Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Line of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Saltwater fly fishing line is an essential piece of equipment for any angler looking to catch fish in the ocean. Made with a sturdy core and a durable coating, these lines are designed to withstand the harsh saltwater environment and the powerful fish that inhabit it. With a variety of weights and tapers available, anglers can choose the perfect line for their specific fishing needs. Whether targeting bonefish on the flats or casting to tuna in deep water, saltwater fly fishing line is a must-have for any serious angler.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

RIO Mainstream Saltwater Fly Fishing Line Cover #TOP 1
RIO Mainstream Saltwater Fly Fishing Line
ftb score rating icon 9.8
RIO Avid Bonefish Fly Line Cover #TOP 2
RIO Avid Bonefish Fly Line
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SF Saltwater Fly Line Cover #TOP 3
SF Saltwater Fly Line
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Saltwater Fly Fishing Line

#TOP 1

RIO Mainstream Saltwater Fly Fishing Line

6-20761
Blue
8 Weight
RIO Mainstream Saltwater Fly Fishing Line Cover
RIO PRODUCTS Fly Line Mainstream Saltwater Wf8F, Blue

The RIO Mainstream Saltwater Fly Fishing Line is designed for novice and average fly fishers, with rigorous production processes and quality control standards. It is made in RIO's Idaho manufacturing facility, and optimized for rod performance with slightly heavier and shorter head lengths. The saltwater line is built with a hard, saltwater coating for the best performance.

What We Like
Rigorous production processes and quality control standards
Optimized for rod performance with slightly heavier and shorter head lengths
Built with a hard, saltwater coating for the best performance
#TOP 2

RIO Avid Bonefish Fly Line

6-19767
Blue
WF8F
RIO Avid Bonefish Fly Line Cover
RIO Products Avid Bonefish Saltwater Fly Line, SlickCast Easy Casting, Tropical Series, WF8F

The RIO Bonefish Fly Line is tailored for anglers targeting bonefish in shallow waters. Its specialized taper allows you to cast your flies gently and with precision, ensuring they land softly on the water's surface. The line floats high, preventing any sinking that could disrupt your cast. Built with a robust, medium-stiff core, it remains reliable even in hot conditions, providing you with the durability you need during your fishing trips. Plus, the SlickCast coating enhances smoothness, making each cast easier and more effective.

What We Like
Easy casting taper
High floating design
Durable in heat
SlickCast coating
#TOP 3

SF Saltwater Fly Line

SF
FL1001-9
WF9F-90FT
SF Saltwater Fly Line Cover
SF Saltwater Fly Line with Welded Loop Weight Forward Floating Line Braided Multifilament Core Light Blue Resistant Corrosion for Saltwater 90FT WF9F

The SF Saltwater Line is a braided multifilament core fly fishing line designed specifically for saltwater fishing. With its slightly heavier weight and shorter head length, this line is optimized for rod performance in temperate climates. The supple core with a warm water coating ensures that the line stays slick even in hot conditions, making casting smooth and effortless. Additionally, the hard saltwater coating provides extra resistance to corrosion, ensuring the durability of the line in saltwater environments. The SF Saltwater Line is also overweighed, making it easier to punch through the wind and turn over large flies. With its exceptional features, this line is a reliable choice for saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts.

What We Like
Multifilament core
Optimized rod performance
Corrosion-resistant
#TOP 4

RIO Elite Flats Pro Fly Line

Elite Flats Pro
AQUA/ORANGE/SAND
WF10F
RIO Elite Flats Pro Fly Line Cover
Rio Elite Flats Pro Saltwater Fly Line, Easy to Cast Flies from Size 2/0 to 8, Low-Stretch & Ultra-Slick Performance, Aqua/Orange/Light Sand, 100ft, WF10F

The RIO Flats Pro Line is designed to help you master saltwater fishing with ease. Its mid-length head and long taper allow you to cast smoothly and effortlessly, making it easier to present your flies accurately. You'll appreciate the Surefire color marking system, which helps you gauge distances at a glance, and the Easyrid markings that simplify line identification. Additionally, the line features welded loops at both ends for quick rigging, saving you time and hassle while you're on the water. This fly line is tailored to enhance your fishing experience, whether targeting Bonefish or Tarpon.

What We Like
Effortless casting
Easy distance gauging
Quick rigging loops
Durable low-stretch core
#TOP 5

Scientific Anglers Saltwater Taper Fly Fishing Line

Mastery Saltwater All-Around
Sunrise, Light Blue
WF8F
Scientific Anglers Saltwater Taper Fly Fishing Line Cover
Scientific Anglers SA Mastery Series Saltwater Fly Line - Sunrise/Lt. Blu - WF8F

This fly fishing line is designed for use in both temperate and tropical climates. The welded loops make it easy to attach to your leader, while the two-tone design provides better visibility. With variable head lengths, you can make distance casts or quick shots to passing fish. Its compound taper also makes it perfect for turning over big flies, making it a great choice for saltwater fishing.

What We Like
Welded loops for easy leader attachment
Two-tone design for improved visibility
Variable head lengths for various casting needs
#TOP 6

Rio WF9F Saltwater Fly Line

6-20762
blue
WF9F
Rio WF9F Saltwater Fly Line Cover
Rio: Mainstream Saltwater, Blue, WF9F

The Rio Saltwater Fly Line is designed for serious anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience. With an overall length of 80 feet, this line allows for longer casts, making it easier for you to reach those hard-to-get spots in the water. It comes in various weights, including WF8, WF9, WF10, and WF11, so you can choose the one that best suits your fishing style and technique. The weight-forward design helps you cast effectively, providing better control and accuracy. Plus, its floating type keeps your flies at the right depth, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Long casting capability
Multiple weight options
Improved casting control
Floating line for depth

Scientific Anglers Shooting Lines - Surf

113748
teal
ST-10-S
Scientific Anglers Shooting Lines - Surf Cover
Scientific Anglers Fresh/Saltwater Inter Sinking Shooting Line .030"

This Scientific Anglers shooting line has a single-strand monofilament core, making it easy to cast in all weather conditions. The intermediate sinking line has a sink rate of 1.5 Ips and is best suited for freshwater or saltwater fishing. The line is colored in Surf.

What We Like
Easy-casting in all weather conditions
Intermediate sinking line
Single-strand monofilament core
#TOP 8

RIO Elite Flats Pro StealthTip Fly Line

Elite Flats Pro
WF7F/I
RIO Elite Flats Pro StealthTip Fly Line Cover
Rio Elite Flats Pro StealthTip Saltwater Fly Line, Easy to Cast Flies from Size 2/0 to 8, Low-Stretch & Ultra-Slick Performance, Clear/Aqua/Orange/Light Sand, 100ft, WF7F/I

The RIO Flats Pro Fly Line is designed for anglers who want to master saltwater fishing. Its mid-length head and long back taper allow you to cast effortlessly, ensuring smooth loops. You’ll appreciate the Surefire triple color marking system, which helps you gauge distances at a glance, making it easy to load the line. Additionally, the welded loops at both ends of the line simplify rigging, allowing you to get started quickly. With a low-stretch core, this fly line lies perfectly straight on the water, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Effortless casting
Easy distance gauging
Quick rigging
Straight line performance
#TOP 9

Scientific Anglers Frequency WF8F Fly Line

125680
Light Blue
WF8F
Scientific Anglers Frequency WF8F Fly Line Cover
Scientific Anglers 125680 Frequency , Horizon, WF8F,Light Blue

The Scientific Anglers Fly Line is designed specifically for saltwater fishing, providing anglers with the necessary durability and performance. With a weight-forward design, it helps you cast more efficiently, making it easier to reach those distant spots where fish like to hide. The 90-foot length ensures you have ample line to work with, while the built-in loop at the horizon allows for quick and easy rigging. Its light blue color not only looks great but also helps you spot your line easily in the water, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Durable saltwater performance
Efficient weight-forward design
90-foot length for versatility
Quick rigging with built-in loop
Easy visibility in water
#TOP 10

RIO's Fluoroflex Saltwater Leader for Fly Fishing

6-24512
Clear
RIO's Fluoroflex Saltwater Leader for Fly Fishing Cover
RIO Fly Fishing Leaders Fluoroflex Saltwater Leader 9Ft 12Lb Fishing Line, Clear

RIO's bonefish/saltwater fluoroflex leaders are made of 100% fluorocarbon, perfect for fishing in shallow, clear flats and catching spooky fish like bones, permit, and reds. The leader has high abrasion resistance and excellent tensile and knot strength, which can turn over flies effortlessly. The 9ft long leader comes with a hand-tied perfection loop in the butt for quick rigging.

What We Like
100% fluorocarbon material
High abrasion resistance and excellent tensile and knot strength
Long butt section facilitates effortless fly turnover
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do you need different fly line for saltwater?

Anytime you're fishing in saltwater you'll need a line made specifically for it. You could get away with using a freshwater line for a little while as long as you properly clean it after. Otherwise, it will decay and break quickly. There are all types of lines that can be used in saltwater.

2. How do I choose a saltwater fly line?

Focus on the areas you will be fishing, that areas depth, its current and the best way to present a fly there. Don't be afraid to ask questions and try new lines. Keep in mind that most quality saltwater reels have spare spools available.

3. What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater fly line?

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.

4. What is the best fly fishing floating line?

5 Top Best Floating Fly Lines in 2022 (Tested and Reviewed). Scientific Anglers Air Cel Floating Lines.RIO Products Mainstream Trout Fly Line.Cortland 444 Floating Fly Line.Orvis Hydros Trout Fly Line.Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity Fly Line.

Editor's Notes

During our saltwater fly fishing line research, we found 24 saltwater fly fishing line products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,340 customer reviews through our big data system to write the saltwater fly fishing line list. We found that most customers choose saltwater fly fishing line with an average price of $39.67.

The saltwater fly fishing line are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of saltwater fly fishing line, including RIO PRODUCTS, SF, Scientific Anglers, Rio Brands. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 228 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.