Fly Fishing Techniques/Terminal Tackle/Fly Line Discription Of Tapers
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Fly Line Discription Of Tapers

The shape of the line determines the fly line’s performance. The shape/taper determines how energy is transmitted during casting.
Changing the length and diameter of the fly line, we change the performance characteristics for specific types of fly fishing and casting….

Line tip: The front end of the line, equally thin over its length, this is where the leader is attached
Front taper: The section between the tip and the belly
Belly/Body: Most weight is concentrated in this section. It’s the longest section of the head and has the largest diameter. Its weight is what carries your cast.
Rear taper: The section between the belly and the running line.
Running line: The long, thin part of the line, which connects to the backing at the reel end.

Fly Line Lingo
DT Double Taper
ST Shooting Taper
WF Weight Forward
S Sinking
F/S Sinking Tip
L Level
I Intermediate

I have tried a sink tip line with my 3/4 wt. Even after cutting 5 feet off of the sink tip, I still had a hard time even roll casting with it.

Double Taper:
The double taper is has an identical taper at both ends. A double taper line is perfect for fine arcs and delicate casts.

Weight Forward/Rocket Taper:
Weight distribution of body section allows longer casting distance. The casting weight is gathered in the front end of the line.


Wind Taper:
Weight forward design that has a compound taper allows easier casts into the wind.

Level
No taper or belly. Used for delicate fly presentation or when long casts are not essential.

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