Lines

Line Sizes

2-Weight Line

The ultimate in delicacy when cast up to 45 feet and using flies size 16 or smaller. An excellent choice for using the very lightest leader tippets and the smallest flies. In recent years this line size has become popular. It is a lot of fun to use when conditions warrant it.

3-Weight Line

A limited purpose line, best for flies size 16 and smaller. Very careful, delicate presentations can be made with a minimum of line disturbance. Rods designed for this size line are very light and supple, which is sometimes an advantage while playing large fish on very light leaders (6X, 7X, 8X) and small files. A comfortable fishing distance is 25 to 50 feet without a wind.

4-Weight Line

An excellent choice for small streams and flies size 14 and under. It has enough weight to handle some wind. Delicate, accurate presentations are easily attained. Fish-playing is easy with the delicate rods that handle this line. A good all-around rod for small flies and fishing under 50 feet.

5-Weight Line

A good choice to handle a wide variety of fishing conditions or fly sizes, while still retaining delicacy. It has enough body to handle fairly stiff winds and distances to 60 feet when needed.

6-Weight Line

The all-around champion for trout fishing with nymphs, small streamers, and dry flies. With the proper selection of lines and leaders you can effectively fish almost all conditions with this line size. You can comfortably make 35-to-50 foot casts and reach out over 70 feet when you meed to.

7-Weight Line

The best size for fishing big waters for trout. All types of nymphs, streamers, and dries can be used if a delicate presentation is not paramount. Comfortable to fish all day without getting tired. It has the weight to handle strong winds and long distances with authority. A nice size for summer-run steelhead. Casts in the 50-to-60 foot range are easy, while 80 feet is not out of the question.

8-Weight Line

A comfortable size for steelhead, large trout, or Atlantic salmon when absolute distance is not needed and the fish are not exceptionally large. This is one of the most popular line sizes for Alaska. Many anglers would fish more effectively using this line rather than fighting one heavier than they can cast comfortably. Plenty of muscle to handle 60-to-70 foot casts, and a good caster can get all of the line out.

9-Weight Line

This is the favourite all-around line for bass and Atlantic salmon. Many anglers also use it for bonefish and other smaller saltwater fish. It has the weight to turn over popping bugs, large dry flies, or weighted wet flies. Rods designed to cast this line have plenty of power to handle large fish easily and are excellent for using shooting heads. Seventy-foot casts are easy, and putting out the entire line is not out of reach.

10-Weight Line

This is the heavy weight for steelhead and Chinook salmon when you expect to encounter large fish at maximum distances. Some anglers also use for a light saltwater outfit. Distances of 100 feet or more with a shooting line and monofilament are common. Large, weighted fly patterns can be effectively fished with this line.

11-Weight Line

A good saltwater line for fish up to 50 pounds. Some anglers use with fast-sinking or lead-core lines for Chinook salmon or large steelhead. When fishing out of a boat you have the power you need to stop heavy fish. Big, air resistant flies are easy to turn over with weight-forward lines. This line is used for saltwater when a lot of casting is expected to be done. Seventy-feet is a comfortable distance with a big fly into a fair wind.

12-Weight Line

The line for the really big saltwater fish when the power of the rod is more important than the size of the line. Since it is difficult to cast for very long, it is usually fished to visible fish. The line is quite air resistant, so 70-to-75 feet is a good cast.