The "Balanced" System: A balanced system is vital to your fly fishing success, and choosing Martin® equipment is a great place to start. Your rod, reel, line, leader and tippet should be compatible for maximum casting performance. This is why the fly tackle industry follows a common standard for labeling products (5wt., 6wt., etc.)
Choosing A Line Taper: Fly lines are tapered in three ways (see image at right).
The most popular taper is the Weight Forward taper (WF). With its weight displacement toward the front of the line, the WF taper makes a long cast much easier. The rest of the line is much lighter and smaller in diameter allowing the line to slide easily through the rod guides.
The Double Taper (DT) consists of a long, level center section with each end tapering to a fine point. When one end of a DT wears out, you can reverse the line.
The Level Taper (L) is the least expensive, and the least versatile, of the three types of line taper. It has a uniform diameter throughout its length. Because casting can be more difficult and your presentation less delicate with the Level line, it is recommended only when using a weighted fly or jig.
Backing To Reel
The Arbor Knot is effective for securing your backing to the reel (image at right).
1. Thread the end of the backing around the arbor (the center piece of the spool part of your reel) and tie a basic overhand knot in the short line.
2. With the knotted end of the short line, tie another overhand knot around the long line that goes to the backing spool.
3. Now, take the long line and pull the knots snug to the arbor. Trip the tag end.
Backing connects your fly line to the reel and serves several purposes. Backing is generally a 20# test line made of braided Dacron. Do not use monofilament.
Keep in mind:
- Your fly line forms larger coils on the reel so that line memory (tight stubborn coiling is dramatically reduced.
- Adequate backing allows you to wind your line more rapidly.
- Extra backing can be the difference between the big catch and "the one that got away."
Line To Backing