Installing fly line backing is a crucial step before spooling your fly line, providing extra length for fighting strong fish.
For standard use, especially when your fly line has a welded loop, a common and effective method involves creating a loop in the backing and connecting it to the fly line using a loop-to-loop connection.
The Standard Loop-to-Loop Method
This method is widely used because many modern fly lines come with a pre-fabricated welded loop at the backing end, simplifying the attachment process. The core idea is to create a corresponding loop in your backing line.
Steps for Attaching Backing
Here's a breakdown of how to implement this method, as described in common practices:
- Prepare the Backing: Take the end of your fly line backing. You will need to create a robust loop at this end.
- Tie the Backing Loop: Use a reliable knot to form the loop in the backing. A highly recommended knot for this purpose is the Triple Surgeons Knot. This knot is strong and relatively easy to tie, even with braided backing.
- Size the Backing Loop: When tying the knot, ensure the loop you create in the backing is large enough. Be sure to make the backing loop large enough for the fly line spool to pass through. This size is critical for performing the loop-to-loop connection later.
- Prepare the Fly Line: Take your fly line and locate the welded loop at the backing end.
- Perform the Loop-to-Loop Connection: This connection joins the two loops. Pass the backing loop through the welded loop of the fly line. Then, pass the entire fly line spool (the large object that holds the fly line) back through the backing loop. Pull both lines taut to cinch the connection securely.
Visualizing the Connection
Imagine the backing loop as a circle and the fly line's welded loop as another circle. You thread one circle through the other and then pass the bulk of the fly line (the spool) through the first circle. When pulled tight, this creates a secure, yet easily detachable, connection.
| Step | Action | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create Backing Loop | Tie a knot (e.g., Triple Surgeons Knot) to form a loop in the backing. | Use a strong knot. |
| 2. Size Loop | Ensure the backing loop is big enough. | Large enough for the fly line spool. |
| 3. Locate Fly Line Loop | Find the welded loop on the fly line. | This is the standard attachment point. |
| 4. Connect Loops | Pass backing loop through fly line loop, then spool through backing loop. | The core loop-to-loop connection method. |
| 5. Secure | Pull both lines taut to tighten the connection. | Ensure it's snug. |
This method provides a strong, low-profile connection that smoothly passes through rod guides.
