How to Attach Backing to a Fly Line

fishing reel image by Brett Mulcahy from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Predatory fish with a big bite and large jaw size can wreak havoc on your fly line, needling it down to the backing in some cases. To remedy the problem, attach fly line to the backing line on your fly reel using a constriction knot, which is strong enough to securely attach both lines, while remaining small enough to pass through the eyelets on your fly reel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Backing and fly lines
Clipper

Step 1

Remove any tangles from the fly line and pull it straight. Release 2 feet of backing line from the fly reel. You won't need the entire 2 feet of backing line to tie the constriction knot, but the allowance will make the tying process easier to complete.

Step 2

Overlap 4 inches of fly line with 4 inches of backing line. Position the tip of each line so they are not head on.

Step 3

Pass the backing line into a 1-inch loop next to the tag end of the fly line. Bring the backing line back around the fly line. Wrap the tag end of the backing line repeatedly around the fly line, about six times for a strong hold. Maintain each wrap inside the loop and include any backing line that is near the fly line.

Step 4

Close the constriction knot by pulling each end snugly.

Step 5

Cut excess line using a line clipper.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...