I'm not an expert caster either, but the past year or so I've
become increasingly skeptical of weight forward taper lines (like
Cortland's 'Rocket Taper').
Here's why. The first 30 feet of all fly lines of the same
AFTMA line rating all weigh the same. But beyond 30 feet, WF lines
quickly taper to a much thinner - and lighter - running line on the
theory that the thinner section shoots through the guides more easily,
allowing for extra casting distance. By comparison double taper lines
are the same diameter after 30 feet, and thus heavier overall than the
thinner WFs.
However, I've found that the extra weight of the DT lines makes
them easier FOR ME to cast than the same weight in a WF, especially
with more than 30 feet out past the tip.
I've also found that lining up a weight also helps me improve
accuracy and add distance.
For example, fishing on the NF Clearwater a couple weekends ago,
I lined up my Sage 389-4 LL with a DT4 instead of the usual WF3. I was
easily able to add 10 to 15 feet to my distance. Plus, the heavier DT4
line mended, roll cast and double hauled better than the thinner and
lighter WF3.
I haven't tried any of the so-called 'long-belly' WF lines. Nor
have I tried Cortland's new trout lines in half-sizes, which promise
that fine-tuning experiments can be even more precise (and expensive)
by playing with say a 3-1/2wt or 4-1/2wt line.
Since each of us have different casting strokes and skills,
experimenting with various lines is a much cheaper way to fine-tune
your cast than buying a new rod.
Finally, IMHO over lining a rod by one or even two weights will
probably not cause any additional stress. (Don't go overboard though
and line up your 5wt with a WF10!)
My 4� worth.
K
I have a question regarding a SP 9FT 5wt. I am not a very good caster so may be off base in my thinking. I used a friend's 10ft 6wt rod this summer and The 6wt seemed to turn over large dry flys and flys with a dropper attached much better than my 5wt did or was this because the line was heavier AND the rod was a foot longer?
To save money was thinking of using the 6wt rocket taper on my 5wt 9ft SP in the future. cheaper than buying a rod - reel and line..... I could use it for large trout and small summer run steelhead???
My question is will the heaver line be bad for the rod over time or is the SP like some other fly rods that seem to work better if you go I line wt heavier?
Thank you,
