line choice for beginner

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.


--
Cut "to the chase" for my email address.

Mike C writes:
I am aware that many people advise beginners to use WF lines, I have just
never been able to figure out why. I rather suspect it is because there is
more money to be earned on a WF line, and advertising is a very powerful
force.

I've always suspected the same, due to the fact that a well cared for DT will
last me 6 years of pretty heavy fishing, while a WF only gets 3. The economics
for the line manufacturers seems to dictate the marketing strategy. For normal
stream fishing, I have never seen where a WF line conveyed any advantage, even
on some of the larger streams I fish. Admittedly, I mainly fish for trout and
smallmouth bass in streams from 10-100 feet wide, so my practice wouldn't
dictate anyone elses choice.

What you need to do is go fishing and enjoy yourself, that is really what
fishing is all about.
And that is the best advice of all!
Tom

"Mike Connor" wrote in message
Fly-shops are there to sell you things. Some will give you first class
advice, and yet others will merely try to sell you something. The only
way
to make sure you get what you really need, is to inform yourself as well
as
you possibly can.

I certainly agree, but I'll add that some shop owners take a short term
outlook while some (the smarter ones, I think) take the long view. As a
newbie, I put myself at the mercy of a fly shop owner for advice. I went
in, with a limited budget and asked what I needed. Joe could not have been
more helpful or more honest. Now, more than a decade later, I still do not
doubt or disagree with the advice he gave me or the products he sold me that
day. Consequently, I remain a loyal customer; and he has more than recouped
what he could have taken from me that first day.

Joe F.

p.s. He recommended a DT line.