Fly rods: Putting it all together
Ihave talked about fly rods, fly lines and fly reels. Now I will tell you how to put the rod, reel, backing, fly line and leader all together so you can fish.
Reels usually are designed for left hand retrieve and reversible for right hand retrieve. If right handed, right hand dominant, that is your casting arm; if left handed, you will cast with the left arm. You do not want to change hands to retrieve a fish. You should wind in the line with the non-dominant hand. Read the instructions that come with the reel to reverse the spool if needed, and set the reel up to be wound with your non-dominant hand.
Some reels are sold with pre-tied lines, backing and leaders. I will assume that you will purchase the lines, backing and leader separately. The three parts are all attached to each other, and the reel, with knots. Not just any knot will do. There are specialty knots that make the leader, line, and backing a smooth tool for casting, fighting and landing a fish.
Teaching knot tying would require photos and instructions on each step of each knot and there is not enough space in my column for that. I will name some knots. There are knot videos on YouTube. Watch several videos of each knot, making sure you understand the process. Better yet, buy the book “Practical Fishing Knots” by Lefty Kreh and Mark Sosin. That book is well worth the money.
Reel companies usually have charts giving backing capacity with line size for each reel, allowing you to fill the reel with line and backing without overfilling. The backing should have a higher pound/test than your tippet so a large fish won’t take the expensive fly line.
To attach the backing to the reel spool use an arbor knot. The arbor knot has a “jam knot” on the tag end combined with a modified slip knot or uni knot. Once learned, it becomes simple. A loop connection can be made using a triple surgeon’s knot to form the loop. Now wind the backing onto the spool.
There are several options for attaching the backing to the fly line: An improved Albright knot, a nail knot, a needle nail knot or a loop to loop connection, (each loop requires a knot). To lessen the chance of knots catching a guide, I coat the knots with a UV setting flexible glue to make the transition smooth. Now wind the line onto the reel.
My favorite knot to attach a leader to the fly line is the needle knot, in which the leader actually comes out of the end of the fly line. It requires a small sewing needle, sandpaper, good eyes and superglue, with the result being a perfect line to leader connection. On lightweight 1wt to 4wt lines I will heat the leader’s butt section, forming a small ball that acts like a stop to prevent the leader from pulling should the superglue fail. On heavier fly lines for large fish, I will tie a nail knot with the tag end. On both connections I coat them
with Aquaseal, head cement or some other UV curing flexible glue. Improved Albright knot, nail knot or loop to loop are also options.
I suggest that beginners buy a tapered leader. A seven foot or so leader works well and as you break off tippet it is easy to lengthen by adding some 4lb or appropriate line with a triple surgeon’s knot or a blood knot. I prefer the triple surgeons. Most flies can be attached to the tippet with a simple clinch knot. For strong fighters and heavy tippets use the improved clinch knot. Some streamers have better action with a uni loop.
Practice all the knots well before you use them on your tackle. Come to a TU meeting to get additional guidance.
RABUN TU RENDEZVOUS
Saturday Jan. 20, fishing folks and friends of Trout Unlimited from around the state will gather at the Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia, for the 37th annual Rabun Rendezvous. This public event is the fundraiser for the Rabun Chapter of TU. Doors open at 3 p.m., pig picking starts at 4:30. Bucket raffles and silent auctions of outdoor, fishing and family friendly items are there for anyone attending. The Foxfire Boys will entertain with their bluegrass picking and singing from 5 till 6:30 p.m. Fish, chicken, beef and pork with all the side dishes and desserts that have made the Dillard House famous is a serve yourself buffet style at 6:30. Cost is $50 for adults and $25 for youth 15 and younger.
I have made the trip to the Rendezvous many times over the years and joined friends from all over Georgia and the Carolinas in a feast and a totally enjoyable time. It is truly worth the drive.
Tammy Hopton, president of the Rabun chapter, stated: “We use this money to fund all of our educational activities and conservation efforts. We would not be able to provide monetary support to Casting for Recovery, Project Healing Waters, and so many other worthy causes without the money raised from the Rendezvous.”
This is a BYOB event and the Dillard House has special room rates for those who make reservations and say that they will attend the Rendezvous.