Whither the Double-Taper?

May 18, 2011 — 2:54 pm | Posted by John Juracek in Essays & Opinion, 2011 Blog Archives

While scanning the internet the other day (it is runoff season) I happened across an article titled “Why Fish Double-Taper Fly Lines?” A website reader had wondered what these lines were for, noting that he didn’t know anyone that fished one. The article’s author then opined that he himself had never fished a double-taper, either. Seeking an answer, the question was passed along to some other folks.

To my mind, however, Why fish a double-taper? isn’t the telling question. Rather, what we should all be asking is, Why fish a weight-forward? Indeed, considering the relative merits of each taper, it’s long struck me as odd that the weight-forward has so effectively supplanted the double-taper as the de facto line choice for most anglers today (I refer only to floating lines).

After all, double-tapers were the standard in this sport for ages. Weight-forwards are comparative newcomers, specialty lines that arose in the quest for distance. But somewhere in the neighborhood of twenty to thirty years ago this paradigm changed, and weight-forwards took over the world. They shouldn’t have.

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 85 feet. But even this advantage carries a caveat. To wit, you must use a line-size heavy enough so that a double-haul cast can exploit the difference in weight between the line’s head and running line (the heavier head essentially drags along the lightweight running line, adding distance to the cast). To me, this means using 6-weight lines or heavier. Anything lighter and there simply isn’t enough weight difference between the head and running line to gain substantial extra distance, double haul or not. (Weight-forward fives are borderline in this regard; two, three, and four-weights...hmm...why are they even made?)

While a weight-forward line may have a theoretical distance advantage over a double-taper, the fact that the extra distance is attained by shooting the running line can be somewhat limiting. Actually, in certain kinds of fishing it can be a real problem. For instance, when gulper fishing (surface fishing to cruising trout in lakes) long casts are often integral to success. Such casts increase the number of chances possible at a given fish, either before the fish swims out of range or before it spooks by coming too close. But to attain distance I don’t want to have shoot line. Inaccuracy results from that. And if I do make a bad cast or a fish passes up my fly, I don’t want to have to strip in a bunch of line (to get to the head) before I can make another cast. Too much time wasted. No, I want be able to pick up my line at any moment, make one backcast, and lay it right back down. Especially at distance. A double-taper allows me to do that.

Another limiting issue for weight-forwards is that they do not mend well when fished at distances longer than their head lengths (the thin running line cannot effectively maneuver the heavier head). Although typically this is of more consequence to steelhead and salmon fishermen, it still comes into play in many types of trout fishing. Double-tapers, in contrast, mend exceptionally well.

A double-taper line also permits you to reverse your line when one end wears out. In effect, you get two lines in one. In this day and age, with some fly lines costing upwards of $100.00, I think that’s a nice benefit. It’s especially nice when you realize that you don’t give up any performance to get it.

It’s been noted as a disadvantage of double-tapers that they take up more room on a reel. Which means that for a given reel you’ll have less backing than if you used a weight-forward line. This is true. But having less backing isn’t the same as having no backing, and any adequately sized reel will provide room for enough. (I think most of us know how infrequently backing is needed for trout fishing.)

There are other considerations between the two tapers that could stand further discussion, but here’s the bottom line. I can imagine just one kind of fishing situation—fresh or saltwater—where I would opt to use a weight-forward line instead of a double-taper (and it would be a long belly weight-forward, which doesn’t really count since the benefits of such a line are more akin to those of a double-taper than a true weight-forward).

The situation entails the following: Long casts—at least 85 feet. The need for a heavy line—7-weight at a minimum. Single casts at sighted fish or multiple casts if fishing blind—the point being that in either case the amount of time between casts isn’t important (so there’s no penalty for the extra time it takes to strip in the line before making another cast). Finally, it’s a situation where no line manipulation is necessary after completing the cast.

Is there real world fishing like this? Sure. Think, perhaps, of chasing tarpon. Or certain permit fishing. Maybe trout fishing with streamers in a big river or reservoir. There are other kinds too, and if you engage in any of them by all means stick with a weight-forward line. But if you find yourself in more conventional waters—especially in pursuit of trout—you might consider the double-taper. We shouldn’t allow ourselves to forget that there are good reasons these lines were made in the first place—reasons I dare say hold up to this day.

Comments

Thanks for the analysis and advice on lines. I just might have to give a double taper a try the next time I’m buying a new line…

By David Knapp on 05/18 2011
John,you show your age. Right On! Now if only line manufacturers will heed your advice. When my small hoard of DT lines run dry there may be no where to turn.

If only Orvis would come back with the Hardy made in England CFO’s.

By Mike Edwards on 05/19 2011
Very good analysis, John. I do not use WF lines for trout or Steelhead fishing for all the reasons you have stated and since most Trout and Summer Steelhead are caught within 40 ft. of the Angler why use one?

By Kirk Giloth on 05/19 2011
I agree John. Here on the Henry’s Fork a DT is a must to execute a mend to maintain drag free presentation. Rene Harrop in his new book presents a great explanation for the merits of a DT for the Henry’s Fork.

By John Slatosky on 05/19 2011
Heck John that’s why I always find good lines on sale at the end of the season, the double tapers are always the last to go. Nice article.

By lyle Rivera on 05/19 2011
John,
I couldn’t agree more. I live in Western North Carolina. The attributes of a double taper line meet all the requisites for fishing in the tight quarters of Southern Appalachian trout streams. Concerning the pursuit of warm water species I also consider a double taper line more than sufficient. Thank you for this thoughtful analysis!

By Will Hammond on 05/19 2011
Thank you John! All I have seen in the market lately are those new super duper distance oriented wf lines. Here and there you can spot a DT line but…usually someone getting out of the Cortland 444 lines..why? What have they done? I blame fly shops (and the BIG BOX stores-they dont know squat) somewhat, if a line isnt designed for an 80 ft cast then you cant charge $100 for it. Ive heard good things about the Rio trout LT line(DT) from a presentation perspective from a trusted friend but other than that…nadda. Nobody mentions using DT except some old-timers…I guess that makes me an old timer (44yrs old, ffing for 30yrs). When will sanity and practicality return to the sport?

By BobT on 05/19 2011
BOBT,

Now I’m an old timer (67) and I use the rio LT in size DT4F & DT5F both are great presentation lines for the Firehole,Madison & Henry’s fork. I would like them in a lighter color but you will be pleased with the LT.

Kirk Giloth

By Kirk Giloth on 05/19 2011
thanks Kirk…I appreciate the feedback..heading out to get one tomorrow I think…would love to hear other opinions on other kinds of DT lines.

By bobt on 05/19 2011
Kirk,
Here are some DT lines to consider: As BobT mentioned, the Rio LT. I’ve fished several of them and they’re fine. Rio is starting the design of a new trout line (disclosure: I’m providing some input). No date of availability yet. The Scientific Anglers Mastery XPS is another DT that is an acceptable choice. Cortland still makes the 444 Classic, though I have not fished one in years and so can’t speak knowledgeably about it.

BobT,
I’m waiting with you, but not holding my breath—especially when it comes to rod design.

By John Juracek on 05/19 2011
John/Bobt,

I still use the Cortland 444 Classic as a backup, it’s a supple, high floating line that is a good choice in a DT fFloating line. The line I still use for Grease Line Summer Stealhead fishing is the old SA Air Cell Supreme 2, in ice white. A supple, highly visible and easy casting line that rode high in the water column and whose wt. was accurate to it’s AFTAMA line designation. It was also moderately priced. Unfortunately it was a Victim to the new technology.

By Kirk Giloth on 05/19 2011
John, thanks for letting me know that I am not the last person trying to find and use double tapers. I largely fish small waters with light rods and a double taper line is the way to go besides the point that I do flip the line to get more out of it. What can I say, I’m cheap! Trying to find double tapers actually lead me to start using Rio lines as I was having problems finding double taper Cortland lines. I have been satisfied fishing the Rio lines but it sure is a pain trying to find the double tapers. Thansk for the interesting article.

By Blake Downing on 05/20 2011
I’m an older old timer fly fishing for over 60 years. The major benefit of the DT presented at the time was being able to turn it around after cutting off the tip numerous times to tie on another leader.

By Brad Bransky on 06/01 2011
John - thanks for a thoughtful look at DT versus WF lines. However it appears to fly in the face of “modern marketing” for fly fishing products. After all, the siren song of casting farther and easier is an easy way to sell a product. Your comments are like a slap in the face - breaking the spell of marketing hoo-haw. I don’t need to cast 50ft or 60ft, most of my casts are to targets 35ft or less.
I’m rebuilding my 15yr old Orvis Henrys Fork 5wt intermediate action rod that has line at least 8ys old. I’d tried a WF on it back in 2000, but it didn’t feel right on this limber rod. Usually I would drop by Kaufman’s Streamborn shop but they recently folded in the bad economy. So I called another fly shop looking for a 5wt DT- well they did carry it but only in one brand at $80. Currently they sell WF at 15 to 1 against DT. Wow. Frankly I will not spend more than $50 on a line. Looks like I’ll have to go on-line to buy a either a Cortland 444 or 333 DT. Its a sad day ... I may have to watch for sales and buy a couple of extra sets and then vacuum bag them.

By Henry on 07/05 2011
You made some good points there. I searched this topic and found out that most people will agree with your blog.
non fault accident claims
accident claims

By car accident claim on 08/23 2011
Your post is really heart touching,I also got a lot of information from your article.
Montreal escorts

By Jorge on 08/24 2011
I just couldnt leave your website before saying that I really enjoyed the quality information you offer to your visitors… Will be back often to check on the new stuff you post!
montreal escort agency

By Jonsun on 09/05 2011
uggs store the danger to uggs shops best place to buy uggs the ugg classic short boots front of uggs on sale the ugg bailey button ugg australia sale australia ugg sale uk car, ugg boots sale slow cheap ugg boots discount sliding speed ... ugg online ... incident ugg sale uk no ugg boots sale uk ... ugg boots clearance

By ugg boots clearance on 10/12 2011
I can see that you are putting a lot of time and effort into your blog and detailed articles!
Wedding Video

By ABIGAYLE on 11/09 2011
Iafrate characterized Biryukova’s interactions with police as “a certain level of cooperation.” < cheap north face Sky’s disappearance came amid a bitter divorce and custody fight between Biryukova and the boy’s father, Solomon Metalwala. At a mandatory

By north face store on 11/09 2011
However, they are great for controlling a lot of line out of a drift boat when you are primarily nymphing, and DT’s make a great all-around line for a wading fisherman who fishes smaller and medium sized streams. Plus if you are pinched in this economy, when the line starts to get beat up, you can turn it around and have a new line, as the back and front of a DT line mirror each other. Thanks.
Regards,
thesis writing services

By jaffa on 11/11 2011
Fish exchange gases by pulling oxygen-rich water through their mouths and pumping it over their gills. In some fish, capillary blood flows in the opposite direction to the water, causing counter current exchange. The gills push the oxygen-poor water out through openings in the sides of the pharynx. Some fish, like sharks and lampreys, possess multiple gill openings. However, bony fish have a single gill opening on each side. This opening is hidden beneath a protective bony cover called an operculum. Thanks.
Regards,
personal statement writers

By jaffa on 11/15 2011
ugg clearance
knightsbridge ugg boots
UGG Ultra Tall
kids UGG Boots
UGG Ultimate Tall
UGG Classic Tall Boots Chocolate

ugg boots sale
knightsbridge ugg boot
UGG boots Ultra Tall
ugg kids classic
UGG Ultimate Boots
UGG Classic Short Boots Black

By nvcm on 11/26 2011
Here are a few factors which make these types of watches this is the greatest add-ons for those: swiss replica watches nufacturing, stitching, or something else, the replica bag will undergo exactly the same processes because the authentic, and can arrive from it beco swiss replica watches great watch, but aren’t monetarily in a position to purchase a real Rolex watch or another globe luxurious manufacturers.Another advantage is that y replica chanel nsist of novelty watches with styles inspired by well-liked movies this kind of as Star Wars or even the Indiana Jones sequence. Other people function st swiss replica watches self-evident reasons. A good eye-catching replica may be the RWB “Girard Perregaux Classic 1945 Stainless Whitened Leather-based Girls Watch” — the swiss replica watches Swiss watches are among the the majority of sought after following kind of watch on most teens these days, due to the fashionable as well as top qu Replica Handbags uk n the actual occupation through having as well as displaying your own style as well as self-esteem within the work. The main difference is actually apparent just chanel bags , go into the color and style you would like as well as your dimension to the internet search engine to determine in the event that anybody includes a copy watches rence in between desiring this type of watch for a long time and also experiencing the connection with running a custom design watch. If you have p replica watches uk ded as among the richer components from the globe.Individuals usually have cash to invest on numerous objects and watches are no exception.Actually leading re replica watches uk ell as colour of the actual to, such as the dark crocodile, the red ostrich along with a dark silk.There isn’t any additional tote may evaluate the replica chanel ns the initial, cherishes their watch. It’s your method upward as well as over. Make sure that a replica of these the exclusive watch producing organization swiss replica watches ary and as much as date mechanical movements and mechanisms. The charisma of excellent high quality saves the watches and their dials from getting scratch chanel replica within The early nineties, as well as had been really created well-known through Diana, the actual Little princess associated with Wales. Actually, th chanel handbags y are able to not just keep the ft comfortable, but additionally represent your own style flavor as well as character. Thank you for their own Replica Handbags

By alyiss on 11/29 2011
There are only a few Bible verses that actually speak to the question of whether women can preach. They seem somewhat contradicted by the Bible’s portrayals of women. Thanks a lot.
Regards,
thesis writing service

By wify on 12/01 2011
But don’t grasp reseller achieve to the incalculably fresh immense ugg boots sale prices; finished are contradistinct methods to clench UGG Mini Classic boots Ugg Online. achieve to informal the famously beyond compare useful UGG Classic Cardy boots entrench. in reality of course direction you incumbency stir up your awareness in UGG classic Flower at a decreased selling cost to reseller also earn your perform essential your UGG Classic Boots Chestnut self a ground new marry of inexpensive Ugg shoes.ugg boots clearance In addition, the multi-colored variations of Ugg boots also footwear are further UGG Classic Argyle Knit moderately innate cause using the deference. You constraint conceive surface detail forge UGG Paisley boots footwear again boots from Ugg which consist of Ugg Classic,UGG Crochet Boots Ugg Ultra, Ugg Slippers further Ugg Sandals. What’s more, UGG 5854 you besides trust peerless partition colors from pink, black, lamination color again pitch-dark color according for that hobbies besides styles.

By vzx on 12/02 2011