Jeez, I've jumped on this topic quite late. Hope not too late?…
Before I start about my view on what's 'wrong' (?) with current lines on the market I'd like to focus on the everlasting myth of DT lines being so well suited for slower actioned rods like fiberglass and bamboo.
Up to 30 ft there is no difference between a DT and WF.
Considering we're talking here about fiberglass (and bamboo has basically the same 'problem'), long(er) casts are rarely the case. So I'm wondering what this 'magical' thing is considered with the DT being more delicate, better or what ever it's called?…
Here's a very well documented article at bamboo rod maker Chris Carlin's site:
http://carlinbamboo.com/Essays/wfdt.htmNow, back to the topic about making a line that suits glass rod because current lines are too much designed with fast graphite rods in mind.
There are three issues that comes with this:
1) Line weight
Weight of many lines are on the upper range of what the AFTTA recommends. Basically many lines are 'heavy' lines as being at least a half weight heavier or even
past the range of the line weight.
2) Taper or weight distribution.
And here is the real innovation that could be used in favor of fiberglass fans.
The three most important recent (past 15 years) innovations in fly line design are:Lines with a long front taper with the right line weight matched to the rod's action and/or fisherman's preference will deliver the goods.
3) Finally, a little thing that is forgotten: diameter of the line.
Many lines are made to float well. You know, the water repellant chemical treatment bla bla.
But most of the floating capacity is done with lowering the density of the line by simply adding more air bubbles in the outer coating of the line.
This has one effect that is rarely mentioned =>
the diameter of the line increases.
Here's a thought:How does the the larger diameter of the current high riding lines come in play since the line will have more (too much?) air resistance for the slower actioned fiberglass (and bamboo) rods?
Turn this around => would a line with a smaller diameter (like Cortland Sylk, real silk lines) help fiberglass rod to cast the line rather than 'fight the wind' of the modern
obesity lines?