I'm Over 70 and have a desire to fly fish again. My last time with a fly rod in hand I was 15. Been doing a bit of reading and have a burning question that the books have not addressed. I have acquired 2 used fly reels with line, both appear to be floating line in excellent condition no cracks or abrasion, first reel is full with no backing and both ends are tapered, other reel is same with no backing but excess line was loosely wound around reel base (this is a bought 50' excess) both ends are tapered. I know all this because they are wound onto a drying rack I built similar to a 8" wide fairiswheel. The question is would you advise to cut these lines in half and set up the reels with Dacron backing. I know the knots and how far to fill reel. I'm concerned with destroying good line.

Hello Jack, taking up fly fishing again is an excellent idea! However it sounds to me as though the reels you have acquired are not suited to the lines they came with. Personally I would never fish without backing on my reel, fish do not have to be very big to strip off your line 'into the backing', especially if they get into a current. Cutting the lines in half is not the solution, you would do better to keep the lines intact if you wish to use them, but you will obviously need a different (larger) reel to put them on, with some backing, these need not be expensive.

What do the reels say on them? Do they give a line rating? Have you got a fly rod yet and if so does the line rating on the reels match the rating of the rod?

Hi Jack,
are you intending to fish rivers , or stillwaters . What is the tackle you have , any names numbers etc ?
Bob

I currently have 2 reels 1-Heddan 750=spool diameter 2 1/2", 1-Martin 60= spool diameter 2 3/4". There are no other markings on the reels. I have a new BF 1000 reel on its way with a hair less than 4" diameter spool. The rod coming is a Riverbeast, Windwalker, 9', medium fast action rod this is from North American Tackle. I have bought tapered leaders, 300 yds. of 20 lb. Dacron I have 9 ' tapered leaders and leader material in 2, 4, 6 and 10 pound tests. Most if not all fishing will be from the shore at lakes. I have an extensive fresh water tackle box and I am a good bait - lure caster with both conventional casting and spinning rigs.

no problem cutting the lines in half (as far as presentation is concerned) as they seem to be double tapers from your description. It may harm your casting distance if you are able to put out a long line, if not go for it

Hi Jack,
I would sell the 2 small reels on ebay and buy a spare spool for the 4 inch reel and 2 new fly lines , size to be determined. I would try the lines you have now just to get a feel of the rod as it may help you buy the right lines , here lies a whole new thread , but my choice would be a Rio wf floater and a Airflo Di3 sinker - cheaper lines from pitsford pirate on here are given good reviews if cost is an issue.
Bob

Thank you guys for your help. Decision time. Jack

Hello Jack,

What age are the lines?

I have recently refurbished a reel for someone who had some good quality lines in apparently good condition on the spools - As he was stretching one of them, it snapped. We tried at various points through the line and it could be snapped by hand.

Not meaning to rain on your parade, however it is best to question before rather than after the event

---------- Post added at 01:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:42 PM ----------

I should add that the lines in question were around....16 / 17 years old and had been stored on in a dark dry place on the spools.

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Time is a stream I go fishing in.

I have no idea how old these lines are . I have done a pull test at various points and both seem to be strong. They are a light green in color and outer sheathing shows no signs of cracking. Yesterday I ran them out and measured both at 86', at this time I determined reel end from fly end.
When I said I was going to cut in half was not exactly right. My intention is to place 100 yds. of Dacron backing on the reels, hookup temporarily the fly end to the backing, reel line in and cut fly line at app. 1/4" from being full, this would be app. 10 to 15 feet. Than line would be taken off the reel, reversed and hooked to the backing properly.
I am getting a larger new(cheap) reel, to try out. I understand the concerns of most of you a bought the old reels and line. But it's hard to justify in my mind buying everything new, not knowing how far I will go with this new adventure.
Thanks for all your help!!!:
Jack