Amount of backing??

[Noggin10 0]

Ok, I have a 7/8 weight fly reel and am planning on spooling with 7 weight line. However I cannot find any info pertaining to my specific model regarding its capacity of backing. Is there a standard that I can work from? Thanks

[Capt Bob LeMay 0]

No standard but here's the method I was taught many years ago..... I break down my reels as far as backing goes... 20lb for an 8wt or smaller, 30lb for 9wt and above. My first step before ever putting on line the first time is to very carefully wax the inside of the spool with a good qualitey automotive wax and buff clear.... Now for the fun part... wind on your fly line first (yep, we're doing things backward...) then wind on the backing on top of that. Be careful not to wind on too much backing (leave a bit of space to allow you to wind things back on a bit uneven during a fight with a good fish. Once you know exactly how much backing to add, then remove it, also the fly line and reverse the process -winding on the backing first, then a strong loop to loop connection (I prefer a bimini twist on the backing followed by a doubled surgeon's loop

-and the loop needs to be large enough to pass the reel through....). Set up this way it's very simple to change fly lines (since you just dismount the reel, pass it through the backing loop and you're ready to add another fly line....

 

All of the above is for dacron or Micron backing (and no you still don't know the backing capacity (unless you can obtain it from your reel's manufacturer (and you're willing to believe their figures...). If you prefer one of the new super braids then I'd use a minimum of 30lb for an 8wt and smaller, 50lb for a 9wt. and larger... Hope this helps. By the way in the salt I want a minimum of 200 yards of backing (300 for tarpon reels (10wt up to 13wt rods).

[Piker20 0]

yep I use the same method, fly line on first then backing then you are spot on. Captain, what is the purpose of the wax on the spool?

[Rocco 0]

If you buy your reel and line new, most stores will set up the reel for you and give you backing gratis. (I just did this.) They have the experience with a wide range of reels and lines and the priority to get it right the first time.

 

Line recommendations that come with reels are very ball parkish as types and brands of line very widely in thickness. Besides, unless you have a yardage counter or the length is given in hundred yard segments, there is no way of measuring it correctly at home.

 

Another way to do the deed at home it is to do the backing first, bypass the point where you think it most likely is just right, then try the fly line, and then cut back the backing until it is right where you want it. A little wasteful but there is not much you can do with left over backing anyway. Doing the fly line first is probably the best way but you may need 2 line winders to avoid piles of tangled backing. Stacking it on the floor is an invitation for your loyal Lab to join in the fun.

 

Good Luck,

Rocco

[Rocco 0]

If you buy your reel and line new, most stores will set up the reel for you and give you backing gratis. (I just did this.) They have the experience with a wide range of reels and lines and the priority to get it right the first time.

 

Line recommendations that come with reels are very ball parkish as types and brands of line very widely in thickness. Besides, unless you have a yardage counter or the length is given in hundred yard segments, there is no way of measuring it correctly at home.

 

Another way to do the deed at home it is to do the backing first, bypass the point where you think it most likely is just right, then try the fly line, and then cut back the backing until it is right where you want it. A little wasteful but there is not much you can do with left over backing anyway. Doing the fly line first is probably the best way but you may need 2 line winders to avoid piles of tangled backing. Stacking it on the floor is an invitation for your loyal Lab to join in the fun. BTDT.

 

Good Luck,

Rocco

[sandflyx 0]

need more info, lg. arbor, med. arbor, standard, who's the brand of reel ?

[Noggin10 0]

Thanks. The fly line first trick is just what I was needing.

[Capt Bob LeMay 0]

Noggin, since I'm primarily a saltwater angler (and full time guide) corrosion is an ongoing battle. If you carefully wax your spool first before winding any line on it the spool portion of your reel will last a lot longer (and if you're paying big bucks for that reel anything that helps is welcome). These days reels are much better protected from corrosion but no reel is completely safe (particularly up under you backing where you can't see what's happening.... until it's too late.

[Piker20 0]

Cheers, I don't need car stopping power in my salt reels, well not yet and use cheaper or older reels but will add that trick in to help them last.