Things You'll Need:
- fly reel
- fly line backing
- fly line
- leader
- tippet material
- scissors
-
Step 1
Attach the backing to the spool by wrapping the tag, or loose, end of the backing line around the spool two times leaving at least 3-4 inches to work with. Tie an arbor knot to secure the line to the reel, moisten the line and pull tight.
-
Step 2
Spool enough backing onto the reel to take up some of the excess space not filled by the fly line. Estimate the quantity required or refer to the manufacturers information. Tie the fly line to the backing using a nail knot.
-
Step 3
Spool the entire amount of fly line onto the reel. Make sure to evenly distribute the line across the face of the spool. This will help prevent stacking by the line which will reduce the amount of line which may be wound on a spool.
-
Step 4
Tie a leader to the fly line once again using a nail knot. Leaders will typically be tapered which means there will be a larger diameter end for tying to the fly line and a small diameter end for tying to a tippet.
-
Step 5
Match the tippet to the small diameter of the leader. Use a blood knot to attach the tippet to the leader. Refer to the Orvis knot guide for tying instructions. Tippet material is typically a mono-filament or fluorocarbon material, of a particular size and pound test, specifically designed for use as tippet.
-
Step 6
Tie a fly to the tippet using an improved clinch knot. This knot is strong yet does not tend to damage or wear the line when tied.
