The "weight" system of identifying fly rods and fly lines was the creation of the "AFTMA" - the American Fly Tackle Manufacturers Association - which ceased to exist about 50 years ago. Given the remarkable changes in the materials and construction of fly rods in the last 50 years there should be a more accurate, descriptive, and useful way to describe today's fly rods and fly lines.

CCS

Aftma never had a system for identifying fly rods, only fly lines. Any rod will cast any line, at some distance.

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Sounds like yet another business opportunity. Great point, Tom, on any rod casting any line at some distance. Strange that so few seem to understand.

Actually, you don't even need a rod to cast a fly line. Several people can cast a fly line 50' or more using just their hands.[They double-haul] This fact is not much help to the average angler looking for the rod/line match which best suits him. Buying a line unsuitable for you and/or your fly rod does promote brisk sales in fly lines.

Phil, can you describe how one double hauls using their hands? In my limited fly fishing of 60 years, I have always used the "hau" double or single to increase the load (bend) on the rod.

With or without a rod the moves are the same.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2020 11:53AM by Phil Ewanicki.

The line goes through the thumb-forefinger of the "casting arm" instead of a rod's guide train. You use EXACTLY the same moves to double haul whether or not you have a rod - the timed yank on the line, the release, the drift of the hauling hand back to the rod hand. These moves increase the line speed, which translates to improved distance. I suppose they increase the load on the casting arm too. The load/elasticity of a rod by itself won't cast a line three feet - but it makes timing your casts a lot easier.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/12/2020 11:54AM by Phil Ewanicki.

I once asked a fishing buddy why he doesn,t fly fish, he said he quit fishing with a hand line many years ago..i just laughed.. he had me there..lol.