I have just got some line from pitsford, it came with backing, my questions are, how do I attach the fly line to the backing anf how do I know if there is enough backing on the reel, i have a Greys 4\5# reel.
Thanks
David

Try the Albright knot: Albright Knot | Killroys Fly Tying

About 50yds of backing is the norm, I think this is the spool size from PP anyway?

Gary

This is the knot
FISHING KNOTS - Fly Line to Backing Knot

I used to just guess how much to put on and usually got it very wrong so now i put the flyline on the reel first then fill the rest of the spool with the backing, then take it all off and put it on the right way. its a bit of a hassle but you end up with a perfectly loaded spool.

Beat me to it gary

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“Where the footprints end the fishing begins”

Basically you want as much backing on the reel as it will hold. You don't want the fly line rubbing/jamming up on the cage/body of the reel as this is too much. It really is trial and error to get it spot on. So make an educated guess and wind your backing onto your reel. Better too much than not enough as you can always remove some after. Then put your line on following instruction supplied with line (dont wind it off the side of spool or coil!) Regarding attachment...google it and you'll see some knots. I personally feed the fly line up the core of the backing then whip them together with thread before giving it a couple of coats of varnish. This does away with the knot and it won't snag in the rings. If you choose this method do any knot first until you get the backing and line spot on. Hope this helps

Use the nail knot to attach the line to the backing and this post explains how to get the optimum amount of backing on the reel. If you don't have a spare spool you need a couple of other reels, any centrepin style reel will do, to make the transfer and reverse the line to the right way round.

richard

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Who resides on the right bank of the Derbyshire Wye and is lulled to sleep each night by the mutterings of a weir, dreaming that "When the rivers and their inhabitants come first, we ALL win..."

Remember to leave a decent gap between the reel cage and loaded line.

What you might do at home to create a nice level line lay across the spool, might not be the case on the bank with a fish on

I just put a braided loop on the end of the fly line like you do at the tip of the line. Then just tie the backing to the loop just like you would with your leader to the braided line to fish. Simples

thanks for all the tips, reel noe loaded with 4# ready for my first river trip on friday