Sounds daft I know, but, what is the quickest way to change lines?

Do the comp guys have any "shortcuts"

I'm sure I read somewhere that some use a spare length of backing that they attach to the "new line" thread through the eyes , swap the cast onto the new line, reel in old line swap cassettes etc etc


Messy

I use cassette reels and it's very east to swap lines, I also carry two rods one with an inter and one with a floater makes life easy

__________________
I used to like fishing because I thought it had some larger significance. Now I like fishing because it's the one thing I can think of that probably doesn't.

Hi Messybeast
I do the same as gizmo and have two rods to use a floater and a slow intermediate.I use cassette reels and the leader is already attached to other lines. My most popular flies are on lambswool patches attached to my fishing vest. I keep spare leader materials in my jacket pocket, I try not to use my fishing bag if I can.

If you only have the one rod but extra spools for the reel the best way. Wind in the line with leader and flies still attached, when the fly hits the top eye stop. Undo leader from fly line (unless you've done loop to loop or nail knott then this won't be possible). The leader is left threaded through the rod. Take off spoll and replece with next one, pull enough fly line of spoool to reach leader, retie leader to line and a way you go. With the leader already through the rod you just pull leader and the line will follow.

My preferred way of changing fly lines whilst in a competition is as you say, reel the while line onto the reel until your top dropper hits the top eye, thread your fly line to the leader/line transition point and re-tie your leader to the new line. Swapping spools at the reel end once the leader is attached. Remembering to thread the line through the line guard if it has one

Using the water to the pull your flies free from the tip (sometimes this doesn't work and manual assistance is needed)

One of tip that will make you change lines more efficiently is having either Cassette reels/spools or spare spools for other reels. Having to change reels each time you swap a fly line can be time consuming especially with cold hands.

Anyone else have something different?

__________________


Fly Fishing Tackle suppliers, Fishtec.

Websites: Fishtec | Airflo Fishing

Wobbly face is right on the money - keep the leader with a fly on the end and keep reeling until you get the leader / fly line connection through the first (largest) eye - then change lines and pull the fly from the rod tip - saves having to rethread the line when you are in a hurry. Might save 30 seconds but if you are drifting over fish it might put that extra fish in the boat

__________________
Trout Flies UK Now Live - Quality Trout Flies For Sale

Casting At Shadows - Christmas Island Fly Fishing DVD