From a practical point of view, the only advantage a weight-forward line has over a double-taper is the ability to cast long distances–say, over 75 feet.
Right on re DTs. Over the past two decades I’ve had tackle reps and fly shop staff tell me I should be fishing weight-forward lines. And over the same period the rods hyped seemed to be getting stiffer. Gotta think there’s a correlation.
John: In addition to the very valid points you made, I would argue that double-taper lines also more easily facilitate roll casting. The narrowing diameter forces the concentration of the energy, just as a tapered leader does, leading to more precise roll casts with less effort. There is also the argument that at longer distance roll casts, the wider diameter line offers more water adhesion as an anchor, but less adhesion when it narrows at the lift point. Jon Christiansen Mequon, WI
I only fished DT for trout 30-40 years ago. Why did I switch to WF? I’m doing a Homer Simpson head slap. Doh!
Right on re DTs. Over the past two decades I’ve had tackle reps and fly shop staff tell me I should be fishing weight-forward lines. And over the same period the rods hyped seemed to be getting stiffer. Gotta think there’s a correlation.
John: In addition to the very valid points you made, I would argue that double-taper lines also more easily facilitate roll casting. The narrowing diameter forces the concentration of the energy, just as a tapered leader does, leading to more precise roll casts with less effort. There is also the argument that at longer distance roll casts, the wider diameter line offers more water adhesion as an anchor, but less adhesion when it narrows at the lift point. Jon Christiansen Mequon, WI
Good thoughts, Jon. ~Andrew