How to Tie Dacron Fishing Line

Before nylon lines entered the fishing scene and became popular, Dacron lines were just about the only game in town. Typically consisting of Dacron threads spun or twisted to form a small diameter fishing line, these lines were susceptible to abrasion, had poor knot strength and very little stretch. Through the years Dacron has disappeared from many fishing spools, however, it is still a popular choice among fly fishing anglers as a backing to fly line.

Things You'll Need

  • Fly reel
  • Dacron line (backing)
  • Fly line (main)
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the free end of the Dacron line backing to your fly reel spool with an arbor knot. Begin forming the knot by pulling several inches of line around the spool of the reel.

    • 2

      Form an overhand knot with the free end so that the loop passes around the main line. Form a second overhand knot just below the first knot using only the free end this time. Pull the knots down tight around the spool and trim excess line from the free end with a pair of sharp scissors.

    • 3

      Wind the Dacron line onto the spool following the spool manufacturer's recommendation for backing line yardage. A rule of thumb is to spool between 40 and 50 yards of Dacron backing.

    • 4

      Attach the Dacron line backing to the main fly line with an Albright knot. Begin the Albright knot by forming a loop about 3 inches from the end of the fly line. Insert the free end of the Dacron line through the loop. Hold the fly line loop and Dacron line alongside each other with your thumb and index finger.

    • 5

      Wrap the free end of the Dacron line around the three lines. Make three to four turns around the backing line and main line loop. Feed the free end of the Dacron line out through the fly line loop the same way it came through initially. Hold the lines at both ends of the knot and pull down securely. Trim excess from the free ends on both sides of the knot.