There is more to fly-fishing than learning how to tie flies. The fly-fishing line setup is a precise and effective means of landing fish via a wet or dry fly. Once the fly rod and reel have been chosen for the day’s catch, the line needs to be rigged and set up. A variety of different lines may be used, with varying weights, colors and lengths. You can adjust these measurements according to your needs. However, there is a basic pattern that should be followed, regardless of lengths and weights. Make sure your chosen weight of fly line balances with the rod weight rating.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Step 1
Read your reel’s directions or recommended backing length. Select your backing line based on this reel recommendation. Set the backing line next to the reel. Set out the fly line in front of the backing followed by the leader, tippet and then fly. Keep these on the flat working surface so you can visualize the fly-line setup.
Step 2
Tie the backing to the reel via an arbor knot. Now, turn the fly reel’s handle to the right to reel in the backing line onto the reel. Leave a few feet of backing off the spool. Tie the other end of the backing to the fly line using an albright knot.
Step 3
Tie the remaining end of the fly line to the leader with a nail knot. The other end of the leader should be tied off to the tippet using a surgeon’s knot.
Step 4
With the complete fly line rigged and tied, begin to thread the full length through the fishing guides on the fly rod. These guides are the metal loops that go the length of the rod, keeping the fly line aligned with the rod and reel. Bring the rigged fly line all the way through to the last guide. Pull out 1 to 2 feet of line from the tip and tie your fly to the end of the tippet using an improved clinch knot.
Step 5
Unspool the desired amount of fly line when ready to begin the fly-casting process.
