How to load a new fly line onto backing. If I don't have the luxury, and I MEAN LUXURY these days, of an extra spool to hold another line for the same reel? It means changing out lines, sometimes on the move.
The process of changing out fly lines should not be so intimidating. Whether your fly line has gotten old, or it just isn't doing what you need it to do? It's good to know how to change out your fly line, that precious first 100 feet that makes contact with your pursuits - and do it quickly and efficiently so that no matter where you are, you aren't intimidated by the task. Fly lines come in a lot of designs to fit a multitude of purposes ie. fish we chase. Nowadays, there are many more configurations of a single weight of, say a 5wt line, than there were twenty years ago. All the different fly lines have different purposes, but the ease of changing out your fly line begins at your backing on your reel. That is why those of us who spend a lot of time fly fishing GENERALLY choose to tie a Bimini Twist into our backing instead of the old-school nail-knotting method of line to backing. Heck! There's a loop there NOW anyway! Use it! When I first started fly fishing, looping was not always the standard END to a fly line purchased. Nowadays it is. The Bimini Twist on your backing is extremely strong, passes through the guides if you should be SO LUCKY, and makes the changing out of lines a breeze.
What slows down change out of fly lines? 1 - Cheap cardboard PC spools the new lines come with 2 - A poor spooler that actually attaches to remove/install lines 3 - Talking while trying to do all this at the same time 4 - Not having your Bimini tied already With a very good to excellent line spooler, your process can easily be whittled down to inside ten minutes! The 3D print design down below is NOT for a spooler mounted ON a rod though, and it could be cumbersome to carry along. So my search continues for a great on-board line spooler that attaches to a rod, is affordable and takes up little space.
The next question? How often do you change out your fly line backing?
TIMELINE 00:00 - INTRO 00:22 - Kit Fly Lines Generally Not Good 01:00 - Cut Off Fly 01:20 - Old Lines Get Old New Ones are Better Technology 01:40 - How To Inspect Your Line 01:50 - Line Has to be Slick 02:20 - Leader Off 02:35 - Line Winding Gadget 03:40 - Lamson Reels are Awesome 04:30 - Mount a Winder 05:00 - LABEL the Spool with Line Info 05:30 - Secure Line in spindle of Line Spool 06:28 - Completely Loosen Drag 07:00 - Wind OFF Old Fly Line 07:42 - Wind Off to Spool LOOSELY! 08:08 - To Backing Attached With Bimmany Twist Knot 10:20 - Un Loop the Loop from Backing to Line || Bimini Twist Knot 11:27 - NEW RIO Predator 5wt Sink Tip 13:28 - Double OVER the Loop 13:58 - Backing Grabs TWICE above Line Loop 14:46 - Back on the Gadget on the Rod 15:35 - Start Winding With Little Tension 16:00 - I Hate Cardboard Spools 17:00 - OUTRO
