it almost always has a mono core. Braid cores on the other hand are predominantly used in floating lines.
When the line is built for a warm water application, the core is stiffer which helps in maintaining structure in the heat. These lines resist becoming limp and unmanageable. When the line is built to be used in cold water fishing, the core is softer to avoid tangling. These supple lines remain flexible, preventing stiffness and memory issues.
Differing Coatings
The outer coating of a fly line is equally important to the inside components when it comes to temperature-specific performance:
- Cold water coatings can become gummy and soft in heat, leading to increased friction and poor casting.
- Warm water coatings can become stiff and coiled in cold temperatures, hindering their overall flexibility and the overall presentation.
If you’re looking for something that can split the difference, there are fortunately lines like the Scientific Anglers Bass Bug that enable you to take a hybrid approach. These fly lines combine a cold water core with a warm water coating which allows for optimal performance in a wider range of temperatures.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater Fly Lines
While the distinction isn't always black and white, saltwater lines generally feature coatings designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater and are often built with stiffer cores for better performance in warmer conditions.
Temperature Ratings
Assuming temperature ratings and tapers work for a given scenario, you can in fact use the same line in both fresh and salt. For example, bonefish fly lines that were designed for warm saltwater environments can be effective for bass fishing in the heat of the summer. By the same token, striped bass fly lines, often built for cooler conditions, can be used for musky fishing in cold water conditions.
The inverse however is not the case; the striper fly line will become too soft and unmanageable in the heat of summer, while a bonefish line will become stiff and coiled in the winter time.
Species Specific Options
Unique species-specific lines offer specialized advantages in certain fisheries. For example, bonefish fly lines feature long, delicate tapers to promote soft presentations on shallow flats. On the other hand, Bass Bug fly lines are aggressively tapered and overweighted to deliver large, wind-resistant flies like poppers. Although both are warm water lines, they were each designed to address very different tasks.
NOT ALL SPECIES SPECIFIC LINES ARE EQUAL
Seriously. The Scientific Anglers Bonefish line and the Rio Bonefish line, for example, have different tapers, lengths, and weights. When fished on the same rod, they provide two distinct experiences. Consider bringing both on a trip as they will accomplish the same job differently. For instance, I might prefer an SA Bonefish taper on calm days on the flats, while a Rio Bonefish might be better for windier conditions or chucking larger fly patterns.
Taper vs. Temperature
Many lines use similar tapers, but with different temperature ratings. For example – compare the Scientific Anglers Trout to the Scientific Angler Bonefish fly line. The best rule of thumb is to choose the taper that suits the application at hand, then select a line with a temperature rating appropriate for the expected conditions.
The taper of your fly line significantly influences the efficacy of your cast and your overall presentation, so it’s important to understand the differences. Longer front tapers excel at delivering delicate presentations, while shorter, more aggressive front tapers are better suited for turning over larger, heavier, wind-resistant flies. Longer rear tapers facilitate long, smooth casts and enable you to redirect casts effectively at a distance.
The head length of your fly line affects your casting accuracy and power. Longer heads provide advantages in casting accurately at a distance, allowing for more precise placement of the fly. On the other hand, shorter heads load rods more quickly, enabling more power in the cast when needed. If you’re seeking to make long, delicate casts, it's best to opt for long, light lines, while shorter, delicate casts are often best achieved with a shorter head that has more grains per foot, allowing the rod to load effectively with less line extended beyond the rod tip.
Smooth vs. Textured Lines
Modern fly lines are often made available in both smooth and textured options, and usually with the same taper available in either style.
Textured lines represent the most technologically advanced option on the market, featuring a surface texture that is designed to reduce drag through the guides, increase casting distance, and reduce surface tension – all while improving pickup, mending, and feeding slack line.
Audible and Tactile Reference Points
The texture provides audible and tactile feedback, allowing you to gauge how much line you have out without taking your eyes off the target. I generally prefer textured lines for my fishing, but it's important to get used to the sound they make when passing through the guides.
Smooth lines, while generally less expensive, lack the technological benefits of textured lines. They exhibit slightly more surface tension and "stick," which can be advantageous for waterborne casts like roll casts or Spey casting. For these reasons, smooth lines remain an absolutely viable choice for most situations.
By Now, We’ve Unraveled a Few Things
Over the last decade, some of the largest advances in fly fishing technology we have seen have come in the world of fly lines. Every year, each manufacturer brings us more and more options to help us as anglers prepare for the multitude of scenarios we encounter on the water. By utilizing these new options, we can dial in our presentations at a higher level than ever before. The correct line on the right rod can make all the difference, so be sure to stop by the shop before this upcoming season and let us help you find the best rod for your angling situation. Be sure to check out Part 3 of this series, where Connor McCoy will drill down on the wide variety of fly lines you have to choose from and their specific applications.
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