Fly Fishing Line For Sale

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.