The importance of the tail in fly fishing: evolution, choice and maintenance

The real quantum leap in fly fishing in recent years has occurred in fly lines, a piece of equipment that has revolutionized technical performance. Modern fly lines have introduced features that were previously unthinkable: smoother transmission of energy along their entire length, a smoothness never seen before, and an ability to sink quickly that makes them essential for many fishing techniques. The tail has become a mainstay of our equipment, a crucial detail for success.

The evolution of fly lines: from simplicity to variety

In the past, tails were divided into two large families: DT (Double Taper) and WF (Weight Forward). These were reassuring categories, simple to understand and suitable for most situations. However, the evolution of fishing techniques led to the emergence of more complex profiles designed to meet specific needs. Thus, tails for delicate poses, for long-distance casting, or for handling large artificials in difficult conditions, such as high winds, have emerged.
This variety has generated some confusion, especially among the inexperienced, but it represents tremendous progress for those who know their way around. Choosing the right tail is indeed a key element, as is its maintenance.

Maintenance: a tail in good condition makes a difference

The tail is the hallmark of fly fishing, but too often it is neglected. I have met anglers who complained about their casting performance using ruined tails, rough as sandpaper. A well-maintained tail is essential for optimizing fishing effectiveness and accuracy.

Floating and sinking tails: characteristics and uses

Tails can be divided into two broad categories: floating and sinking. Focusing on sinkers, we can distinguish between two further subgroups:

1. Uniform sinking tails: they sink along their entire length.
2. Sinking tip tails: have a sinking part and a floating or intermediate part.

Personally, I prefer the sinking tips. In environments such as rivers and streams, these tails work where you really need them: the sinking part sits in the main stream, while the floating part stays in the shallower or slower areas, avoiding entanglements on the bottom. In addition, the sinking tips make it easier to load the rod, reducing false casts and improving the efficiency of the fishing action.

Sinking lines: density and sink rate

Sinking lines are distinguished primarily by the density of the material from which they are made, which determines their sinking speed. This is indicated on the packaging with abbreviations such as DI or S, followed by a number representing the sinking speed in inches per second (Inch/sec). For example, a WF8S3 tail sinks at about 3 inches per second, equivalent to 7.5 cm per second.
For fishing in flowing water, fast intermediate tails, with a sink rate of about 3 cm/second, are ideal. However, the behavior of a sinking tail in water also depends on the speed of the current and the type of artificial being used. For example, a floating artificial can compromise the efficiency of the tail, which is why I prefer artificials leaded on the hook shank, which respect the characteristics of the tail and optimize the fishing action.

Conclusion

The tail is a crucial element in fly fishing. Its choice and maintenance cannot be neglected if you want to improve your performance. Knowing how to combine the right tail with the right artificial means optimizing each cast and making the most of the equipment’s potential. Ultimately, a well-chosen and maintained tail can make the difference between an ordinary day of fishing and a memorable one.

Which tail to choose? The answer is not unique

The question “Which tail to choose?” is one of the most frequently asked among fly fishers, but it has no universal answer. Just as there is no perfect rod, there is no philosopher’s tail either. Fishing, by its very nature, is a dynamic activity that requires the ability to continually adapt to different situations. To think that we are imposing our choices on nature is a mistake: it is the fish, with their behavior, that suggest the best strategy.

Adapting to the “mood” of the fish

Every fishing day is unique, and success depends on our ability to interpret the “mood” of the fish. There are times when a fast, aggressive striper can make all the difference, triggering decisive attacks. On other occasions, however, it is a slow, cadenced retrieve that proves to be the winning choice. The key is to experiment and observe, modifying our technique according to the reactions of the fish.

Two tails for every occasion

For this reason, I always carry at least two tails with me, ready to respond to the needs of the moment:

1. MegaMarmo S7: This is my top choice, used in 70 percent of situations. This tail is ideal for handling accurate casts and providing good sinking ability, especially useful in the most common streamer fishing situations.
2. Fast Intermediate Tail: My second option is an intermediate tail, perfect for those days when fish are at a slightly greater depth or react better to softer, smoother presentations.

Versatility is the key to success

Having multiple tails does not mean complicating your life, but equipping yourself with tools to deal with different fishing conditions. Changing tails, or adapting your retrieve, can turn a day of low activity into a catch-rich experience. Fly fishing is an art that rewards those who are versatile and open to changing their strategy to follow the rhythm of nature.
Ultimately, there is no perfect tail, but the right one for every moment. The ability to choose and alternate between different options is what distinguishes a good angler from an extraordinary one.