In article ,
says...
On Tue, 24 Aug 2004 02:22:01 GMT, LDR
wrote:

I have a few flylines I think still usable that I neglected to label. Is
there a way to identify what they are? For instance, if I have a 4 wt,
are there diameter specifications available that would tell me after I
put a micrometer on them? TIA

Well, depending on how old they are, mic'ing will probably of be of
limited use, or at least, the wrong way to start, unless you know the
brand and model. With weight-standard lines, diameter is only a
readily-identifying factor if you know more about the line. If you know
exactly what you had, brand and model, but they simply aren't labeled as
to weight (for example, 333s in 4, 6, and 8), mic'ing would work without
any further info - the thinnest is the 4, the next the 6, the biggest
the 8.

If you don't remember anything more than weight (if they are
weight-standard, rather than diameter-standard, lines) and they are of
"normal" configuration (WF or DT), weigh the first 30 feet of each,
compare to a AFTMA table, and if you get what you expect, no more is
needed. If you don't have a clue as to what they are, weigh 'em, get
close, and use accordingly. Putting a 5 wt. line on a 4 or 6 wt. rod
isn't going to be a huge deal with average fishing, but if you get what
you perceive as loading or other "weirdness," adjust usage as you would
with a known line.

As an aside, why do you "think" they are still usable? I'd not use them
for any "important" fishing until you determine condition. Also, if you
get stuck, you might post all you know - color, age, where purchased,
etc. - and maybe they can be identified as least as to make and model.

HTH,
R


Best thanks for your response. I think you're right in your unspoken
advice to just spend my way out of the problem. I was curious, though,
because it's easy to figure what you have in a leader and I thought the
technique there could be transferred to lines. But again you're right:
it would be like taking wedding pictures with old, unpredictable film.