How to Set Up Your Saltwater Fly Reel
- 1). Use an arbor knot to tie your backing line to the saltwater reel spool.
- 2). Reel in the backing line until a sufficient amount of such line has been transferred to the reel spool. A saltwater reel should hold anywhere from 250 to 450 yards of backing line. Cut the line to form a tag end that extends about 1 foot beyond the reel spool.
- 3). Use an Albright knot to tie the backing line to the fly line. Reel in the fly line until the end of the line extends about 1 foot beyond the reel spool.
- 4). Use a nail knot to tie the fly line to the fishing leader. Reel in the leader until the end of the leader extends about 1 foot beyond the reel spool.
- 5). Use a blood knot to attach a tippet to the end of the leader. The length and diameter of the tippet will vary depending on how you plan to fish and the fish you intend to pursue.
- 6). Adjust the drag on the reel (this usually involves turning a knob on the reel's faceplate) until the drag is set at the desired level of tension. Your saltwater reel is now ready for use.
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