DT vs. WF, is there really a difference?

[Pinecone]

Obviously the answer is yes, there is a difference, but another thread with a question on fly lines got me thinking...

why is it people always suggest a WF line for beginners? I'm a beginner (sort of a re-born beginner, there's been a several year lull from when I started fly fishing to now when I'm re-starting fly fishing....)

But I learned on a DT line and have always liked them. I posted a question about fly line brands a while back and along with some good advice on what brand to buy, pretty much everyone suggested I get a WF line.

In the recent research I've done, I've read that DT and WF lines are basically the same thing and will cast almost the same for the first 45-50 feet or so (including leader material) while each definately has different advantages and dis-advantages, those advantages and dis-advantages, don't really start until 45-50 feet or so, which is well within the range at which most beginner fly casters will be casting.

So really, unless you're doing extra long casts on very large rivers, does it really matter what taper you get to begin with?? In my opinion, I don't think so...Obviously there will be exceptions with specialized tapers and shooting heads and the like, but out of curiosity, what do you guys think?

-Joseph

[Mad Mikey]

I'm not sure why a WF is suggested for beginners. A DT may require a bit more finesse on very short casts maybe?(I think it does)

I'm a DT kind of guy with my trout rod, I learned on a DT.

I also have a DT floating line for my 7wt(steelhead). If I were to use heavy flies on my 7wt I'd probably have a WF. But I don't use heavy flies on my 7wt since it is primarily a Summer fish rod. You don't need hero casts on the Deschutes to catch steelhead but I can punch my DT out there if I want to impress someone. :wink:

I have two 8wts left over from the days I worked on the "D", they have Sage WF lines and they definitely feel different than my DT I use on my 7wt.

I learned how to do spey casts on my single hander rods when the spey craze started, my DT works better than the WF in situations where I need the spey cast, and it mends better(but that's not a big issue). It's just physics though. With a DT you are working the tapered line on the water/in the air with the thicker line in your guides.

Yes, there is a difference. Just select a line that is tailored to your needs. I also like the DT's for the fact you can flip the line around when the front end gets tired, 2 flylines for the price of one, which may be the reason DT's are getting harder and harder to find.

I'm not sure about this but I believe the DT's were designed initially for smaller rods to cast delicate presentations to spooky fish.

I haven't had to buy a new fly line for maybe 5-6 years now. From what I've seen/read the line between the two types is getting blurred as technology in the field improves exponentially.

Once a person gets proficient with a fly rod they can pick up any rod with any line and figure it out quickly. The rod tells you what to do.

I dont' think it's a huge difference, rather personal preference. And it looks like the WF seems to be the most popular.

I'll stick to my DT's. :cool:

[FishWonk]

I'm a double taper kind of guy. I do a lot of roll casting, and like short, low-impact casts for much of my fishing. WF sure has it's place, but for day in and day out for trout, steelhead and smallmouth bass, I'm happy with a DT.

Somebody wiser than me said that the problem with most anglers is that they tend to cast too far, and don't focus on the good water at their feet. Obsession with distance? May be something to that.

But the real issue for me? Flipping it around when one end gets worn. I'm a genuine cheapskate!:D

[Skunked]

In theory the DT and WF are the same for the first 30-50 feet at which point the WF tapers down to narrow running line. But a lot of manufacturers make their DTs with a longer front taper than their WF, giving the DT a little softer delivery. This is not always the case so look on a manufacturers website or back of the fly line box to see the actual taper profile.

As for the best one for a beginner? that's a tough one. I started 2yrs ago with a WF and I didn't like it because I would try and false cast more line than the line could handle forgetting that I had to quit false casting and try and shoot line once I reached the running line. I switched to DT and found it easier to cast.:twocents:

One more line thought, it may also depend on how much money you are spending. More expensive lines are slicker which makes it possible to shoot a good amount of line even with a DT and I find I can cast a high quality DT almost as far as a comparable WF, but with budget lines I find the DT cannot compete with WFs in terms of distance.

Once again just my opinion, sure you'll get many contradicting ones

[Pinecone]

But the real issue for me? Flipping it around when one end gets worn. I'm a genuine cheapskate!:D


Ha! that's definately the truth FishWonk....gotta love that little added bonus....

Thanks for the opinions guys, I was just curious. I know it's largely about personal preference. I'm definately sticking with my DT as well, I can just cast it better, and for the type of fishing I do, it's just right.

-Joseph

[Grantspastor]

Probably not much practical difference. I suspect that most casters would be able to get a little more distance with a WF line. In lighter weights and casting a shorter line for trout on small streams the DT in theory would be the better choice

[Paddlefish]

Thanks, Pinecone, for doing a better job of asking the question I was attempting to formulate earlier.

And thanks to all the respondees for the sort of answers I was looking for.

And one especially: "Cheap lines and slick lines." I tried a really inexpensive :redface: weight forward line for one of my rods. When trying to shoot line on a long cast or attempting a double haul, however, it seemed that I'd accidentally bought the optional line braking feature with my rod. Not pretty -- or very successful.

THAT one's been replaced!

[Slow and Low]

I fish double taper. I like it and feel it is more versatile for me. A WF is good for dry fly fishing and lake fishing but for most river application it is better. Distance casting it's a wash for the most part but for mending DT wins every time. I am speaking, of course, for single handers.

[telehead1]

Pretty simple, really. WF lines are designed to shoot lots of line a good distance and cut down on wind resistance. I use these for heavy streamers and big dries where mending and delicate presentation aren't a concern. The drawback is that because the running line is narrower than the head, it doesn't float as high and makes mending a bit more difficult. DT lines are designed to ride higher in the water, since the running line is the same diameter as the head. I use DT lines for situations where I want a nice soft presentation (not a missile hitting the water) or where I'm going to be doing lots of mending (nymphing while wade fishing). WF lines have become more popular in recent years as single-handers looking for distance casts have stepped away from shooting heads (at least in my area). Whichever you use, inevitably you'll have to adapt to different situations with them, so go with what works best for you.