I generaly stick to wf lines but I have a #4 DT. What are the bennifits of a DT line besides reversing? Is distance limited with a DT line?

Cheers.

Novice.

The advantages of double tapers are supposed to be that you can aerialise more fly line when casting (weight forwards sag where the taper changes abruptly), and greater delicacy of presentation. The thing about reversing the line when the front end is worn is supposed to be ballyhoo (something to do with erosion of the general line coating over time).
I fished (rivers) with a DT last year but I don't think I made any long enough casts to notice much difference. In my mind it feels like the DT touches down a little quieter than a WF (and that's why I use it) but there's probably no real difference.

Its a matter of personal preference, I like to use a DT on small rivers on my 5wt its said a DT gives more delicate presentation, I just find it seems to suit me better than a WF ie personal preference.

On still waters where more distance can be required I use WF lines.

I also have a DT 9WT which I use on a 13ft salmon rod rated 8/9 wt for small/medium rivers, I find it roll casts very well and I am comfortable with it. On bigger rivers I use a 15ft rod with WF/spey lines.

It's horses for courses, try a DT and if it suits you use it when appropriate you may or may not prefer it but like anything else you won't know until you try.

DT lines are easier to mend and you can turn them around when one end gets worn out (I have turned a few around and not found the coating on the other end knackered, others may have had a different experience).
Someone will pipe up in a minute and say that the first 30 feet (or whatever length it is) of a WF and the first 30 feet of a DT weigh exactly the same and therefore presentation will be identicle with both lines. This is all very well but I think in the hands of an average caster (one like me) DT's do land more gently for the simple reason that they slow down quicker on the shoot. The thin running line on a WF doesn't slow the line like the thick belly of a DT and hence WF lines can land with a bit more of a splash (they are going faster).
Of course this is more to do with sloppy casting than anything else. A good caster will land each as gently


Andy

as the front taper is the same on both lines I can't see the theory of the "more delicate presentation" holding up. Reversing the line is an advantage, and maybe in certain circumstances arielising more line.

I'd agree with supernaut, I also use a DT for rivers and like them a lot. I think you get an improved roll cast. I can still cast a reasonable distance when required but then it is rarely required on a river, in fact it is a disadvantage. The Pirate does a good one for not much money. The forward taper is a must for the big stillwater, easier to shoot line and get the distance. Alan

I'd agree with most of what's said above! For river fly fishing a DT, line it gives you better control on running water! For lake and reservoir a WF, line is better for casting a greater distance! Horses for courses!

........ I agree with your last bit there,s no reel difrence in the right hands other than you can turn it around and it,s not balyhoo. it,s only the first 30 ft that maters.

Hi guys

I've done a lot of work on this one. IMVHO ....... the reason why many folk feel that a DT possibly gives them better turnover and presentation is that the thicker belly on the DT ( once you would be on thin running line on a WF ) creates more friction through the rings, which has a feathering effect on the line during the cast.

Similar to the way we might feather ( lightly brake ) a shooting weight forward fly line to improve turnover.

Best wishes
Mike

The benefits of a DT line are mainly whatever you believe them to be. It's very difficult to objectively prove many of the claims like they give better presentation or mend better, so what it comes down to is if you believe they have an given attribute, then just go with it.

Usually, I tell beginners to avoid DT lines simply because I believe there are more points in favor of starting with WF lines and there are also better uses for money for beginners. Since you already have a DT, I'd say fish it and form your own opinion. Even if you end up thinking there's no significant difference, then at least you'll know where you stand.

Grouse