I want to know how much backing is supposed to be on a reel using 5 weight line. Also what type of knots to tie them together. Thanx guys.
Matt
I think 100 yards is plenty. You might never need that, but it’s nice to have. I like between 100 and 125 for trout fishing with a 5 weight. If there are some issues with how much backing you can get on you can always cut 10-20 feet off the back end of the fly line to free up some space. Who really casts the whole line anyway? There are many knots you can use. I’m shure there are some instructions on this web page somewhere, or there are probably instructions in the packaging with your new line.
Note that there aren’t many manufacturers that tell you the truth about how much backing will fit on their reel.
Zlake,
put the entire fly line on the reel and then fill up the rest except for about an eighth of an inch or so with backing. Then take it all off, and tie the backing onto the reel with a slip knot, or an arbor knot. Now reel all of the backing on except a foot or so, tie it to the Fly line with a nail knot(you can find how-to’s on this page most likely), and then your ready to tie on your leader. Good luck, and have fun
The thing to do is to first put line and backing onto the reel backwards. By that I mean attach the forward end of the line to the reel, then wind on all the line. Then tie on the backing and wind enough on until if fills up the reel (don’t overfill). Then take it all off and wind it on the normal way. It will be helpful to wind it all onto the back of a chair or you could end up with a big mess. Go slow and be carefull and patient.
For knots I would recommend finding a basic book and using it as a guide. The system I use is a little too complex to describe here. I will recommoned a Uni-knot for attaching the backing to the spool though.
Here’s the FAOL page on [url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/knots/:a043b]knots[/url:a043b]
Thanks for the fast replies everyone…now I just have to learn how to cast the darn thing. Guess I should find someone around here for some help. Anyone around Laramie?
Matt, …
Can’t help 'ya with lessons, … too far away, … Just a quick reply to say a big Welcome to FAOL 
Christopher Chin, Jonquiere Quebec
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