Freshwater Lines versus Saltwater Lines February 16, 2015 – Posted in: Basics

Taper designs are only one of the many differences between Freshwater Lines versus Saltwater Lines. And though you can use both types of lines in both environments, you cannot expect to achieve best results with a line not specifically designed for the conditions. Scientific Anglers™ freshwater and saltwater lines are designed with unique attributes that allow them to achieve optimal performance for specific applications. Here are some general comparisons.

FRESHWATER TAPERS

Available in a variety of designs with different advantages, including tapers for finesse, distance, power, and general performance.

SALTWATER TAPERS

Typically designed for quick, accurate casts and maximum distance.

FRESHWATER CORES

Available with cores that perform well in all conditions, including stiff cores for warm water and cores with low stiffness qualities for cold spring creeks.

SALTWATER CORES

Although available with cores with low and moderate stiffness, many saltwater lines have a very stiff core that helps the line remain functional in hot tropical conditions.

FRESHWATER DIAMETERS

Because freshwater is less dense than saltwater, freshwater lines are typically made with larger diameters, and lower line density, to improve floatation. This also requires specialized tapers to enhance casting.

SALTWATER DIAMETERS

The density of saltwater allows us to create lines with smaller diameters, and therefore greater densities, without losing floatation qualities. The smaller diameter also allows easier casting in wind.