How to Tie Off a Line on a Fly Reel

A fly reel properly filled consists of three individual lines. The backing, which is a soft 20- or 30-pound test Dacron material, is first tied onto the reel spool. Dacron is preferred, as it is a strong rot-free material that will not kink into tight coils from being reeled onto the spool. The fly line is then tied onto the backing and then the leader onto the fly line. The backing can be up to 100 yards of line depending on the size of the reel.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly line backing
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the fly reel so the handle side of the reel is facing away from you.

    • 2

      Peel 1 foot of line off the backing spool. Slip the end of the line into the front of the reel and around the reel spool. Hold the end of the line in your right hand and the incoming line in your left hand.

    • 3

      Pull the two ends of the line up, forming a U around the spool. Wrap the end of the line in your right hand over and then under the incoming line in your left. Continue bringing the end under itself and then over, forming a loop around the incoming line.

    • 4

      Pull the knot closed, but not tight around the incoming line. Make the same over- and under-knot on the end of the line just above the knot around the incoming line.

    • 5

      Slide the knot that is around the incoming line down until it is on the reel spool. Pull the knot tight and then pull up on the incoming line until the line is tight around the spool. Work the end knot down until it is against the first knot and clip the end of the line off 1/8 inch above the knot.