What Is Fly Line Backing?

Support

• That large mass of white string raises the level of the fly line so that it can be cast over the rim off the spool. If the fly line isn't high enough, the slightest glitch in casting will lead to the fly line rubbing too hard against the inside of the spool lip. This always leads to casts that feel forced and often lead to poor fly placement and the line itself coming down too hard and too soon on the water surface. This is disastrous when fly-fishing.

Balance

• A fly rod and the human body work together best as long as there is a nice, fluid balance to the casting. Much of this comes from proper form, but just as much comes from gear being properly set up. When attaching fly-line backing, it is never wise to overtighten the line. Backing that is wound on too tight is too solid and has little give. When placing the delicate fly line above it, the two different lines have to work together rather than against each other. A too solid core around the base of the spool can lead to imbalance. This imbalance comes from small overtightened clumps of fly-line backing that throw the spool off just enough to hinder its proper rotation. This ultimately leads to minuscule hiccups in the fly line coming off the spool. And this leads to poor presentation and often line tangles.

Protection Against Heat

• It's a warm day and the fly line has been literally flying off the reel, maybe even flying out so that the backing has to be used as back-up line for the fight. There's a good deal of heat buildup in the parts that allow a fly-rod spool to zip along at often intimidating speeds. The fly-line backing also solves the purpose of protecting the fly line from spool heat buildup. Friction always generates heat, and even a small four-weight spool can spin along at a ferocious speed when an angry fish refuses to be brought in. Having that inch or so of protection over the core of the spool dissipates the friction heat, thus keeping the delicate fly-line coating safe.

Maintaining Your Backing

• Since most fly reel backing is very thin, it is inevitable that it will get dirty. All the grit that gets forced into the reel in any given day of fly-fishing leads to fly-line backing wear and tear. The buildup of grit can also lead to grit remaining in the spool and wearing away the inside of the spool.

Replacing the Backing

• Replacing the backing when it starts to discolor is always a wise decision. It inevitably has collected a lot of grit and is breaking down. Following manufacturer instructions pertaining to basic fly-spool cleaning also improves the life of not just the backing but of the spool.