How to Tie Dacron Fishing Line

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Dacron is a braided line consisting of smaller individual strands of Dacron twisted or braided into a larger line. Typically small in diameter, Dacron lines are used as both a main line and backing in fresh and saltwater fishing situations. Many fly anglers in particular use Dacron as a backing for the main line on their fly reels. Attaching the Dacron to the fly reel is a simple process requiring the use of a simple-to-tie knot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fly rod with matched reel
Dacron line
Fly line
Scissors or snips

Step 1

Attach the Dacron line to the spool of the fly reel with an Arbor knot. Pull the free, or working end, of the Dacron line around the spool of the fly reel so that several inches of line extends past the spool. Hold the working end alongside the main Dacron line.

Step 2

Form a loop around the main line with the working end and tie a simple overhand knot. Tie the overhand by crossing the working end of the Dacron line over itself that will also close the loop around the main line. Feed the working end through the loop but do not pull tight.

Step 3

Tie a second overhand knot below the first knot in only the working end of the Dacron line. Grasp the working end of the line above and below the knots and pull the line in opposite directions to tighten the knots.

Step 4

Pull the main Dacron line to snug the knots down against themselves and against the spool of the reel. Trim the excess from the working end of the line with sharp scissors or snips.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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