[First_Name] & Group...
Lewis Hinks and I were discussing the recent information on some companies (notably Sage) rating some of their fly lines specifically for certain models of fly rods. Lewis asked me for my thoughts on this after noting that fly lines have been rated by the weight of the first 30'. I replied:-
Lewis....
>
> This would be a good question for someone who knows far more about the
fly
> line industry and recent marketing and manufacturing changes than I.
>
> I am aware that some fly lines are made which are a tad heavier in their
> first 30' than strict AFTMA standards were. Also, that there are other
> organizations which have sought to maintain standards.
>
> As far as actually marketing lines for specific rod models, I wouldn't
> doubt that this is occurring, but I have no details.
>
> Let's run this by Bruce Richards and see if he can enlighten us.
>
> Gordy
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Here is Bruce Richards' answer:-
Hello Gordy, and Lewis,
> This is an interesting subject, and I agree with Lewis. Rods are loaded
by
> the weight of a fly line, not the taper. During the cast, the rod has no
> idea what the taper is, only reacts to the resistance offered, and that
is
> from the weight of the fly line. Of course, all lines don't cast and
> deliver the same, taper does play a part, but what is the right taper is
> determined by the fishing/casting application, not the particular rod
> being
> used. Of course if a company designs a rod for a particular application
> there will be a line for that application also, but the rod should cast
> equally well with a line with a different taper but same weight.
>
> There is a trade organization for the fly fishing industry AFFTA, and it
> is
> responsible for maintaining appropriate standards. There are only two at
> the moment, a reel foot standard, and line weight standard. Of course,
> these are not legal standards, adherence is voluntary, and there are
> reasons to vary from the standard. Most lines are made to the weight
> standards, but some lines are made heavier. Typically lines with very
> short
> heads are made heavier. This is necessary as heavier rods are not
designed
> to cast just 30 ft. of line, but most lines have heads longer than 30 ft.
> and load rods properly when matched directly to the rods of the same
> rating.
>
> Before Sage bought Rio we made their lines and they did try to match
lines
> to rods, that makes good marketing sense. But it isn't more than
> marketing,
> and Sage, or any rods will work fine with any brand of line as long as
the
> weight is right for the rod, and the taper suitable to the application.
>
> I hope that is helpful, let me know if I can offer more detail.
> Regards,
> Bruce
>
> Scientific Anglers/3M
>
>
>
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