The Purpose of Fly Reel Backing

Backing is the line that sits behind a fly line on a reel and serves multiple functions for anglers. It provides them with many solutions when encountering problems during fishing trips. Attaching the fly line backing is necessary to set up your fly reel properly. Before doing this, ensure you know which end belongs to the running line, as it should typically be clearly indicated on its label.

Increase Line Capacity

Backing is typically overlooked when fishing for freshwater species such as bass, trout, or smaller species that typically take less than 100 feet off their reel once hooked.

An arbor or Albright knot is an effective and straightforward method for securely connecting your backing to a fly line. Simply form a loop in your backing and pass your fly line through it two times for a strong connection that won't unravel over time.

Provide Extra Line for Long Runs

Many anglers prefer gel-spun poly as an alternative to traditional Dacron backing for longer runs. Its material contains polyethylene, which is also used in bulletproof vests and high-performance sailing lines.

The most efficient approach to selecting an adequate amount of gel-spun poly backing to spool on a reel is to spool it in stages, starting with backing and gradually adding a running line as you go along. This lets you fill your reel with enough line and backing without gaps or overlap.

Maintain Consistent Line Diameter

Backing is an effective way of keeping the fly line spooled evenly around its spool, helping prevent overlaps from creating knots and tangles when fighting fish.

What Is The Purpose Of Backing On A Fly Reel

The backing is typically available in various sizes and materials, with fly shops often using brightly-colored orange or gel-spun Dacron to help anglers identify it in the water.

Once the amount of fly line backing required has been determined, it's time to secure it to the reel. A loop-to-loop or nail knot is an effective way of joining backing to a reel, though double-nail splices offer superior strength by maintaining nearly 100 percent of breaking strength for each line. When attaching backing this tight, it must still leave plenty of room around its line guard to do its job efficiently.

Prevent Line Tangling & Snarling

Backing is an effective way to prevent fly line tangles and snarling by providing your line with an anchor point as it winds its way around your arbor or reel's spool. This technique can be especially helpful when fighting long-running species; however, it's also great when fishing trout in freshwater systems where rocks, coral, or current might cause them to get caught in your line and tangle up.

As part of your reel setup, when using fly line backing, securing its end to the center spool using an overhand knot such as a Triple Surgeon's Knot or nail knot is important. Once this knot has been secured, wind it evenly onto your reel before connecting your fly line using either a clinch knot or an Albright knot.

Enhance Drag System

Fly reel drag systems are essential tools in fighting fish. By providing resistance against the rotation of the spool and helping prevent backlash, they protect against long runs of species. Setting drag adjustments correctly becomes especially crucial when targeting these species.

Fly reels equipped with disc drag systems use a spring-loaded "pawl" that rests against the teeth of a gear to provide resistance when stripping a line from its spool. Moreover, you have to choose the best fly fishing gear as well. Compressed drag washers can then be compressed further via screw or lever pressure against its surface as the "pawl" bounces along.

Fly backing expands a reel's arbor or spool diameter, helping it retrieve more line with each crank and decreasing memory and coiling effects. A loop-to-loop knot works best, though nail knots also work.

Support Heavier & Larger Fish

Assuring yourself that you have enough fly reel backing is critical when fishing for larger fish such as permit, roosterfish, and salmon, which have long-distance running abilities. Adequate fly line backing is especially essential when targeting these species.

Various kinds of fly reel backing are available, including Dacron, gel-spun backing polyethylene, and ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Dacron is the most popular of these options and is made out of tough polyester called polyethylene terephthalate (or PET), the same plastic found in soda bottles and spinnaker sails on advanced racing boats. Dacron has a low friction coefficient, making it suitable as a fly reel backing material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that our readers have asked us

Do I Need Backing for Fly Fishing?

Yes, backing is essential for fly fishing. It provides an extra line for long-running fish, fills the reel for better line retrieval, and helps balance the rod and reel setup. Backing ensures you have enough fly lines to handle powerful fish that make extended runs.

How Much Backing Do You Need on a Fly Reel?

The amount of backing needed on a fly reel depends on the reel size and the type of fishing. Generally, 50-100 yards of backing is sufficient for freshwater fishing. 150-300 yards may be necessary for larger fish or saltwater fishing. Check your reel's specifications for capacity guidelines.

What is the best backing line for a fly reel?

The best backing line for a fly reel is typically braided Dacron. It offers a good balance of strength, thin diameter, and low stretch. Popular choices include brands like RIO, Scientific Anglers, and Cortland. Gel-spun polyethylene (GSP) is also excellent for higher capacity and greater strength but is more expensive.

Conclusion

Fly reel backing plays a vital role in enhancing your fly fishing experience. It provides essential benefits such as increased line capacity, maintaining consistent line diameter, preventing tangles, and supporting the drag system. Understanding and utilizing backing is essential for every angler looking to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness on the water.

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