Double taper or weight forward?
The correct line weight (that loads the fly rod optimally) must also be related to the length of line that the angler can comfortably ‘aerialise’. Experienced casters are able to aerialise a longer line than can beginners. The double taper line is very versatile, in that it allows a relatively wide range of line lengths to be aerialised (fly rods can, in fact, handle a range of line weight either side of that ideal weight which loads the rod optimally). The trouble with double taper lines is that they do not shoot very well and distance casting is harder to achieve. Weight forward lines are easier for the novice, because the ‘head’ portion is designed to be the optimum weight for a rod rated for the same AFTM number (as the line). Provided you know where the head joins the running/shooting line (see the tip, below), the optimum weight of line can be aerialised to load the rod while casting and -if required- extra distance achieved by shooting the relatively thin and light shooting line. I firmly believe that beginners should always start with a weight forward line.
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Choosing the correct head length for your fly line
When choosing a conventional weight forward line, the length of the forward portion (aka the ‘head’, or ‘belly’) must be such that you can aerialise it comfortably. Once again, the better caster you are, the longer the head you will be able to handle. Beginners should start with a head of no more than 10 or 12 metres. My ArrowHead lines were developed to be even easier to use: in fact, you hardly have to worry about head length at all. The reason for this is that ArrowHead lines incorporate a long, graduated back taper to the head or belly which allows a wider range of line length that can be aerialised compared to conventional weight forward lines. The design is a help to beginners, improvers and even experts!
Sinker or floater
Beginners should always start with a full floating line. For river trout fishing, a floating line is used in nearly all circumstances and maybe 85% of one’s fishing on small still waters. Later on, particularly for big still waters, you can choose from a variety of sinking lines to fish at different depths. Sinking lines are available in a range of densities, which govern both the speed at which they sink and the effective depth at which one can fish. Sinking lines are thinner than floaters (weight for weight) and will therefore cut through the air more efficiently. For this reason, a sinker is often easier to cast into a strong wind and for maximum distance.
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Improve your casting
marking your fly lines with a waterproof felt-tip pen. Mark a three or four inch band on your line at the point indicates the length of line that loads your rod properly and that you can aerialise comfortably. It takes away the guesswork and enables you to see exactly how much line you need to retrieve before recasting.