How to Thread a Fly Fishing Line

Threading a fly fishing line is a fine art. You want to do this correctly, so you can properly pull in your fish once you make a catch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Line
• Leader
• Lure
• Scissors or knife
• Lubricant

1. Determine the weight of your fly fishing line, with 1 being the thinnest and lightest to 15 being the heaviest. What type of fish you're going for has to be considered. For example, trout or bonefish require a lighter line. Bass or tarpon require a heavier line.
2. Determine how you are going to cast your line. You can float the line on the surface of the water or sink it just below the surface. Surface fly fishing and sinking require different types of lures.
3. Thread the fly fishing line through the eyes on the rod, and then attach the leader. The weight of line and the lure you are using determines the type of knot to use to attach the leader to the line. Always give approximately five to seven turns on the knot for the most stability.
4. Attach the hook to the leader by threading the leader through the eye of the hook. Then wrap the line approximately seven times. This is called a Cinch Knot. It is the most common and strongest knot.
5. Lubricate the line to reduce static, and then tighten the line and trim the excess line. There are various lubricants and line dressings available on the market. If you don't have lubricant or dressing, water or spit works wel. However, they don't last as long as commercial lubricants.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide which rods to take prior to leaving. Always take at least two rods and reels along with plenty of line.

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