Fly fishing is a sport that blends skill, strategy, and the serenity of nature. To excel, every angler must understand their gear, including components that may seem secondary but are essential to a successful day on the water. One such component is fly line backing. While often overlooked by beginners, fly line backing can play a pivotal role in your fly fishing setup. In this article, we’ll look into what fly line backing is, why it matters, and when you should use it.
What Is Fly Line Backing?
Fly line backing is a thin, strong line that attaches to the arbor of your fly reel before your fly line. Typically made from materials like Dacron or braided gel-spun polyethylene, it acts as a reserve line for those moments when a fish takes off on a long, powerful run.
Backing adds two primary benefits to your fly fishing setup:
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Increased Line Capacity: Modern fly lines are around 80 to 120 feet long, which may not be sufficient when targeting species known for their strength and endurance, like salmon, bonefish, or tarpon. Fly line backing ensures you have extra line if a fish runs farther than your fly line’s length.
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Better Spool Performance: Backing helps fill your reel’s arbor, which reduces the likelihood of line coiling and ensures smoother line retrieval.
Why Fly Line Backing Matters
While many anglers may not use their backing on every outing, it can be a game-changer in certain situations. Here’s why it’s worth including in your fly fishing arsenal:
1. Essential for Targeting Larger Fish
If your fishing pursuits include species like steelhead, pike, or saltwater game fish, backing is non-negotiable. These species are known for explosive runs that can easily exceed the length of a standard fly line. Without backing, you risk running out of line, which could result in a snapped leader or a lost fish.
2. Provides Security in Unpredictable Situations
Even when fishing for smaller species, you never know when you might hook an unexpectedly large or strong fish. Fly line backing provides a safety net, giving you the confidence to handle these surprises.
3. Improves Reel Performance
A reel that’s only partially filled with fly line tends to retrieve line less efficiently. Adding backing to your reel ensures it operates smoothly and evenly, reducing tangles and improving casting performance.
When Is Fly Line Backing Necessary?
The need for fly line backing depends on several factors, including the species you’re targeting, the fishing environment, and your fly reel size.
Target Species
For small trout or panfish in confined streams, you’re unlikely to need backing, as these species typically stay close to where they are hooked. However, for larger or stronger species, such as:
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Salmon and Steelhead: Known for their long runs, especially in rivers with strong currents.
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Bonefish: Frequently referred to as “ghosts of the flats,” these fish can strip line at an astonishing pace.
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Tarpon: These giants of the saltwater world can take anglers hundreds of yards into their backing.
Backing is not just helpful but crucial in these scenarios.
Fishing Locations
Certain fishing environments make the use of backing more likely. In open water—whether it’s a saltwater flat, a large lake, or a wide river—fish have ample room to run, making backing a must. Conversely, in tight streams or ponds, the fish have less space to flee, reducing the chances you’ll need backing.
Reel Size
Fly reels are designed with a specific line capacity in mind. Larger reels can accommodate more backing and fly line, making them suitable for big fish and long runs. For example, a 9-weight reel used for saltwater species will typically hold more backing than a 4-weight reel designed for trout fishing.
How to Choose the Right Fly Line Backing
Choosing the right backing involves considering several factors, including material, strength, and capacity.
Backing Materials
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Dacron: This is the most common backing material. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and strong enough for most freshwater and some saltwater applications.
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Gel-Spun Polyethylene (GSP): This high-strength material is thinner than Dacron, allowing for greater capacity. It’s ideal for large saltwater species but is more expensive and requires careful handling due to its sharp edges.
Backing Strength
Backing strength is typically measured in pounds and should be matched to the type of fishing you plan to do:
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20-Pound Backing: Suitable for most freshwater applications and smaller saltwater species.
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30-Pound Backing: Recommended for larger saltwater species or powerful freshwater fish like salmon.
Capacity
The amount of backing you’ll need depends on your reel’s capacity and the type of fishing. Always consult your reel’s specifications to ensure you don’t overfill it. A general guideline is to fill your reel so that there’s a small gap (about 1/8 inch) between the line and the reel’s edge.
How to Set Up Fly Line Backing
Adding backing to your reel is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to get it right to avoid complications on the water.
Step 1: Attach Backing to the Reel
Use an arbor knot to securely attach the backing to the reel’s arbor. This knot is simple and effective, ensuring your backing stays in place.
Step 2: Spool the Backing
Fill the reel with backing evenly. Use light tension to ensure the backing is wound tightly, preventing slippage.
Step 3: Attach Backing to the Fly Line
Use a loop-to-loop connection or an Albright knot to attach the backing to your fly line. This connection should be strong and seamless to avoid snags during a fish’s run.
Common Backing Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced anglers can make mistakes when it comes to fly line backing. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Underfilling the Reel: Not adding enough backing reduces your line capacity and reel performance.
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Overfilling the Reel: Overfilling can cause the line to jam, especially when reeling in a fish under tension.
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Using Weak Knots: Poorly tied knots can fail at the worst possible moment, resulting in lost fish and gear.
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Choosing the Wrong Strength: Using backing that’s too light for the species you’re targeting increases the risk of breakage.
Caring for Your Fly Line Backing
Proper maintenance of your backing ensures it remains effective for years to come. Here’s how to care for it:
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Rinse After Use: Saltwater can degrade backing over time. Always rinse your reel and backing with fresh water after saltwater fishing.
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Inspect Regularly: Check for fraying or damage, especially near the knots.
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Replace When Needed: Backing can last a long time, but it’s worth replacing if it shows signs of wear or has been stored in poor conditions.
Conclusion
Fly line backing might not be the star of your fly fishing setup, but it’s a crucial supporting player. Whether you’re chasing trout in a mountain stream or battling tarpon on a tropical flat, backing provides the security and performance needed to handle those unforgettable moments on the water.
By understanding what fly line backing is, when it’s necessary, and how to use it effectively, you’ll be better equipped for any fishing adventure. So, next time you’re preparing your gear, give your fly line backing the attention it deserves—you’ll thank yourself when that fish of a lifetime takes off on a blistering run!