Tips for Setting Up a Fly Fishing Reel

A fly fishing reel and rod need to be set correctly, especially if you want to have a relaxing fishing experience. A reel and rod that are incorrectly assembled could cause the line to become tangled and break. 

Fly Fishing Reels

Regular spinning rods are used to fight with the fish using the the reel and rod for leverage. For fly fishing, the fish is fought by stripping the fishing line by hand and using pressure on the rod. The fly fishing reel enables you to cast with one hand and take the line off of the reel with the other hand. The reel uses an axle for mounting the spool of the fishing line. Most fly fishing reels have some type of drag. The two most common types of drags are disc-drags and pawl-click drags. These mechanisms prevent the line from becoming tangled as they come off the reel. The arbor is another part of the reel. The arbor is where the line sits. It is available in both small and large sizes. Larger sized arbors are able to reel in the fishing line faster without tangling.

Backing

Fly fishing backing is a type of line made from Dacron that connects the spool of line in the reel to the fly fishing line. The backing is particularly necessary when fishing for large fish. The Dacron in the line can support a fish between twenty and thirty pounds without breaking. About fifty yards of backing is required for fly fishing in small waters. Larger waters require closer to a hundred yards of backing. Two to six hundred yards of backing are necessary if you are saltwater fly fishing. 

Attaching the Backing to the Reel

In order to attach the backing to the spool, take the loose end and wrap it around the spool twice. Leave about four inches. Secure the backing and the line with an arbor knot. Wet the knot and the line and pull it tight 

Attaching the Backing to the Line

Spool some of the backing onto the reel. Use a nail knot to connect the backing and fly line. Spool the remaining fishing line evenly onto the reel to prevent any stacking of the line, as this would prevent you from winding the most line as possible onto the reel. 

Attaching the Line to the Leader and the Tippet

Use another nail knot to secure the fly line to a leader. The leader has a tapered shape, with one end being larger and one end being smaller. The larger space on the leader is for securing the fly line, and the smaller space is for tying the tippet. Secure the tippet to the leader with a blood knot. 

Attaching the Fly to the Tippet

Use a clinch knot to secure a fly to the tippet. The clinch knot is strong, but it will not damage or break the line.

Final Tips

Your line should match the weight of your rod. Be careful when using fine fly fishing line. When it is pulled tightly, it can become sharp and cut your skin.