How to Spool a Fly Reel with Backing and Fly Line
Steps for How to Spool a Fly Reel
Though some of the equipment we see in this video is a bit dated, how to spool a fly reel is still the same today. The focus here is the use of a line winder, but all of the connections are the same if you are loading the reel by hand.
Attaching the Backing to the Fly Reel
First step is to remove the reel spool and attach backing with an Arbor Knot. Put a half hitch of the backing around the spool to keep it from slipping when you start winding. Wind the backing on the spool as level as possible by moving it back and forth as you wind.
The amount of backing is easily measured with a line winder. If doing this by hand you have several options. You can guestimate the amount if using a bulk spool. Or use 100 yd spools at a time, and connect with a Uni Knot. If you want to fill the spool to its max and you have a spare spool for the reel, do the process in reverse. Put the line on first, then add backing to fill the spool completely. Attach the backing to the empty spool, wind the backing, then line from that spool from the other.
The backing can be attached to the fly line several ways. For regular use when the fly line has a welded loop, put a loop into the backing with a Triple Surgeons Knot, then do a loop-to-loop connection. Be sure to make the backing loop large enough for the fly line spool to pass through. For extended heavy-duty use where the backing is out of the rod frequently or with heavy-weight lines, a Bimini Twist loop is a better choice. The loop-to-loop connection is also best when changing lines regularly on the same reel.
Attaching the Fly Line to Backing
If there is not a loop on the end of the line, the backing can be attached with a standard Nail Knot. Use 5-7 turns for the Nail Knot. An Albright Knot can also be used. This can be a better choice when using gel-spun backing which tends to be quite slippery. The use 6-8 wraps to make sure the gel-spun locks solidly.
Once the line is attached to the backing, wind it evenly on to the reel. Most lines now come with a welded loop and leaders with a Perfection Loop. The loop-to-loop connection is used to attach the leader to the line. If there is not a welded loop in the line, a short section of monofilament butt material can be added to the line. This can vary from .021” to .025” in diameter depending on the weight of the fly line being used. Try to match this to the butt diameter of the leader.
The butt material is attached to the fly line with a Nail Knot and a Perfection Loop tied on the open end. This now serves as a permanent loop on the end of the line. Once again, use a loop-to-loop connection to put the leader on to the line. You are now know how to spool a fly reel and are ready to hit the water.
