Norwich Fly Rod Line Ratings and Fly Line weights.

Fly rod line ratings. This topic seems to confuse a lot of people. Some say a rod has an optimum loading point and works best with this or that single weight of fly line. I can’t see how that can be possible? Who decides on what the “optimum” line loading is? Which expert caster from the many good casters in the World, should be used as the benchmark for rating a rod's optimal loading? It is a daft notion isn't it?

Obviously when I rate a rod I rate it on my casting technique and what I feel is best for that rod. It does not follow that this may be to every casters taste, and this is why I am careful to give the reasons for the ratings on my rods.

A1 A2 B3 C3

See my Perfomance Factor page for more information on my fly rod actions.

There are one or sometimes two numbers present on fly rods. (There is only one line number on the latest EV5 models.) My older series EV2 rods had two for example. A 9ft #6/7  worked perfectly well with two line sizes. The first number 6, refers to a double taper (not so popular these days) or a longer belly weight forward, i.e. a line with a belly (the level section excluding taper) of 36ft or more. This will load the rod comfortably and allow the line to be shot quite effortlessly to 100ft or more. The second number 7, refers to a std 30ft belly weight forward line. This too will comfortably allow the rod to cast that line a 100ft or more. This however does not mean that the rod will only work properly and load correctly with those lengths of line.

Remember that a proficient caster will always be able to aerialise more (or less) line with more competence than an average caster.

Gram & grain weights have been introduced for the first time recently for fly lines. On the one hand that is good, on the other not so good. Most savvy fly casters weigh their lines. Tournament caster since the 1920's consider a set of scales an essential part of their armoury. Reason being if they buy a new line or make up a new line they know what weight will load the rod. The problem with buying a new line is manufacturing variance in the weight of the line. Some lines are on the extreme of the tolerance at both the high and/or the low end. The line could be on the high side or on the low side of the weight tolerance allowed for that line number. It could even be mislabelled and be totally the wrong size. It makes sense to weigh a new line.  Take note; If the line is weighed and you cut the new line at that weight, it does not follow that the length of the line, will be the same length as the original line you weighed that worked well with the rod. Weight of line is all that really matters .

Experience comes into play here. Good casters have a feel for what weight is "right" for the rod they are using. Weight is important and giving the weight in gram & grain weights was supposed to eliminate a lot of confusion for budding fly casters. Gram or grain weights are "only a guide" not a definitive standard. A floating fly line of a given line weight performs entirely differently from a sinking line of the same rating in the air.

The rod handles those different line densities and line diameters entirely differently and will thus load the rod entirely differently. The sinking line because it is thinner and more dense moves through the air so much faster. It has the same weight as the floating line - but because of the increased speed with which it travels through the air due to its reduced diameter and lower wind resistance, it will feel like it is loading the rod differently. It will feel as though that line is heavier. It isn't though. It is only moving faster, the feeling that the line is heavier is heightened by the increased line speed at the transition point were the line direction changes from  the back cast to the forward cast, the momentum created at the turn over point from the faster travelling line loads the rod shaft more deeply.

I design my rods with advanced tapers and a dual line rating system. This ensures that my rods will perform properly in all casting spheres and cope with the variance produced by different line types or manufacturing AFTM tolerences. For guidence here is the AFTMA line ratings for fly lines. Line weights are calculated on the first 30ft of level belly on weight forward or double taper fly lines.

In the 1961 scale, the front or back taper or level tip section is not included when weighing and rating a line.*

AFTMA (1961) WEIGHT SCALE FOR STANDARD LEVEL BELLY WEIGHT FORWARD & DOUBLE TAPER TROUT & SALMON FLY LINES.

The weight scale is based on weight of the first 30ft of line excluding the front taper.

First column is the line weight AFTMA number. Followed by the weight of the line in Grains (Including the agreed manufacturing tolerance range)

Followed by the weight in Grams then Ounces.

1 imperial ounce, = 31.1035 grames

AFTMA SALMON SPEY LINE RATINGS

In 2004 changes were agreed on in the fly fishing tackle trade to try to rationalize the many categories salmon fly lines in an effort to avoid the confusion arising amongst consumers who where having trouble identifying suitable line types to match to their rods. I'm not sure it worked out as planned, as only the major manufacturers were asked to be part of the consultation. Smaller companies like my own were not included in the discussions where parameters were set on fly line weights and profiles..... See here for Simon Gawseworth's comment on the process.

Frankly the system is inadequate and complicates fly line choice even further for the consumer. Why are there no Skagit line ratings for instance? We are stuck with though it seems.... There is a multitude of different profiles and casting head lengths available to salmon anglers on the market these days. Continuous taper long and short belly spey type lines in floating and sinking versions have been introduced in a bewildering array of sizes and sink rates. Just which lines do you choose and be certain it will match and not be a waste of your money?

Just which lines do you choose and be certain it will match and not be a waste of your money?

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