[Chiefly Fly'n]

Here's a link to an excellent article comparing DT lines to WF. It debunks some of the myths and does a good job of explaining the pros and cons....minimal though they may be.


http://thelimpcobra.com/2013/02/28/...ght-forward-fly-lines-which-is-really-better/

 

[wademaster]

Just can't help but to click a link with "limp cobra" in the mix.....

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

Limp Lines and long rods

Just can't help but to click a link with "limp cobra" in the mix.....

Just as I suspected....thought it would get your attention.

 

[Dylar]

I'd be willing to bet that 90% of fly anglers will never develop sufficient casting proficiency to make use of the 'special' advantages of any particular line type. It's one of those things that matters to experts, who can actually make use of those tiny incremental advantages.

 

[OptiMystic]

I'd be willing to bet that 90% of fly anglers will never develop sufficient casting proficiency to make use of the 'special' advantages of any particular line type. It's one of those things that matters to experts, who can actually make use of those tiny incremental advantages.

I am pretty impressed with myself if I ever feel the smaller diameter line between my fingers.

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

That may be a reasonable guestimate in many of the typical, small-stream situations at distances of less than about 30'. But, even then, and in many other circumstances , quite a few "non-experts" have found that some lines will roll cast better (e.g. Royal Wulff triangle tapers) ....be superior for mending longer lengths of line (based on the length of the head or body) ....perform better when striving for max distance ( say over 40'....either shooting line or aerializing longer lengths)...or simply work better for their rod and casting "style."

 

[Dylar]

I'd be willing to bet it's more a placebo effect than a reality. Like the 'effective' fly that works because you have the confidence to fish it.

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

In some cases it may be a placebo ...but, in many others you would lose the bet.

 

[OptiMystic]

As a member of the "average line slinger" group, I have used WF, DT, L (came with reel and I used it for a while because I didn't know any better; once I did, it was suddenly unusable ) and ST. The only one that really seems significantly different is the ST and I hate it...

 

[Dylar]

Maybe. I think you're underestimating the psychological power of suggestion, particularly when it comes to how folks perceive the results they obtain. I think there's way too many factors potentially involved to say so conclusively, "It's the line that made me cast better."

 

[wademaster]

There are way too many factors that influence casting and that influence success to try and pinpoint the actual "ingredient" that made it all so (some so small we don't even notice). Seems to me that as Dylar has stated that most folks will never even feel or notice the difference just because of a different type of line. Then again if at least some folks didn't purchase the other types or notice the differences or favor one over the other they wouldn't be producing such products.

 

[Chiefly Fly'n]

It's the line that made me

Well golly...I don't think anybody said that until Dylar posted it.

Folks that want to understand more about the facts of fly lines and casting will find the linked article by Bruce Richard to be informative and beneficial.

Learning and understanding the few basic principles of casting and correctly applying them... will make you a better caster. Fly lines vary in their design, head length, tapers etc. Learning about these differences and how they can impact things like roll casting, mending and aerializing longer lengths of line can help you understand what works and what doesn't and that will enhance your casting ability. Some fly lines do a lot of things pretty well. Some excel at certain tasks...other designs won't perform those same tasks as well. And in many cases the average caster, and sometimes even the beginning caster, can realize the difference.

Not everyone wants to dig that deep into the facts of casting and line design and that is fine. Those folks will be well served with standard weight forward or double taper lines, when those lines are cast with good fundamentals. In fact, they may even be very surprised at what lines and rods are capable of.