How to Set Up a New Fly Rod Reel

Fly fishing is an active way to experience the beauty of outdoors. Once you acquire the necessary equipment to start fly fishing, you will need to properly line your new reel. A poor setup will ultimately lead to untimely setbacks and frustration in the water. Make the most of your fly fishing time by setting up your reel before you leave for your next outing.

Things You'll Need

  • Dacron backing
  • Fly line
  • Leader
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Connect the backing to the center, or arbor, of the reel spool using an arbor knot or several overhand knots. Backing is a thinly braided Dacron line, which comes on a spool and is available in several different diameters. Backing serves two purposes: It fills the reel spool and acts as a security line if a large fish runs farther than the length of the fly line.

    • 2

      Trim off the tag end of the backing close to the knot and wind the backing onto the spool by reeling in the same direction you would to reel in a fish. Fill the spool with enough backing so that the fly line will have just enough room to fit on the spool.

    • 3

      Locate the reel end of the fly line. Fly lines usually come neatly spooled and have a small sticker attached to one end. The reel end of the line will be skinnier than the front end on a standard weight forward fly line. The line must be attached in the right direction to cast properly.

    • 4

      Attach the backing to the fly line using an Albright knot. Make sure the knot is securely seated and trim the tag ends of both lines close to the knot. Big game fishermen often add a small drop of super glue to the knot for added security against slipping.

    • 5

      Wind the fly line onto the reel in the same manner as the backing. If the line does not fit on the reel, remove the line and take off some of the backing to allow additional space. If the spool is not filled, you may want to add more backing so that the fly line does not curl.

    • 6

      Attach the leader to the fly line. Most store-bought leaders are tapered and come with a loop tied in the thick end. If the fly line has a loop as well, a loop-to-loop connection is the simplest way to attach the line and leader. If there is no loop at the end of the fly line, cut the loop off the leader and attach the two using a nail knot.