Double tapers

[granters]

Hi folks. After reading about double tapers (T & S this month i think) I'm seriously considering getting one. I'm looking at the Worcestershire intermediate, seems risk free for 25 quid. I fish the river Leven mainly so i don't need to spey cast for miles. I also think the presentation would be much better for the river. The main thing i'm wondering about is how best to cast a DT line? Do normal spey casting techniques suit? And how do they handle overhead casting. All advice greatfully recieved as usual. Cheers

[acw]

granters said:

Hi folks. After reading about double tapers (T & S this month i think) I'm seriously considering getting one. I'm looking at the Worcestershire intermediate, seems risk free for 25 quid. I fish the river Leven mainly so i don't need to spey cast for miles. I also think the presentation would be much better for the river. The main thing i'm wondering about is how best to cast a DT line? Do normal spey casting techniques suit? And how do they handle overhead casting. All advice greatfully recieved as usual. Cheers

This one I can answer ,until 3 years ago all I fished with was DTs
the shakeys are probably the only full lenght one still about sadly 35 yds and not 40s (aircel and hardys used to do the 40s)
If rod is rated 10 go for an 11 and you can do all the speycasts in the book with one .
BTW still fish with them ,but if easy shooting of 8-10 yds needed go for a carron or IG line

[madkeen]

Used the worcestershire lines and they are fine for small/med rivers and your right about presentation better imo.

[granters]

Thanks for your help. It just struck me there, can you fish a DT with polyleaders? or does it defeat the purpose?

[granters]

Thanks for the help. Am i being stupid or are the shakey and worcestershire one and the same?

[granters]

my stupidity never ceases to amaze me! Shakey is of course Shakespeare. I'll get my coat, the taxi's waiting

[elwyman]

Just to add that I think DT lines are fine for smaller rivers, and I still prefer to use one in lowish water conditions when overhead casting - presentation can be better.

I've used DTs with braids and polyleaders, both are fine.

[betanut]

If it's of interest, a new vanilla coloured floating 40yard DT line from a small tackle company I have a small association with will be on the market very shortly in 9, 10 and 11 wts ;D
Price will be sub £30
If it's successful, an intermediate or neutral may follow and possibly an 8wt DT in 40yds will also be offered but this is unconfirmed at the moment. I hope to be able to commit at least one DT to the line pool

[granters]

I'll certainly bear that in mind Betanut. I'm trying out a 30 yard, #11 intermediate. Would definitely consider 40 yards when i get used to it. Cheers

[ceilidh]

Speycasting with a DT is very satisfying. I find that it helps to experiment until you find the maximum length of line you can comfortably lift and then mark the line at this point. I put a tiny whipping of 4 turns of fine nylon at the point where the line comes off the reel. It is easier to feel this as it comes to your hand than to strain your eyes trying to see a marker at the rod tip, particularly in poor light.

Obviously it is easier to lift more line in a nice fast stream than in more sluggish water and you will not always want to cast the full distance, however if you put your mark at the length you can consistently and comfortably manage it is easy to adjust your cast for particular conditions.

[granters]

That's a great idea! I was going to mark the line at the end of the rod. The simple ideas are still the best! I'd never have thought of that, cheers