A fly line is arguably the most important component of a fly-fishing outfit. Fly lines are different from monofilament and braided line and require a specific setup to function properly. A complete fly line consists of three parts: backing, fly line and leader. Attaching them properly is an essential part of mastering the sport.
Backing to Reel
The first step in tying a fly line is to connect the backing to the center, or arbor, of the reel spool. Backing is a thin, braided dacron line, which comes on a spool and is available in different diameters. Backing serves two purposes: It fills the reel spool and prevents the fly line from becoming tightly curled. Backing also acts as a security line if a large fish runs farther than the length of the fly line. Most fly lines are only 80 to 100 feet long. To attach the backing to the reel spool, simply wrap the tag end around the spool and tie an arbor knot or several overhand knots to secure it. Trim off the tag end and fill the spool with enough backing so the fly line has just enough room to fit on the spool.
Fly Line to Backing
After the spool is filled with backing, the fly line must be connected. Fly lines usually come neatly spooled and have a small sticker attached to one end or the other. Locate the reel end of the fly line. This is the skinny end in a standard weight-forward fly line. Once the end is located, attach it to the backing using an Albright knot. Big-game fishermen often add a small drop of superglue to reinforce this connection.
Fly Line to Leader
Fly line is thick and often brightly colored. It is far too thick to directly tie a fly to, and its bright color may spook wary fish. A leader acts as a way to transition from the fly line to a thin diameter line. Most modern leaders are made of clear-tapered monofilament line. They come is an array of diameters and lengths to accommodate fishermen in any situation. Most prepackaged leaders come with a loop tied in the thick end. If the fly line has a loop as well, a loop-to-loop connection is the simplest way to join the two. Some anglers prefer a smaller knot that passes through the fly rod guides with less friction. In this case, a nail knot is the preferred connection.
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