Knots: Putting it All Together

Backing to Reel
Pull off several feet from a spool of braided dacron backing and pass the tag end through stripper guide. (a) Pass tag end of line into, around and back out the lower front of fly reel spool or at the line guard position. (b) Tie an overhand knot in the tag end and tighten. (c) Tie a second overhand knot around line going back to backing spool and tighten. Pull on the line to slide and jam the knot tightly against the arbor. Wind backing on to the spool evenly under light tension by holding and guiding line with thumb and index finger.

Backing to Fly Line

To attach the braided dacron backing to the fly line, use a "nail-less" nail knot. Quick and simple to tie, this knot eliminates knot bulk and hang-ups on rod guides or water obstacles. (a) Hold fly line end over braided backing end. Form a large loop with 6 to 8 inches of backing by the end of the fly line. (b) Pass end of backing through loop and over fly line five times. Keep wraps even and separated (not overlapping) and firmly around fly line. (c) Pull on backing to snug-up wraps evenly and tighten knot. Trim excess. Coat knot with flexible rubber-based cement. (d) After cement dries, wind fly line on to reel spool firmly and evenly. Stop winding before tip of fly line is past stripper guide. NOTE: The "nail-less" nail knot may also be used to attach leader to fly line, but is only recommended if you do not have time to tie needle knot.