So, what's the big idea with Fly Line Backing?
Fly line backing is the thin but very strong section of line which is affixed straight to the arbor of your fly reel, then to the back end of your fly line, in order to provide a safety net of sorts for your otherwise limited tackle options when hooking, playing and landing strong or fast game fish.
The essential fly fishing facts about backing.
Backing is normally sold in one of two types: Dacron or gel-spun. The Dacron type is constructed of strong polyester called Polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), a synthetic resin made for use in many of the planet's most popular plastics... from fizzy pop bottles to speed boats.
Insider tip
"Dacron" is a trade name of a PETE product which has slipped into the flky fisher's consciousness s a noun, much like "Hoover". It can be spooled in long strands to produce a strong synthetic line with really minimal friction, which means it's ideal for fly line backing. Dacron is available everywhere in 20 to 30 pound test ratings... it's by far the most popular and trusted brand of backing in fly fishing.
Why some fly fishers rejoice in gel-spun backing.
The word on the rivers among many fly fishers is that many of them have fallen in love with the other big choice in fly line backing: gel-spun backing. Gel-spun backing is made of different polymer called high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE), which was originally developed for use in body armor, ultra-safe climbing ropes and high performance sailing lines.
The polymer chains in gel-spun backing lend it very high break strength and a drastically reduced diameter, ensuring one of the big benefits of gel-spun backing over traditional Dacron... its unique taken of being able to withhold up to 75 percent more capacity than over Dacron backing. This means you get a massive insurance policy when chasing the longest-running fish in the sea.
Insider tip: Get to grips with attaching your backing!
Your backing needs to be affixed directly to the arbor of your fly reel's spool by way of with a sequence of two or three easy overhand knots. Wind the right amount of backing onto the your reel with a motorized rigging tool or a manual line winder. Take care that when you're rigging a reel or spool with gel-spun fly line backing, it's really crucial that the backing is wound evenly.
