Fly fisherman like it difficult. While bait and lure anglers may have relatively simple line and rig set-ups, fly fishing line rigging instructions tend to be more elaborate. For example, most fly rigs include four different types of line before the fisherman attaches the fly. Nonetheless, each of these line types is important for smooth-running fly casting. Using the wrong type of set-up can easily make casting difficult, cause tangles or lead to lost fish.
Step 1
Thread or tie the end of a spool of backing line to your fly fishing reel. Wind your reel until at least 50 yards of backing line is on the reel. For ocean fly-fishing or targeting bigger fish, it's better to have up to 100 yards of backing line, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Step 2
Use an Albright knot to attach the backing line to a length of fly line. Line length and weight depends on where you're fishing and at what distance. In general, two to three times the rod length is enough.
Step 3
Make a loop with the fly line. Thread the end of the backing line through the loop. Wrap it around all of the strands from both lines 10 times, according to the Animated Knots website. Pull the end of the backing line through the loop and tighten.
Step 4
Tie the loose end of the fly line to leader line using a nail knot. Put a small plastic tube alongside the ends of both the leader and fly line. Wrap the leader around the tube, the fly line and the leader for at least six loops. Thread the leader through the tube. Pull tight around the tube, and then slide the tube off the line. Tighten it again.
Step 5
Buy tippet line suitable for you fly size. Use the "rule of four," according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Divide your fly size by four to obtain the appropriate tippet size.
Step 6
Attach the leader line to the tippet using a surgeon's knot. Run a length of leader alongside the tippet. Tie a simple overhand knot with both strands together. Keep pulling the tippet through, and then repeat so that both lines create a double overhand knot. Tighten.
Step 7
Add the fly to your rig using your preferred knot, such as an improved cinch knot that Animated Knots suggests. Thread the tippet through the eye of the fly hook. Wrap around the main tippet five times, and then push the end through the loop at the bottom of the twists above the eye. Thread it under the hoop created by the final wrap, and pull taught.
Tips and Warnings
- Trim any excess line for each knot to ensure your line runs smooth. Use a little water, saliva or vegetable oil when tightening each knot to prevent friction weakening the knot, according to Animated Knots.
Things You'll Need
- Backing line
- Fly line
- Leader line
- Tippet
- Small plastic tube
- Nail scissors
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