first I would like to say thanks for a great forum,and say ive not seriously fly fished in 40 yrs.ive collected tackle and things since I was young and have wound up with probably 7-8 fly rods and reels stashed away (bamboo, graphite,even fiberglass)that I intend to start using again,mostly on small private ponds or lakes for largemouth bass(not many trout streams in okla, though the f/g are stocking some seasonally now).Ive been digging this stuff out the last couple of days and found on one reel some 3wt level line,my question is would this be ok to use as backing?never heard of anyone doing it but I would hate to throw it out since it in good shape,and all my rods(and my really rusty casting skills)use heavier line and I dont even remember where this came from unless it was left over from years ago.sorry for the long post and thanks again for a great forum!

Welcome to the foroum, but not sure how to help?

You could use the 3 wt level line as backing, but it's kind of an oddball way to do things and probably more trouble than it's worth. The main issue I see with this is that fly line doesn't produce a very compact knot, so when knotting together the 3 wt line and the regular fly line, you'll end up with this big old knotball that won't sit well on the reel nor will it pass through the guides easily.

Also, there is the question of how old and rotten is this 3 wt level line? Have you given it a good tug to see if it snaps like a dry twig?

I'd say for the money you'll save it isn't worth it when $10 will buy enough backing to fill at least two reels. Now this is just me and your mileage may vary, but I hate putzing with cobbled together gear because it always breaks at the worst possible time.

Grouse

thanks ,I was just curious,oddly enough at the closest sporting goods I can find every concievable thing but backing line.I see your point about using this and the knots though.I guess a road trip is in order,generally in the small ponds i fish they dont run into the backing,in fact i never had one do it, but sure enough tommorrow.. thanks again!

Welcome if no backing line available locally (or mail order?), you could just use cheapo 20lb (or similar) mono? Can't see much point in using the old 3wt as it will be quite bulky and probably unreliable. Also cheap mono, is, erm, cheap! In fact backing is probably one of the cheapest items in your set up so why cut corners?

__________________