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Backing and Lead

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  juro 
#1 ·
Im new to Fly Fishing and was wondering, how many yards should your backing line be? The Same for the lead line.
 
#2 ·
Welcome...
It all depends on the size of the reel and the weight of the line. I hope "they" sold you a matched/ballanced outfit...
Anyway, one way to go is to load the flyline on the spool first then load the backing on top to fill the spool. Then head down to the local soccer pitch or open area where you can strip it all off and reverse the loading...Backing on first then the flyline. The flyline box usually has the necessay basic knots to get it all in working order...if the knot doesn't look right, tie it again! Your local shop can be a real help when your just starting out.
As you progress and add specialty lines to your list of gotta' haves, you will probably go to what's called loop to loop connections...to ease changing from one line to another.
'Sounds like it's time to do a little home work and read up on the basics and ask alot of questions...find a shop and if you take care of them, they will take care of you!
Good luck and wade safe!
 
#3 ·
Generally, apart from what Solo says, 150 to 200 yards is plenty for Saltwater, striper, blue fish and just about for bones and albies.(depends on the pound test as well... 30 pounds is the general) The fly lines vary but genarally 100 feet is about the length
 
#4 ·
In addition to the good advice above, the leader length varies depending on the situation:

a) floating line, clear water, light flies - opt for at least a 9 foot leader tapering down to a tippet size that matches the fly and the fish you hook

b) sinking line, clear water - shorten the leader down to 5-6 feet to bring the fly down while still minimizing the visibility of the sinking line

c) sinking line, low light or turbid water, big fly - I have effectively used leaders of 3' in these conditions without much concern especially where the presentation puts the fly first to the fish (downriver swing for instance)

d) Floating Spey taper - leaders of 10-12 feet are common, primarily because the rod lengths are very long (13-16ft)

There are some good leader 'recipes' in the leader section
 
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