1/2WT heavier lines

[Graeme H]

I know there are differences in line weight ratings, but I rarely notice when I'm fishing. Given that it only takes another 6' of line or so to be casting "a full line weight up" on the rated mass, I can't pick it. (Or rather, I don't try to pick it.)

I just buy lines based on the properties of head length and taper profile that I'm seeking and usually go with the manufacturers statistics to make the choice about which weight I buy. For example, the Rio Permit line is rated one line weight high for the first 30' but has a good head length, so I'll buy a 9wt line for my 10wt rod.

Those "half weight heavy" lines? Well, I'll just buy the line as per the makers' suggestion and live with it. It's only the equivalent of an extra 3' of line mass.

Cheers,
Graeme

[Lasse Karlsson]

For example, the Rio Permit line is rated one line weight high for the first 30' but has a good head length, so I'll buy a 9wt line for my 10wt rod.

Cheers,
Graeme

And then we wonder why people have a hard time grasping the line standard and that there is no standard for rods

Cheers
Lasse

[Graeme H]

True, but for most people who are not "advanced casters", I just say "go with what the line maker recommends ... and practice your casting until you no longer care."

For the majority of fly fisherman, I think making life easier is the main consideration. There's no need to split hairs over a half line weight here or there. Even a full line weight heavy is not going to hurt their fishing experience.

Cheers,
Graeme

[Lasse Karlsson]

Agree, most in my neck of the woods go 2-3 over, but don't tell them

Cheers
Lasse

[Paul Arden]

Conversely it’s up close where the 10% makes a difference. It slows the rod for short casts and presents a resistant mass to a running fish with the lack of take sensitivity. On a sports model it’s like wearing a big fat condom.

Cheers, Paul

[Walter]

I probably have about 80 or 90 lines. I don’t bother marking them or labelling them. When I want to know what weight a line is I strip a few feet off the spool and wave it around. I can tell the weight, taper, colour and the last time it was fished (date, time of day and which body of water) by the the time I get to the 3rd or 4th swish. I have some lines that are off by several line weights.

By the way, I’ve been told that uplining a rod will make it explode.

[Lasse Karlsson]

Slows the rod for short casts

[Lasse Karlsson]

By the way, I’ve been told that uplining a rod will make it explode.

It does, I read it on the Internet!

[VGB]

I use a #6 DT hanging off my shed as a weather forecasting tool. If it’s wet, it’s raining, if the line is dry it’s not raining. It’s sunny if it leaves a shadow on the ground and snowing if it’s white on top. If it’s horizontal, it’s windy and foggy if I can’t see it. It’s supposed to bounce up and down during earthquakes and may disappear during hurricanes but I haven’t tested that capability yet.

[Paul Arden]

Yes it does. I downline for Snakehead shots. Try it!