|
|
The thin end of
the wedge
Andrew Allen expresses his concern
over manufacturers' keenness to phase out double taper
lines, stressing that river anglers will be the main
ones to suffer.
Over the past few years with the
tremendous growth in stillwater fly fishing, tackle
manufacturers seem to have specialised in providing
tackle for this niche market. Rod builders are now producing
rods that produce such tight loops that they are almost
arrow-like in profile; this is fine for the experienced
stillwater or saltwater fly fisher who needs to cast
the maximum distance possible, given that there are
no obstructions to impede the cast. Rods such as this
are not normally needed by river fly fishers. Fortunately,
there are plenty of more suitable fly rods available
on the market for the river fisher.
In my opinion, there is one area where the river fly
fisher is being badly let down, and that is by fly line
manufacturers. I, and many people I know, have discussed
this matter and feel that the most accomplished fly
line to use - whether it be floating, fast-sinking or
all densities in between - is the double-taper line.
It seems that almost every month a new fly line appears
on the market specially designed to cast large flies
into the wind, or small flies downwind, but the one
thing all these fly lines have in common is that they
are all weight-forward lines.
I have nothing against weight-forward lines; they are
probably the best line to use on stillwater from the
bank, or saltwater; that is, fishing in a straight line.
They probably do generally cast further than double-taper
lines; although I was pleased to read in February's
issue of this magazine that a competitor won a distance
casting event with a double-taper line by some twelve
feet. I also noted that the weather conditions were
light wind and continuous mist and drizzle; a not unusual
day to go fishing then! Congratulations to Mike Marshall,
the successful competitor.
In one of the catalogues that come inserted into fly
fishing magazines on a regular basis I came across the
following from a fly line manufacturer when giving a
brief description of fly line profiles.
Weight forward: 'The most popular taper sold today and,
as its name implies, the weight is concentrated in the
front of the line with the thinner running line behind
the thick weighted head section which is designed to
shoot with ease. Weight forward lines work well for
both short and long distance casts.'
Double taper: 'Although not as popular nowadays, they
still have their followers. Tapered at both ends with
a thick middle section, long casting is difficult. Double
tapered lines offer no advantages over weight forward
lines, other than being able to reverse the line when
the front end starts to wear.'
When I read this statement out to a qualified casting
instructor his one word retort was very similar to the
definition for castrated bovines.
The advantages of double-taper lines are several; when
fishing rivers the fly line can be mended, with weight
forward lines if there are more than a few yards of
running line beyond the rod tip, mending a line is next
to impossible. When fishing rivers you are almost always
mending your line due to current variations to keep
in touch with your fly or flies. Double taper lines
are also more efficient at roll casting; again, with
weight-forward lines if any of the running line is beyond
the rod tip you can't roll cast. With weight forward
lines changing direction of your cast with running line
extended is more than difficult. Another problem with
weight forward lines is lack of control of the fly when
river fishing, as stated above with a long amount of
running line out, the belly of the fly line will fish
in an uncontrolled manner, and fish takes my not be
registered.
With a properly mended double taper line the fly or
flies will be under control, and takes should be registered,
and hooked. This problem is greatly increased for weight
forward lines if there are sinking tips on the end of
the line, not so for double tapers.
The exception
The exception to this trend, Shakespeare, manufacture
fly lines in Britain, and produce double tapers in most
densities from economy prices through to their premium
lines including 35-metre sinking lines up to a DT 12.
Also ç God bless them ç Wet Tip lines, 32 metres long
up to DT 11. It would appear one manufacturer at least,
has got its act together.
I know that there will be readers who disagree with
me, that is their right, but I am equally sure that
they will agree that I have the right of my opinions,
and also should be able to purchase the fly lines I
choose to use not having my choice restricted by fly
line manufacturers, there are many others who agree
with me.
Read the remainder of Andrew's article in the June issue
of Fly Fishing & Fly Tying magazine. |
|
|
