Mike Connor wrote:

Sorry, perhaps I did not make that clear enough. There is no difference
between DT and WF lines of the same rating. A WF line one rating higher
than the DT is of course heavier than the DT.

snip

In other words, the rod-loading characteristics of a DT and a WF line
(of "standard" tapers, whatever those are) at short range will be
exactly the same, and any argument or rule-of-thumb one should go "up
one weight" when using a WF line is bogus, at least for short range.

I used to use DT lines for ordinary trout fishing, but over the past
couple of years I've switched to WF lines. One reason is that the
economy of the DT lines isn't a big issue when I compare it to all my
other fishing expenses. A more important reason is that I sometimes want
to cast long distances. In fact, I frequently want to cast long
distances when fishing lakes and when fishing larger rivers where I
often can't wade very close to good lies. Sometimes, especially when the
fishing is very hot -- to the point of getting boring -- I just like to
cast a lot of line for the hell of it, and because I'm tired of wading,
and because it's more challenging.

A WF line is ideal, IMO, because it works well at all ranges. It's
exactly the same as a DT at short range, it shoots better than a DT at
long range, and the mid-range isn't messed up by some bulky
line/running-line connection. It's better than a shooting head, for my
purposes, because I really dislike that transition through the guides of
the line/running-line connection. I suppose that connection could be
made as smooth a silk, with enough time and effort, but I can't be
bothered for the puny extra $30/year or so (at the most) that my WF
lines cost me.

The only disadvantage besides price, as far as I can tell, is that a WF
won't roll cast AT LONG DISTANCES as well as a DT. Very little of my
fishing involves long-distance roll casting. Furthermore, while a WF
doesn't long-distance roll cost as well as a DT, it does roll cast
better than a shooting head.

Finally, to the specific subject of this thread, I think a WF line would
be the best choice for a beginner. After he's learned the basics of
casting at short range, which will be EXACTLY THE SAME as with a DT
line, he can move on to hauling and double hauling and shooting.


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