Oversizing Fly Line

[Tom]

Just wanted to hear some opinions on oversizing fly lines to increase casting abilities with big flies or into some wind... (11 weight line on 10 weight outfit for example)

What are the pros and cons to doing this?

[Tom]

nevermind, just saw below "proper lining"

[knotstable]

I don't beleive that oversizing is going to help with casting into the wind. Your just adding more surface area for the wind to grab. I would go with a lighter outfit or downsize the line. As far as casting big flies well just keep practicing and work on your timing and your doulble haul until you get them perfected.
Just my 2 cents.

[merch]

A heavier line will no doubt make it easier to cast larger flies.

The mass of a heavier line also helps when fighting a wind. Wind resistance will become a larger problem the lighter you go regardless of diameter.

Don't forget, sinking lines of a comparable grain weight to a floater has a smaller diameter and will seem to cast better into the wind. It's easy to get confused when trying to determine what factors to look at when selecting a line/outfit to handle the wind.

Most rods can handle a wide range of grain weights depending on what you're trying to do. All I can say is to experiment and find what feels best to you and for your particular style of fishing.

There are trade-offs for everything. No simple answer.

[lance silverside]

I believe that overlining is perfectly acceptable. A heavier flyline will load the rod faster and give it more "punch" into the wind. Most if not all decent fly rods can handle at least one fly line heavier or lighter. If you're really looking to get distance into the wind, you may want to check out shooting heads., otherwise, for the North east, a 10 weight rod with either a 10 or 11 weight line will handle most situations. If you can't get the fly out with this set up, it's probably time to grab the spinning outfit. Check with any good fly shop and they can set you up.
tight lines