UNKNOWN LINE WEIGHTS

I often acquire second-hand fly lines which have no indications as to their type, profile and weight. As a general rule floating lines (F) tend to be of a light colour while sinking lines (S) tend to be darkly coloured. A line with two colours is most likely to be a sinktip line. However, if I am uncertain, I merely put them in a sink full of water.

To determine their profiles, I simply unspool and visually inspect (and clean) them. A level line (L) has a constant diameter along its entire length. I find these of little use and try to avoid them. A double taper line (DT) has a thick centre section which gently tapers down to a thin section at both ends. I like this profile for delicate presentations of dry flies. Note that these lines are reversable and therefore economical. A weight forward line (WF) has a thin constant diameter which starts at its tail end and continues along most of its length. It then abruptly tapers up to a thick section which continues for approxiamately 20' and then it abruptly tapers back down to the thin diameter at the head of the line. I find this line profile very usefull for longer casting and for turning over larger streamers and wind resistant flies such as hair-bugs.

To determine the line weight, irregardless of the line type or profile, I weigh the front 30' of the line (exclusive of the leader) and use the following chart. Needless to say, the portion of the line not being weighed needs to be supported during the weighing process. Note that adjacent line weights can be quite similar thus necessitating the use of accurate scales. Jewellers, potters,chemists and drug-dealers tend to have suitable scales. 

Line Number                Weight (Grains)               Weight (grams)
     1                           60                           3.89
     2                           80                           5.18
     3                          100                           6.48
     4                          120                           7.78
     5                          140                           9.07
     6                          160                          10.37
     7                          185                          12.00
     8                          210                          13.61
     9                          240                          15.55
    10                          280                          18.14
    11                          330                          21.38
    12                          380                          24.62
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