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The best 7wt fly line is going to be your bread and butter if you enjoy throwing streamers for big trout and bass. It’s big and strong enough that it can handle those big articulated flies and shoot it forward with enough force to get out to where the fish are.
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However, a 7wt line is also pretty versatile. You may not be able to nymph well or throw smaller dries but it can also be used for steelhead, salmon, as well as smaller saltwater fish.
So, if you’re interested in getting into the world of 7wt fly line then check out the information below.
Looking For a 7wt Set-up?
When to use a 7wt Fly Line
Of course, you’ll always use your best 7wt fly line with your 7wt fly rod and your 7wt fly reel, but there’s more to consider than just a perfectly balanced set-up.
If you find that the trout are not interested in your dries or nymphs then it’s time to set down the 5wt. This is where it’s time to pick up your 7wt and start throwing baitfish patterns.
Throwing these patterns are also great for targeting large fish too. So if you enjoy chasing trophy brown trout and rainbows then this is the line for you.
7 wt line also works great when bass fishing. It can throw those large poppers and streamers that largemouth and smallmouth love so much. While also being strong enough to haul in those big bucket mouths.
Understanding 7wt Fly Line Tapers
There are several different types of taper and each one can benefit you. However, We’re only going to cover four of the most popular ones. Below we’ll discuss these so you know which one is the 7 weight fly fishing line for you.
Weight Forward Taper (WF)
The WF taper is easily the most popular taper in fly fishing. It has a thicker and heavier front section that allows for easier fly turnover. This is ideal when you want to throw bigger flies with this heavier line.
Double Taper (DT)
A double taper is used primarily for delicate presentations. So if you’re throwing big flies then this is probably not needed. However, It could be useful for certain saltwater situations where landing a crab fly gently in the water would be beneficial.
Level Taper (LT)
A level taper does not have any taper to it. It’s Just a flat line that goes straight across. Because of this is the cheapest line you can buy. You’ll also find that an LT does not cast as well as a WF or DT.
Shooting Taper (ST)
If you’re fishing big water then a shooting taper would be great to get your fly out further and cover a lot of water. Ideal for large rivers, lakes, as well as saltwater. Every angler wants to get more out of their favorite fly rod and an ST line can help you do it.
Length of 7 Weight Fly line
Most fly line is going to come in a pack of around 100 feet. Some companies will vary but this is usually the average. If you’re worried about a monster brown trout spooling you then ensure you have a strong leader.
If you’re still concerned then make sure that you have enough backing on your reel. You can either put it on yourself or have the employees at your local fly shop to set up your fly reel for you.
What Makes a Great 7wt Fly Line?
When looking for a 7 wt fly line there are several features you should look for. Each one is going to help improve your fishing. So, below we cover four of the most popular features.
There are many more features than the ones we have listed below but these are the best four to get you started.
Temperature Control
Since you’re 7wt can be used in many different types of water it’s important to make sure that it can handle the extreme cold and extreme heat.
For example, if you’re steelhead or salmon fishing then there’s a good chance the air temperature and water is going to be very cold. While throwing flies to tarpon could yield warm water and weather. If your line is not rated for these temperature fluctuations then it could break.
Float, Sink Tip, Sinking
With a 7wt you won’t be drifting too many nymphs through a run for trout. You’ll be throwing big streamers, poppers, and maybe some crustaceans.
So if you want to get down deep with your streamer then a sinking line or the best sink tip 7 weight fly line would be a great way to go. If you plan on throwing shallow or floating flies then a floating line will be your best 7wt fly fishing line option.
Specialty Lines
As your rod and lines start getting bigger you’ll start to notice what is called a specialty line. These are fly lines that are made to catch certain fish or to throw specific flies.
These are the best fly line for 7 weight fly lines for larger saltwater species, or for throwing very specific flies during different times of the year.
Line Color
If you do choose the best floating 7 weight fly line then you’ll want to get something that is a bright color. This way you can throw crabs, crawfish, and other bottom feeder imitations and use the bright-line as an indicator.
If using the best sinking 7 weight fly line then you’ll want something dark. Anything too bright and it will spook the fish. Look for something black, green, or blue.
The Best 7wt Fly Lines in 2023
Now that you know exactly what to look for in the perfect 7wt fly line, it’s time to list a few of my favorites. The below lines are based on the criteria above, but also on my personal preference.
Rio Mainstream Saltwater
The Rio Mainstream Saltwater is a great all-around fly line. ideal for anglers who are looking to fish in temperate to tropical climates. So don’t use this in the chilly Atlantic or pacific waterways.
It’s an ideal line for a beginner, or for a moderately experienced angler.
Rio Intouch Big Nasty Fly Line
Besides having a great name, the Rio Intouch Big Nasty Fly Line is the best fly fishing line for a 7 weight if you want to throw large flies. If you subscribe to the phrase “chunkin’ meat” then this is the fly line for you.
Made especially for throwing big flies this is great for targeting big fish.
Anglatech Floating Fly Line
The Anglatech Floating Fly Line is a great cheap option for the angler with a budget. It has a weight-forward taper that will help turn over those big flies.
Equipped with pre-welded loops this line will allow you to easily change your leader.
Conclusion
7wt line is a great way to get out and throw big flies for big fish. It has the strength and power to force those flies out and get that leader to turn over.
With the information above you hopefully are now a little more comfortable. So head on out to your local fly shop and pick up some 7wt line!
Some images in this post are courtesy of Shutterstock.
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