How Heavy is a Fly Line?

When you are buying a fly line, you will find that it comes in different weights and lengths. Some anglers may not know what these numbers mean. But all manufacturers weigh their fly lines. The weight of the line is expressed in grains. Each grain weighs about 1 gram. That is why it is important to get the right weight for your fly line.

The average person believes that flies live only 24 hours, but larger flies can live for days or even months. The smaller flies, such as mayflies, have a shorter lifespan. House flies lay eggs in decaying organic matter. The eggs hatch rapidly after the female flies lay them and can contain as many as 500 eggs.

Fly line weight is critical to the success of your casting. The weight of your fly line should match the weight of the flies you’re using. In other words, it must be the right size for the target species. A good rule of thumb is to use a 134-146 grain line for a 5-weight fly.

A fly line weight of 5 to 6 is considered the “everyman’s fly line weight” because it’s perfect for casting in fast-moving bodies of water and catching small and medium-sized trout. Beginners should consider a line weight of 5 or 6 to get a feel for the fishing technique.