Recently, I've been exploring DT lines on bamboo and glass, having only ever fished WF with graphite rods. I've found that in most instances, I really like the way they cast (particularly up close) on my shorter and lighter line weight rods...say 3wt and 4wt. I understand that there's not much difference between the two types of lines inside of 30' but for some reason they seem to hold tighter loops and feel smoother.

That said, I've read that some folks use DT for dries and up close work, but move to WF lines when they're trying to cast at greater distances or moving up to heavier rods.

So for the folks fishing glass, do you follow this type of "logic"? Do you fish DT or WF exclusively? And, if you do switch, at what weight or conditions do you make the switch?

I switch when I win a line in a fundraising raffle.
More seriously, I prefer to fish DT for fresh water, although sometimes a reel fit is better with a WF. The heaviest DTs I have are 7, which I prefer in flowing water for mending. Usually just keep fishing DT at that weight on still water, but might switch over at 6/7 to meet conditions. Everything 8+ is WF.
Although a fair amount of 6 and under is WF, because that’s what’s often in raffles, etc., and I get lucky sometimes. Most distances don’t really matter.

Mostly a matter of reel capacity.
My WF lines tend to have long heads and long back tapers so even mending when swinging flies isn't really an issue.

Assuming the front tapers and bellies are similar on the WF and DT, then the lines are largely interchangeable.

On the other hand if the tapers are very different in the first 30' its those differences that might be the decider regardless of whether the line is a DT or WF.

+1

I switch to WF on reel capacity limit or rod length.
Short glass doesn't need a DT unless you go to a short DT, such as the BPS 10- and 15-m DT lines.

Dry fly example on a Young pattern 2a - would otherwise be fishing a DT here


Short rod example


3rd choice would be casting sliders to distant bass rises.


6-wt DT takes a lot of reel

A WF is basically a DT until you get to the rear taper, so if you consistently fish a short line it doesn't matter, granted the front tapers are the same. For me a WF line is more versatile. I don't care about the ability to switch a DT around.

Personally, I can't stand WF lines. But I do own one for fishing heavy nymphs and streamers. I don't use it often.

Personally, I used to use DT lines frequently when I frequently fished for trout. I don't have any left and likely will never buy another as I just don't have any use for them based on both my prevalent target species and how I like to fish for them. Even when I did fish them, there was really no advantage.

So, I guess to answer the OPs question, I switched from them over 15 years ago, and haven't looked back....lol

Lived in MT my whole life and fished WF my whole life until i picked up some 406 DT lines and have been fishing them the last four years,but gradually interchanging my Wf lines with the DT lines,so now it is day to day depending on the rod or stream,i usually fish dries all year but use a WF when fishing streamers.My next line is going to be a Phoenix Silk in a 4wt not sure which taper i will get as it will be a sink tip after about 4 hours.

I know those Bass Pro Shop short DT lines have been mentioned before, but this is a good reminder of them. Can solve some reel capacity issues for smaller waters when you won’t be fishing 60 feet.

i've brought up before DT aren't even like DT, many now with back taper.

Some of the modern DT's have a taper on one end that is 15ft and if you switch the line around, the front taper is 30 ft. I haven't seen one with a thinner middle yet (rear taper) but it's coming if it's not here yet. They have to have some excuse to charge $80 for a fly line.

Dwf. What a concept. That sounds like it.
I remember that post. I just didn't remember that line.