How much backing should i put on my fly reel

Another great option is to consult with your local fly shop. Fly shops spool up dozens of reels a day and employees often have a sixth sense for line capacity. Fly shops also use a machine to wrap the backing tightly on the spool. Home Experts. Triple density lines seem to cast more like floating lines. They also handle easier than a heavy single density line. If you have ever cast a heavy streamer set up, you would know that they are not always smooth.

Lines also come in a variety of textures. Traditionally, lines are smooth. But now, manufacturers are coming up with different textures. Textures reduce friction, increase casting distance, and increase the longevity of the line. A well thought out line choice can be the difference between successful fishing and failure. The line weight and taper choice can compliment your rod and casting, bringing both to the next level.

As with any gear, the components need some maintenance. The backing can get mildew or cut into itself if not spooled properly. Keep an eye on it to make sure the integrity remains. A good rule of thumb is to replace the backing every other time you replace your line. Many reels are machined out so that air can dry your backing more quickly. This helps extend its life.

Lines can get nicked, dirty or knotted, so keep an eye on them as well. Simply wash your line with soap and water. Scrub lightly to remove dirt and scum. Lastly, apply the silicone gel. She spends her free time chasing her next catch and creating work about the American West. Hands-free lighting is a necessity for all sorts of outdoor activities. Here, we line up the best headlamps of the year.

Worst case scenario is, you get better tying nail knots. Rip Tide Well-known member. Messages 10, Reaction score Location quiet corner, ct. Last edited: Sep 24, Messages 8, Reaction score 2, Location Rothschld, Wisconsin.

Backing serves two purposes. It allows you to stay connected to the fish when it takes all the fly line out. However, in your case, the main purpose will be to fill the "extra space" on the reel so that the fly line "fills the spool".

If you put just the fly line on the reel, each wind of the reel will retrieve less line and the line will be in tighter coils that will be a problem in colder weather. One problem you will need to solve is how much backing you need to use. Too much and the fly line and leader will rub on the reel cage when you wind the reel after and during fishing. Too little and the fly line will be in tighter coils and you will gain less line as you wind the reel. You want to be able to gain the maximum amount of line with each turn of the reel but not have so much line on the reel that you trap the line against the reel cage.

The best way to determine how much backing is needed is to first put the fly line and backing on the reel backwards, ie. Set up the reel so it is correct for whether you wind with your right or left hand. Then remove the spool, noting vey carefully which direction the spool rotates when you are winding line onto the reel. Next take the front end of the fly line and pull the tip through the reel cage where the fly line would normally exit the reel.

Then take the fly line to the spool, and wind in the direction the spool would turn on the reel when winding on the line. Wind enough fly line so that the tip is trapped under the following wraps so you can tug on the line and it is tight against the spool. This is important because the extra diameter provided by the backing keeps you fly line from being wrapped too tightly in small circles around the arbor. The bigger the diameter of these wraps of fly line, the better as this prevents your fly line from becoming kinked and developing memory coils that affect casting performance and create unwanted knots and tangles.

Spool your backing methodically and cleanly to avoid overlapping wraps that can knot or tangle at the most inopportune times. The most typically used backing is braided nylon in either 20lb or 30lb test strength. For light duty saltwater and most freshwater fly fishing, 20 lb is fine. The heavier gauge 30 lb is generally reserved for tarpon and other larger saltwater fish. It has a much smaller diameter and a higher breaking strength.

This may be important for fish that make, long extended runs like billfish.