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All my #3 and #4 weight fly lines are loaded onto a BFR 5/7 modular spools which many would say is better suited to a #6 weight rod. I do have smaller reels that I don’t use because the slightly heavier reel helps me keep the rod tip high because it overbalances the butt of the rod. This helps a lot when your holding the tip of a 10 or 11 foot #3 0r #4 weight fly rod high for a full 3 hour session.

Orvis #1 weight hydro superfine (reversed) WF-1-F

The line I have settled on for my longer leader nymphing is a #1 weight Orvis Hydro Superfine forward taper fly line I chose this line, firstly because it’s dull olive in colour, which is prerequisite for a nymph line for me, and because the running line is finished the same as the forward taper and floats very well and most importantly the running line is only 0.60mm thick and 58 feet long. I have that line loaded on my reel back to front so that I fish the running line and the forward taper is connected to my backing.

Scientific Anglers trout series #3 weight floating line WF-3-F

I don’t understand the bright coloured floating lines that many fly fishers use. I was always taught that fly fishing was all about ‘stealth and cunning’ and I just cant see how a bright orange or yellow line fits into that philosophy. Sure you can see your line better when it’s on the water but I would also have to think the fish can see it better too. Also it’s one thing to be casting a dull natural coloured line and a totally different thing to be casting a bright line (or bright rod for that matter) . . . the fish must see the flash of the line or the rod on occasions so why not minimise it. As a consequence my preferred colour of floating line is clear or olive closely followed by grey.

The Scientific Anglers Mastery Series Trout line WF-3-F is my first choice of floating line for dry fly fishing on rivers. It has dry tip technology and very good floating qualities throughout. It has a surface finish that is called AST (Advances Surface Technology) which wears well but cleans easily too when you have been fishing in dirty water or dropping you line on the ground as you retrieve. It is also smooth as it passes through the runners of your rod suggesting less runner wearing friction than some of the other popular fly lines.

Cortland Clear intermediate WF-4-I

I have had this line in my river kit for a long time and whilst it doesn't get used often it does have its application. It's a great alternative line to a floating line when your fishing spiders and other small flies across and down or when wind is blowing your floating line across the surface creating additional drag.

Rio in touch deep 5 WF-4-S5

This is the lightest weight fast sink line that I could buy and provides a great option when fishing buggers and bigger flies across and down and a long drift is required with the flies a little deeper than normal.

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