The Fly Line (ultimately the most important part of your outfit)
There are many different types of fly line and they are all coded so that you know the line taper, weight (AFTM size) and characteristics/density (floating, intermediate or sinking). So an example of what you would see on a line; WF 9 F would be a Weight Forward, 9 weight, Floating line.

The fly rod’s number rating should always correspond with the fly-line weight number. The numbering starts at #0 for the lightest river rod and can go as high as #16 being the heaviest saltwater fly-rod suited to large game fish.

Here are the common fly line taper and characteristic/density codes:
Taper Codes
L – Level line, no taper
DT – Double
ST – Shooting Taper
WF – Weight Forward

Characteristic/density Codes
F – Floating
S – Sinking
I – Intermediate
F/S – Sinking tip but the rest of the line floats

The numbering used for line/rod/reel rating can sometimes be paired. This simply means that you can use either weight, so a #8/9 means that you can use a combination of either weight. The heavier line weight usually loads the rod better and it is in most cases better to cast a #9 line on a #8/9 rod.

The fly reel holds four different line types. On the base of you reel axis is about 50 to 200 metres of backing line (Dacron). The backing provides that extra line you will need when a big fish is hooked and you need to let it “run”. It also increases the diameter of the axis and prevents your fly-line from being damaged through over tightening.

Attached to the backing is about 30 metres of fly-line which comes in different types and colours with floating, intermediate and sinking being the three basic fly-line types. Attached to the fly-line is a leader which is usually a clear tapered monofilament line that helps with a natural fly presentation. Finally between your leader and fly you can attach a tippet which is a soft but strong monofilament line that also aids in the presentation of your fly. It’s preferable to always use a tippet because it increases the lifespan of your leader.