Yes and depends.
Yes you can tell what it is if you spool it off either Weight Forward or Double Taper. I doubt it is going to be a sinking line so we'll leave it at just those two types of floating lines. Pull it off holding it in your finger so you can feel the diameter. If it goes from thick down to skinny its weight forward. If it goes from skinny to thick then its double taper.
The other part in your question about casting. You can learn to cast with either but a weight forward is more common/preferred. Double taper are a cost effective, close range, roll cast technique line. It can be used for general fishing and I have a reel with it but weight forward is what you want.
All fly lines are ruled by a governing body and have to be the same grain weight guidelines for the first 30ft. So a double taper 5 weight and weight forward 5 weight floating line will weigh pretty much the same at 30ft after that they take on their charateristics.
To sum it up a little clearer: If you are practicing casting 30ft or less both lines will be about the same, beyond 30ft the weight forward will feel easier to cast and will load the rod better which is why its more common of a line to use.
|