How to Tie a Fly Fishing Rod
- 1). Assemble the necessary lines for tying the rod. The backing is fairly generic. However, the fly line itself should be matched to the weight of the rod. Also choose a floating or sinking line, level, or weight forward. The leader will need to match the line weight as well as tippet to be used. Choose a tippet suitable for the species of fish to be caught.
- 2). Attach the backing to the fly reel using an arbor knot. Loop the backing around the spool two times and leave about 3 to 4 inches of line on the tag or short end of the line. Tie an overhand knot with the short end of the line and pass it around the main line. Tie another over hand knot below the first knot with only the short end of the line. Wind a sufficient amount of backing to cushion the fly line.
- 3). Join the main fly line to the backing on the spool by using a nail knot. Tie the nail knot by laying 3 to 4 inches of both lines beside the other with the tag ends in opposite directions. Place a small tube or nail between the two lines. Wrap the backing around the main line and the tube with tight concentric loops. Pass the end of the backing through the tube and then remove the tube. Carefully pull the knot tight. Wind the entire amount of fly line onto the spool as many fly lines are tapered or weighted for assistance in casting.
- 4). Tie a leader to the fly line using another nail knot. Repeat the steps as previously mentioned keeping in mind that the leader is made of monofilament or other similar material and may prove more difficult with which to work.
- 5). Attach a tippet of no less than 6 feet to the leader. This will require a blood knot. Lay the end of the lines next to one with the ends pointing in opposite directions. Form an "X" with the two lines and hold one side firmly with a thumb and fore finger. On the other side of the "X," wrap the short line around the main line 5 to 6 turns and bring the tag end back through the middle of the "X," hold firmly. Repeat the process on the other side of the "X" but feed this tag end through the middle of the "X" in the opposite direction. Slowly pull the knot tight making adjustments so that the end result is a barrel on each side of the tag ends. Trim the excess closely.
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