As we have learned in the previous pages, there are 3 basic types of buoyancy in fly lines: Floating ("F"), Sinking ("S") and Floating/Sinking (or Sinking Tip) ("F/S"). They each meet very different and specific fly fishing needs. |
||
| Type | Description & characteristics | General purpose use |
Floating lines |
these lines float entirely on or in the surface of the water; present the fly most delicately of the 3 styles; they are the easiest to pick up off the water for making the next cast | arguably the best all around
line for most beginning freshwater flyfishers; best for floating flies (dry flies) or
those meant to be fished just under the surface; best for mending &
roll casting
 |
Sinking lines |
the full line sinks beneath the surface of the water; puts them out of wind & wave action, but makes them difficult to pick up for the next cast due to the line friction in the water; mending is not possible with these lines | full sinking lines are best suited to lakes; they are used to fish at deepest levels below the water's surface; various sink rates are tailored for different water conditions and fish |
Sink tip line |
have a front section (3'-30' long) that sinks, and the balance of the line floats; various sink rates are available; allows some mending of the line; easier to pick up than full sinking lines; most are two tone in color to show where the sinking portion starts | ideal for moving water where mending is necessary; allows sunken flies (wets, nymphs, streamers) to get down to level of subsurface feeding fish; variety of lines & sink rates gives lots of flexibility to meet various conditions and species of fish |
|
|
||
