Reel setup help please

ASH556 · May 16, 2012

I just bought a cheap reel and line off the clearance rack at Walmart. I'm wanting to update the automatic reel my grandpa gave me. I don't have any backer to put on the reel. Is there something else I can use or just put the line straight on the reel?

Thanks!

FSU Turtle · May 16, 2012

I am not sure what size reel you have and what you want to rig it for, but I always spool with some backing before I attach my fly line. You can get a small spool of backing pretty cheap. If you are not fishing for something that will get into the backing, I know some guys that use power pro for backing but it could be tough on your fingers if you did get that far down.

Nitram4891 · May 16, 2012

FSU Turtle said:
I am not sure what size reel you have and what you want to rig it for, but I always spool with some backing before I attach my fly line. You can get a small spool of backing pretty cheap. If you are not fishing for something that will get into the backing, I know some guys that use power pro for backing but it could be tough on your fingers if you did get that far down.

Braid may also hurt your rod guides however I will say that getting into the backing is extremely rare, unless you are going to go after some stripers or carp around here in open water. I don't really care that much on my 4/5wts but on my 9wt you can bet my line is perfect all the way to the knot to tie it to the spool.

ASH556 · May 17, 2012

Hopefully this will provide some clarification:

I'm trying to put this:

Onto this:

To throw these:

To catch these:

I've got a partial spool of 20lb Powerpro that I could use as backing. How much do I use?

centerpin fan · May 17, 2012

Can you get to Bass Pro Shops in Lawrenceville? They have backing, and they will spool the reel for you.

Nitram4891 · May 17, 2012

You can probably put on 100 yards of backing, I doubt that will cramp the reel and it will be enough to help out if you get into a solid fish. I've used braid as backing before but like previously said only on rigs where it probably will never see the light of day.

Josh Vibert said:
Hopefully this will provide some clarification:

I'm trying to put this:

Onto this:

To throw these:

To catch these:

I've got a partial spool of 20lb Powerpro that I could use as backing. How much do I use?

devolve · May 17, 2012

pm me your address and I will mail you a spool of backing.

ASH556 · May 17, 2012

Devolve, PM sent. Thanks so much!

Oak-flat Hunter · May 17, 2012

Wally World has backing...

Georgia Hard Hunter · May 17, 2012

Now you have nail knot issues

AliBubba · May 18, 2012

Dental floss works great too...

Eroc33 · May 18, 2012

I like your description

ASH556 · May 21, 2012

I have another question: How do I know how much backing to use?

Doc_Holliday23 · May 21, 2012

Josh Vibert said:
I have another question: How do I know how much backing to use?

Use the force.

For real, though, anywhere between 50 and 100 yards is plenty for bluegill and bass and probably won't fill up the reel.

fishndoc · May 22, 2012

Josh Vibert said:
I have another question: How do I know how much backing to use?

Only reason to use backing for a blue gill (or trout) outfit is to make the curve in the fly line a little less acute - i.e., move the line out a little farther from the spool so it is straighter in the water.
Just add enough backing so that when the fly line is completely spooled, there is still about 1/4 inch clearance between top of line and reel cage.

BTW, don't mean to be rude, but sounds like you are just getting into fly fishing: Your rod is a 5 wt (or 4 wt) also?

ASH556 · May 22, 2012

fishndoc said:
Only reason to use backing for a blue gill (or trout) outfit is to make the curve in the fly line a little less acute - i.e., move the line out a little farther from the spool so it is straighter in the water.
Just add enough backing so that when the fly line is completely spooled, there is still about 1/4 inch clearance between top of line and reel cage.

BTW, don't mean to be rude, but sounds like you are just getting into fly fishing: Your rod is a 5 wt (or 4 wt) also?

Yes, the rod is a 5wt. I tried to pick up fly fishing 2 years ago. I've been using old (like 40+yr old) equipment that was handed down to me by my grandpa. I got one of the reels he gave me set up by Orvis, and that's what I've been using, but now I want to try it on my own so I know how to do it.

ASH556 · May 22, 2012

Oh, and I get the part about using the backing to fill the spool, but how do I know how much space the line itself will take up? Should I put the line on and then top it off with backing until it's full; then take it off and reverse it?

centerpin fan · May 22, 2012

Josh Vibert said:
... but how do I know how much space the line itself will take up? Should I put the line on and then top it off with backing until it's full; then take it off and reverse it?

When I spool my reels, that's how I do it.

ASH556 · May 24, 2012

Devolve,
I got the backing in the mail last night. Thanks sooooo much!

ASH556 · May 28, 2012

Thanks again everyone for the help and to Devolve for the backing. It works!

Reel setup help please

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