Things You'll Need:
- Fly rod
- Fly reel
- Fly line backing
- Fly line
- Fly line leader
- Fly line tippet
-
Step 1
Select the proper fly line for the rod and reel as well as the type of fishing to be done. If fishing with dry flies, which float on larger open water, select a weight-forward floating line that will enable you to cast further across larger rivers and streams. The weight of the fly line, leader and tippet should be matched to the weight of the rod and reel.
-
Step 2
Tie the backing to the spool of the reel by wrapping the line around the axle twice. Tie an arbor knot by forming a loop with the short or tag end of the line around the main line. Form another loop with the tag end and snug down. Wind on enough backing to cushion the fly line and take up extra space on the spool.
-
Step 3
Tie the fly line to the backing by using a nail knot. Lay the backing on the fly line along with a small nail or tube. Wrap the line back around itself, the line and nail with uniform loops. Pass the tag end of the backing back through the knot by following the nail as it is removed. Trim the excess.
-
Step 4
Attach a leader to the fly line by once again using the nail knot. Make sure the leader selected is appropriately matched to the fly line as well as the size flies that are being used. Tie tippet material to the leader with a blood knot. Lay the ends of the leader and tippet overlapping one another by a few inches. Wrap the lines around one another in opposite directions leaving a small opening in the center. Pass the tag ends of both lines through in opposite directions. Snug the knot and trim any excess.
-
Step 5
Thread the line through the rod by guiding the tippet, the eyes and guides. Pull the line through the end guide so that the tippet, leader and a few feet of the line are extending from the end of the rod.
