"I'm unsure which is better - the Epic fly rods or the Epic Service. Both are unmatched!
Steven T.Got a studio built and loved it. Hit it in the back of the ferrule with a closer cracking it. The new tip section I ordered is spot on and was the easiest and best rod repair that I have ever had done. Read More
Steven T.“Overlining” a fly rod refers to the practice of using a fly line that is rated higher than the designation on your fly rod. Eg using a 6wt fly line on a fly rod designated as a ‘5wt’.
Underlining a fly rod is the reverse I.e using a 5wt fly line on a fly rod designated by the manufacturer as a ‘6wt’ fly rod.
This all gets a little sketchy these days because:
It's important to know that overlining or underlining a fly rod will not change it’s intrinsic properties. It will, all things being equal, make it bend more or less for a given amount of line out the rod tip.
Why you might wish to overline your fly rod.
Keep in mind that many fly lines are now over the AFFTA recommended weight for the specification - so in many cases you are already casting an “over-lined” fly rod by default
All things being equal - a lighter line will deflect / bend the rod less for a given amount of line out.
This can:
If you look at the actual weight stated on fly line specifications above, you’ll see that many fly lines are heavier than the highest limit of the specification.
The problem then is that unless you’re aware of that when you buy the fly line, you might be overlining a fly rod that is already effectively overlined.
The AFFTA system, is not perfect, but if line manufacturers kept their products in line with the standard specifications there would at least be a “standard” and all our lives would be made much easier. Then, you could adjust up or down for your rod type without having to double-check that the specifications of the line matched the standard.
Our Glassline fly lines - produced for us by Scientific Anglers USA match the sweet spot for a given weight exactly. Epic Glassine fly lines - True to weight fly lines
Our fly rods are rated against the AFFTA standard for each line - and are, to the fullest extent possible - true to weigh. Epic Studio Built Fly Rods - True to Weight Fly Rods
Fly Fishing: Fly Rod Ratings, Fly Line Weights and the Arms Race
Love fishing !!!
Shure wouldent mind wining this fine looking set up i tell you what it looks all kinds of nice
this is a very clear response for stupidly wt’ed fly rods…..I personally over line most of my rods for a smoother feel and the ole slingshot effect…also suits my casting style…if there is such a thing……for me I use a heavier line to gain a little more distance with larger flies…and its just smoother in almost all circumstances…at least for me…
my personal experience with underlining..well i have watched friends of mine forcing casts to large fish..using a line wt designated for the rod they were using…meeeeeow…resulting in a hinging and a very slight rod separation at the ferrule.often resulting in casting rod tips down the line on more than one occasion and broken rods at the ferrule when setting the hook on fairly large salmon…on more than ne occasion….ah the fast rod designation…….these were not inexpensive off brand rods were talking about here…..either…
this is a great article…..thanks…….what about those AIR FLO lines wt’ed at a line and a half over the rods they are supposed to work…yipes…why not just call an 9wt a nine and not an 8wt…..well…enough of my blather….thanks again for the great info…..if i had a bundle i would definitely buy your 8wt 888 rod……meoooooow..what a slingshot …with the right line ritchp
I enjoy fishing with a delicate 4 weight and I underline as the rod is a soft and slow and I find the rod copes better and so does my casting for that matter!
That, in this health-conscious era, so many overweight fly rods gets fitted with overweight lines, creating a generation of overweight tackle families, is simply shameful. There needs to be a Government Enquiry. Until then remember, the only safe practice is to slim down by specifying safe standards from your rod studio. Practice safe spey, kids.
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A while back the nice folks at 1964 mag' did an article on us in their fine mag.
That article is now online, and if you're so inclined to read a bit about us, and our journey to making the worlds best fly rods - here it is.
What are the triggers that make trout & Salmon run at a specific time?
Every year trout and salmon leave their feeding grounds and begin to migrate back to the small streams and headwater spawning and rearing areas.
Jules Lamour
December 14, 2021
Hi everyone, I have an Epic Glass 7 ft in 3 weight. Excellent for dry flies! If I cast a maximum of 20 foot on small stream (so 67% of the first 30 foot line), then a 4 weight line works better for me (I use natural sylk). After all, the first 30 ft of a 3 line is only 20% lighter than a 4 line. The yellow DT Glassline from Epic has a very short front taper (I thought 6 ft). This also makes loading the rod at short distances easier. Greetings from Belgium, Europe.