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Fly Fishing Line For Sale

Fly Fishing Line For Fishing

Fly fishing is an art that requires precision, patience, and the right equipment. One of the most critical components of fishing gear is the fly fishing line.

Discover everything you need to know about fly fishing lines, including different types, how to choose the right one and faqs whether you're a beginner or an experienced fisherman.

At Sportsman Finder, we help fishers compare and shop top-quality fly lines, fly reels, fly rods, and fly fishing waders from leading brands. Fly lines are listed from weight-forward to double taper, floating to sinking. Find the perfect and ideal line for your rod, reel, and next adventure.

Cortland Finesse Trout II Precision Floating Fly Line
  • Hard running line jacket with finer diameter front taper allows for accurate high floating presentations,
  • Unique supple head coating, mends well in complex currents,
  • Welded loops on both ends for convenience and smooth turnovers,
  • Braided nylon multifilament core,
  • Highly accurate line lands gently and floats high,
  • Heron blue/light blue two tone color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$89.95

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RIO Powerflex Ultra Shooting Line
  • Hard, tough coated shooting line for durability and long casts,
  • Powerflex Core,
  • Does not wilt and tangle,
  • A neat, bulletproof loop welded at the front of the fly line for fast Spey-specific rigging.,
  • Brand: Rio,

$64.99

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Zen Tenkara Uni Line Hi-Vis
  • Red makes it Hi-Vis for you, but Low-Vis for the Fish,
  • Furled and Tapered Design,
  • Lillian Connection Loop,
  • Tippet Ring,
  • Provides good rod load and feedback for better timing on casts,
  • Tip Can be Waterproofed (salve sold separately),
  • Brand: Tenkara,

$28.00

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Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Tropical Clear Tip
  • Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets,
  • 15’ clear tip for stealthy presentations,
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head,
  • Slow sink rate gets flies just below the surface,
  • Tropi-Core technology for tropical climates,
  • Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate),
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO Elite Permit
  • Easy casting taper that presents typical crab patterns gently,
  • Long back taper for fast, 2nd shot casts,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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Cortland 5' Ghost Tip Intermediate Precision Subsurface Fly Line
  • Tip sink rate 1.25-1.75 IPS,
  • Short 5 foot clear tip creates separation from colored floating line section, effectively an extended intermediate butt section for your leader, allowing use of shorter leaders without spooking wary fish,
  • 100% monofilament core,
  • Welded loops on both ends for convenience and smooth turnovers,
  • Very versatile line good for stillwater, nymph and streamer techniques,
  • Mint green/clear tip color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$69.97

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RIO Elite Flats Pro Fly Line
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Designed to easily cast flies from size 2/0 to 8,
  • Mid length head & long back taper for complete line control,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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RIO Elite Bonefish Fly Line
  • Front-weighted to quickly load a fly rod for minimum false casting,
  • Long head, and back taper for maximum casting versatility,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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Scientific Anglers Frequency Trout Double Taper Fly Line
  • All-Around Trout Lines,
  • Excel in all weather conditions,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Welded Loop,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Aids best in presenting Dries and Nymphs,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

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Scientific Anglers Specialty Colored Dacron Fly Line Backing - All Sizes
  • Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: ‎10 x 10 x 8 inches,
  • Package Weight: ‎6 Pounds,
  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: ‎10 x 10 x 8 inches,
  • Item Weight: ‎0.85 Pounds,
  • Brand Name: ‎Scientific Anglers,
  • Color: ‎Fluorescent Orange/Blue/Flourescent Yellow,
  • Material: ‎Dacron,
  • Number of Items: ‎1,
  • Manufacturer: ‎Scientific Anglers,
  • Part Number: ‎129893,
  • Size: ‎30 lb,
  • Fishing Line Type: ‎Fly,
  • Line Weight: ‎30 lbs,

$299.95

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RIO Elite Flats Pro
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Designed to easily cast flies from size 2/0 to 8,
  • Mid length head & long back taper for complete line control,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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Cortland Liquid Crystal Guide Taper Fly Line
  • Half line size heavy for today's faster action saltwater rods,it is equally at home fishing on the ocean side or in the backcountry with quick short shots or shooting distance casts.,
  • Soft Sea Foam color allows for stealth yet good visibility of where the fly is at,
  • 100% monofilament core,
  • Welded loops on both ends for convenience and smooth turnovers,
  • Coating to core fusing process eliminates most all line stretch for better hook sets,
  • Sea Foam color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Flat Mono
  • Rectangular Profile reduces line twist,
  • Hardness tailored per size,
  • Low memory in any conditions,
  • Vibrant Colors,
  • 30m and 600m lengths,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$219.95

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Scientific Anglers Mastery Anadro Fly Fishing Line
  • Welded loops,
  • For extended line control, long-distance casting, and turning over heavy rigs,
  • Ideal for roll casting and long-distance mending,
  • High-vis and high floating yellow tip,
  • For use in moderate and Cold Water climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Rio,

$79.95

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Anadro Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus sickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Long rear taper for extended line control and long-distance casting; the best nymphing taper Scientific Anglers offers,
  • An unbelievable indicator line for nymphing up trout and bass or swinging flies for steelhead and salmon; excellent for double-nymph rigs or hopper-droppers,
  • Overweighted by 1.5 sizes to assist in turning over heavy rigs; use designated line weight for your rod,
  • Use one size heavy for switch rods,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Bonefish Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Revised taper for delicate deliveries to skittish fish in crystal-clear water; an excellent line for bonefish and permit,
  • Loads fast and lands light for increased accuracy,
  • Medium-length head for line control and optimal casting and fishing at 60-80 feet,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Orvis Pro Trout Fly Line - Smooth
  • AST Plus treatment provides continuous slickness that incorporates completely, continuously migrates out, works longer, and is eight times slicker than any other slickness additive available for better shooting, improved floatation, and performance. Easily sheds dirt and oils allowing line to perform better longer,
  • Orvis Line ID quickly identifies the line with the taper, weight and functionality,
  • Enhanced welded loop makes leader attachment quick and easy while holding up to repeated use. Helps to transfer energy more efficiently to the leader allowing better turnover,
  • All PRO lines are 90' in length and incorporate three color sections at 8'(stealth tip), 30' (from the tip), and rear taper and running line,
  • Brand: Orvis,

$98.00

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Elite RIO Perception Fly Line
  • Easy casting taper design for great all-around performance,
  • Shorter head length for quick loading and ideal on smaller rivers and lakes,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in casting control, performance and smoothness,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast,
  • Features RIO's SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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RIO Premier Lightline
  • Short front taper and weight distribution makes it ideal for creeks,
  • Perfect for bamboo, glass and softer graphite fly rods,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • MaxFloat Tip technology for the very best in performance,
  • Marks the sweet spot of a fly line by providing an obvious color change in the line at the sweet spot.,
  • Dual Welded loops,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Creek Trout Fly Line
  • Ideal for small creeks and short casts,
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Short-head design with handling line delivers flies at short-to-medium range with extended line control; Built full size heavy,
  • Turns over weighted nymphs and streamers, yet offers light presentations when used with long leaders,
  • Species: Grayling, Panfish, Bass, Trout,
  • Water Type: Freshwater,
  • SA AMP S CREEK TROUT WF X F (X = line weight),
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO  Dacron Fly Line Backing
  • RIO’s traditional Dacron braided backing features high strength and low stretch and is unsurpassed in quality,
  • Good compromise between thinness and the ability to make blind splice loops,
  • Easier to knot than brands that are very thin but have too tight a weave for a blind splice loop,
  • Available in 3 color options,
  • Choose from 100 yd - 5000 yd spools,
  • Finish Type:White,
  • Brand: RIO,

$279.99

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Scientific Anglers Dacron Fly Line Backing
  • Extremely thin,
  • Low coefficient of friction,
  • High abrasion resistance and colorfast,
  • High visibility,
  • Material: Dacron,
  • Finish Type: Orange,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$259.95

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Scientific Anglers Infinity Smooth Salt Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Made half size heavy turns over large flies on windy days,
  • Extended head length for accuracy at distance,
  • High-contrast sighter to identify the back of the line when fighting fish on long runs,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains stiff and slick in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO Premier Outbound Short F/H/I
  • Front loaded to cast large flies with ease,
  • Designed for easy distance,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Multi Density Control on select sinking options,
  • RIO’s printed line marking system that allows anglers to quickly and easily identify each line.,
  • Multi Density Control on select sinking options,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

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Scientific Anglers SONAR Saltwater Intermediate Weight Forward Fly Line
  • Welded loops,
  • Slow sink rate gets flies just below the surface,
  • Engineered for use in salt water,
  • Clear tip for stealthy presentations,
  • For temperate climates,
  • Tropi-Core technology for tropical climates,
  • Sink Rate: 1.25 ips (Intermediate),
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Excels in medium-to-long distances with dry flies and smaller nymphs; wonderful on glass and bamboo,
  • The best smooth, true to grain weight line for casting small dry flies to picky risers,
  • Designed specifically for chasing trout; also useful for grayling and panfish,
  • Elongated front taper is designed for delicate presentations,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers Sonar Stillwater Parobolic Sink Fly Line
  • Sinks in a U-Shaped Profile,
  • Based on popular MPX taper,
  • Welded Loops,
  • Aids best in presenting Nymphs and Streamers,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Marked with SA-ID (Scientific Anglers Line Identification),
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers TC Textured Tip - Float
  • Shooting Texturing reduces friction, allowing for easier pick-ups of sinking tips,
  • Tapered design aids in turning over flies at any distance,
  • Suited for two-hand and switch rods,
  • Available in 8? 80 grains, 10’ 120 grains, 12’ 160 grains, and 15? 200 grains,
  • Colors: Ivory / Optic Green,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$29.95

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Scientific Anglers Freshwater Floating Shooting Line
  • For exceptional casting distance,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology freshwater line,
  • Minimal-friction design delivers high speeds and long distances,
  • Easier handling with fewer tangles,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Welded Loops,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$39.95

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Scientific Angler TC Textured Tip Complete Kit System
  • The world’s first tapered, textured multi-density Spey tips,
  • Shooting Texturing reduces friction, allowing for easier pick-ups of sinking tips,
  • Tapered design aids in turning over flies at any distance,
  • Suited for two-hand and switch rods,
  • Sets come by grain weight,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$149.95

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Scientific Anglers Sonar Stillwater Seamless Density I/S3 Fly Line
  • Double-Density Sinking Lines,
  • Based on popular MPX taper,
  • Welded Loops,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Marked with SA-ID (Scientific Anglers Line Identification),
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Aids best in presenting Nymphs and Streamers,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO Gripshooter Fly Fishing Line
  • Overall Length 100 Feet,
  • 86 feet of shooting line and a 14 feet handling section,
  • Thick, highly visible handling section for grip,durability and visibility,
  • The best choice for distance,
  • A Hard Nylon Shooting LineWith A Unique HandlingSection,
  • Brand: Rio,

$49.99

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Scientific Anglers The Scandi Fly Line
  • Floating Scandi line perfectly suited for throwing smaller salmon steelhead flies.,
  • Can be used with 10’ Sonar leaders to adjust swing depth,
  • High contrast sighter to identify the back of the head,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

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Cortland 444 SL Fly Line
  • Longer front taper and body than other 444 lines still allows for all skill levels to fish this line well but will perform exceptionally well at distance,
  • Long lasting top coat features hard and durable reduced friction finish,
  • Braided nylon multifilament core,
  • Welded loop on front end of fly line,
  • Ultimate combination of performance and price,
  • Mint green color,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$69.95

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Scientific Anglers Mastery Trout Fly Fishing Line
  • Welded loops,
  • Revised compound taper perfect for delicate deliveries,
  • Excels in short-to-medium distances with dry flies, smaller nymphs, streamers,
  • The ultimate fly line for chasing trout,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$79.95

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Scientific Anglers Mastery Jungle Titan Fly Line
  • Designed for throwing big dries and streamers to jungle fish such as peacock bass and golden dorado,
  • Powerful head loads quickly and delivers large flies to distant targets,
  • Will turn over the largest flies imaginable,
  • Built two sizes heavy for turning over big rigs; use designated line weight for your rod,
  • Ideal line for boat or wade fishing,
  • Tropi-Core technology remains slick and stiff in tropical environments,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$79.95

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Cortland 444 Sylk Fly Line
  • Ultrathin diameter,
  • Front welded loop,
  • Freshwater,
  • Floating,
  • Weight forward,
  • Braided Nylon Multifilament,
  • 90 ft,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$69.95

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Scientific Anglers Mastery Competition Nymph Fly Line
  • Ultra-thin level-line design for premium performance and sensitivity,
  • For use with rods 0- through 5-weight,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Monofilament core,
  • Available in single-colored floating and clear intermediate sink (sink rate: 1.25 Ips) versions,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

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Scientific Anglers Frequency Sink Tip Fly Line
  • Fast-sinking 10’ tip sinks flies through the water column,
  • Mid-length head enhances control,
  • Best used in moving water,
  • Sink Rates: 2.5 – 4.0 ips (Type III),
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Line Color: Yellow/Dk Green,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

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Cortland Micron Fly Line Backing
  • Zero twist helps maintain a smooth low friction finish,
  • Available in five different colors to suit any angler's needs,
  • 100% premium dacron fibers,
  • Tight Weave,
  • Round Diameter,
  • Brand: Cortland,

$169.95

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Scientific Anglers Spey Lite Integrated Skagit Fly Line - All Sizes
  • Ultra-short head for turning over heavy tips with light two-handed rods,
  • Tip recommendations:,
  • 180-210 grains – SONAR leaders,
  • 240-300 grains – 8’ TC Tips,
  • 330-420 grains – 8’ or 10’ TC Tips,
  • Lines can be used with single-handed rods as well,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO Elite Xtreme Indicator Fly Line
  • Perfect for fishing out of a boat,
  • Short, easy loading head to throw all manner of indicator rigs,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in casting control, performance and smoothness,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast technology,
  • EasyID on front taper for fast line recognition,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Redfish Cold Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Short front taper and head for quick, powerful casts,
  • Made a half-size heavy to deliver large flies in demanding situations,
  • Warm and cold version to cover both summer and winter redfish,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers Sonar Textured Titan Taper Int/Sink 2/Sink 3 Fly Line
  • Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets,
  • Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head and short front taper,
  • Triple-density construction provides straight-line connection to fly,
  • Shooting Texture reduces friction, providing longer casts, easier pick-up, and increased durability,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO Elite Tarpon
  • Effortless casting, accurate line design that turns over typical tarpon flies with ease,
  • Long back taper for fast, 2nd shot casts,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance contro,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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Scientific Anglers Sonar Stillwater Seamless Density S5/S7 Fly Line - All Sizes
  • Double-Density Sinking Lines,
  • Based on popular MPX taper,
  • Welded Loops,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Marked with SA-ID (Scientific Anglers Line Identification),
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Aids best in presenting Nymphs and Streamers,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Redfish Warm Fly Line
  • Features the revolutionary AST Plus slickness additive for superior shooting ability and increased durability,
  • Short front taper and head for quick, powerful casts,
  • Made a half-size heavy to deliver large flies in demanding situations,
  • Warm and cold version to cover both summer and winter redfish,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$99.95

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RIO Elite Predator Floating
  • Short, powerful front taper to cast large and heavy flies,
  • Low-stretch ConnectCore Plus for the best in performance and smoothness,
  • RIO’s triple color line marking system makes it easy to gauge distances and load, with a glance,
  • RIO’s printed line marking system that allows anglers to quickly and easily identify each line.,
  • Dual welded loops,
  • Available in 5-11wt,
  • Brand: Rio,

$99.99

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RIO Elite Flats Pro Int
  • Built with RIO's exceptionally slick, durable SlickCast coating,
  • Low stretch “DirectCore” for hard, solid strip sets,
  • Designed to easily cast flies from size 2/0 to 8,
  • Mid length head & long back taper for complete line control,
  • SureFire tricolored measuring system for increased accuracy and distance control,
  • Brand: Rio,

$129.99

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Scientific Anglers Skagit Floating Heads
  • All-Around Trout Lines,
  • Excel in all weather conditions,
  • Advanced Shooting Technology,
  • Welded Loop,
  • Braided multifilament core,
  • For use in moderate and cold climates,
  • Aids best in presenting Dries and Nymphs,
  • Brand: Scientific Anglers,

$59.95

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Why Fly Line Selection Matters

Fly line selection isn’t just a technical detail—it’s the foundation of successful fly fishing. The right fly line allows you to present flies accurately, cast efficiently, and connect better with your target species. Whether you're stalking trout in a backcountry stream or chasing redfish on the flats, your line choice can make or break the day.

Types of Fly Fishing Lines

Floating Lines (F)

  • Weight Forward (WF): The most popular type, with a thicker "head" for easier casting and distance. Ideal for general use, dry flies, and nymphing.
  • Double Taper (DT): Evenly tapered at both ends for delicate presentations and roll casting. Offers versatility for short to medium distances.
  • Level (L): Consistent diameter throughout, rarely used today.

Specialty Lines

  • Shooting Heads/Shooting Taper (SH/ST): Short, heavy heads designed for long casts, often used with a thin running line.
  • Spey Lines: Designed for two-handed rods and specialized casting techniques for distance on large rivers.
  • Coldwater Lines: Maintain flexibility in low temperatures.
  • Warmwater/Tropical Lines: Stiffer with coatings to withstand high temperatures.
  • Species-Specific Lines: Engineered for the demands of specific fish (e.g., bass, bonefish).

Sink-Tip Lines

  • Sink-tip fly lines combine the best of both floating and sinking lines by incorporating a sinking tip with a floating main body.
  • This design allows the fly to reach deeper parts of the water column while maintaining easy line control and visibility on the surface.
  • Sink-tip lines are especially effective when fishing in rivers, streams, or still water where you need your fly to drop into specific depths without pulling the entire line under.

Top Brands in Fly Fishing Line

Scientific Anglers

A pioneer in modern fly line technology, Scientific Anglers is renowned for its advanced coatings, slickness additives, and versatile tapers. Their Amplitude series is especially popular among pros for its durability and superior casting distance.

  • Best For: All skill levels, freshwater and saltwater
  • Popular Lines: Amplitude Smooth, Mastery Series, Frequency Series

Rio

RIO combines performance and innovation with a wide variety of specialty tapers tailored for specific species and environments. Their fly lines are trusted by anglers worldwide for precision and control.

  • Best For: Technical anglers, specialized fishing situations
  • Popular Lines: RIO Gold, InTouch series, RIO Grand

Cortland

With a rich history dating back over 100 years, Cortland is a favorite among traditionalists and modern anglers alike. They offer dependable lines with consistent tapers and excellent sink-tip options.

  • Best For: Value-conscious anglers, nymphing and streamer fishing
  • Popular Lines: 444 Classic, Precision, Ultralight Series

Orvis

Known for their high-quality fly rods and reels, Orvis also offers excellent fly lines engineered for smooth casting and consistent turnover. Their Hydros series delivers high performance for a range of fishing styles.

  • Best For: Anglers seeking a balance of quality and affordability
  • Popular Lines: Orvis Hydros, Clearwater series

Choosing the Right Fly Line

Weight & Matching to Your Rod

Fly lines come in weights ranging from 1 to 14+. The line weight must match the rod weight for optimal casting performance.

  • 3–5 wt: Best for small streams, panfish, and trout
  • 6–7 wt: Ideal for larger trout, bass, and freshwater predators
  • 8+ wt: Built for saltwater, big game, and heavy flies

Consider the Water Type

  • Freshwater Lines: Softer coatings for flexibility and control
  • Saltwater Lines: Stiffer cores and UV-resistant coatings for durability and heat resistance

Choose the Right Line Type

  • Floating Line: Great for dry flies, poppers, and shallow water
  • Sinking Line: Used when targeting deep water or strong current
  • Sink-Tip Line: Blends the control of the floating line with the depth of a sinking tip
  • Intermediate Line: Slow sink for subsurface presentations without spooking fish

Taper Matters

  • Weight Forward (WF): Most common helps with distance and accuracy
  • Double Taper (DT): Ideal for roll casting and smaller waters
  • Level Line: Least used, but can be helpful for specific techniques.
  • Shooting Head: Great for long-distance casts and saltwater fly fishing

Fishing Conditions

  • Windy Days: Heavier or weight-forward lines help cut through the wind
  • Cold Climates: Softer lines prevent coiling in low temps
  • Warm Weather: Stiffer lines perform better in heat

Line Weight and Fishing Application

Fly line weight plays a crucial role in determining how your rod loads, how far you can cast, and what size flies you can effectively present. Choosing the right line weight ensures your setup is balanced and optimized for your target species and fishing conditions.

Understanding Fly Line Weight

Fly line weights are measured on a scale from 1 to 14, with 1 being the lightest and 14 the heaviest. The line weight should match your rod and reel for smooth casting and proper energy transfer.

Choosing Based on Fly Size

  • Light Lines (1–4 wt): For small, delicate flies like dry flies or tiny nymphs.
  • Medium Lines (5–7 wt): For versatility with dry flies, nymphs, and streamers.
  • Heavy Lines (8+ wt): For large, heavy flies or windy conditions in open water

Freshwater vs Saltwater Fly Lines

Fly fishing lines are designed to match specific environments—what works in a quiet mountain stream may fail in the heat and salinity of an ocean flat. Knowing the difference between freshwater and saltwater fly lines helps you choose the right gear for optimal performance and durability.

Freshwater Fly Lines

These fly lines are designed for colder, softer environments. Freshwater fly lines are built with more flexibility and lower stiffness to perform well in moderate to cold temperatures.

Key Features

  • Softer core and coating for smooth casting in cool water
  • Less abrasion and salt resistance needed
  • Ideal for trout, bass, carp, and panfish
  • Available in a wide range of tapers and weights for delicate or powerful presentations

Best For

  • Streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds
  • Precise fly placement and short to medium-distance casting

Saltwater Fly Lines

These are engineered for harsh conditions. Saltwater lines are stiffer and more rugged to withstand heat, UV exposure, and salt corrosion.

Key Features

  • Rigid core to resist softening in warm climates
  • Durable coating resists salt, UV rays, and abrasion.
  • Optimized tapers for casting heavy flies into the wind
  • Often color-coded for depth visibility.

Best For

  • Flats, bays, estuaries, and open ocean
  • Targeting strong species like tarpon, redfish, snook, bonefish, and permit

FAQ’s

What’s the best fly line for beginners?

A weight-forward floating line in 5-weight is typically the most versatile and beginner-friendly option, ideal for learning in freshwater environments.

What is the difference between floating and sinking fly lines?

Floating lines stay on the surface, making them great for dry flies and topwater techniques. Sinking lines descend into the water column, which is useful for deeper fish or faster currents.

Can I use freshwater fly lines in salt water?

It's not recommended. Saltwater lines are built with tougher coatings and cores to withstand UV, salt, and larger fish. Freshwater lines may degrade quickly in saltwater.

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