Home > The Fly Society > Angler's Glossary

Fly talk confuses and intimidates most rookies (and a lot of non-rookies too). To remove some of the mystery and provide some translation, we've created an angler's glossary. At the very least, it can help you avoid feeling like an ass at your local fly shop.

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M|N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

T

Tag (Tag End): The end of the line that is used to tie a knot (also see Standing Line).

Tailwater: Type of water found downstream from a dam (natural or manmade) or reservoir.

Tailing Fish: A term used to describe a fish feeding in shallow water. Doing so allows the tail to stick out of the water (most commonly seen in saltwater flat fishing).

Tapered Leader: A leader made of monofilament and used for fly fishing. It is thicker where it attaches to the fly line, and becomes progressively thinner as it approaches the tip end.

Tight Loop: Same as narrow loop.

Tippet: The end section of a tapered leader. Flies are tied to the tippet.

Turn Over: Act of the fly line and leader straightening out as they land on the water.

U

Unloading the Rod: Unbending the rod. Transferring the casting energy from the rod back into the fly line. (Not one of Ron Jeremy's tricks of the trade.)

W

Waders: A combination of waterproof boots and pants that allow a fisherman to wade in water. There are two main materials used: neoprene and breathable. We suggest the latter. With today's technology the warmth is excellent and movement is much better.

Weight Forward (WF): Fly line that carries most of its weight in the forward section of the line; instead of a level middle section, like a double taper. It is an easy casting line, and shoots through the guides with less resistance.

Wet Fly: Any fly fished below the surface of the water

Wet Fly Swing: Typical presentation method for fishing a wet fly. Cast the fly downstream and across, and then swim it across the current.

Wind Knot: Knot in line created by poor casting. Avoid winds knots, as they reduce the breaking strength of the line.

X

X: Measurement used to describe the diameter of leader material used in conjunction with a numeral, as in "4X". To determine the actual diameter of "4X" or any "X" number, subtract the numeral from the number 11 (eleven). The result is the diameter in thousandths of an inch. For example, to find the diameter of 4X material, subtract 4 from 11 (11 - 4 = 7) thus the diameter is .007". *Note* diameter does not always correspond to breaking strength. Confused? You should be…this is ridiculous. But what can we do?