Why Fly Line Backing Matters: A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Fishing Practices
Every critical situation in life requires some backup plan.
Whether it’s a spare tire while going on an extended road trip or emergency savings to cushion you from the sting of economic austerity, a fallback plan can provide solid insurance when the odds threaten to turn against your favor. In angling, that insurance often comes in the form of fly line backing.
This article shall serve as a definitive guide to fly line backing and what makes it an essential component of an angler’s checklist.
What Is Fly Line Backing?
Fly line backing refers to a thin but remarkably strong line that constitutes the back end of a fly fishing line. The line occupies the section between a fly line’s backend and a fly reel’s arbor. It’s alternatively known as fly reel backing.
Unknown to many anglers (new and seasoned alike), fly line backing performs several critical roles while fly fishing. Notably, it provides leverage while reeling in captured games, especially if you’re targeting aggressive fish species.
Fly line backing can improve your odds of hooking, playing, and landing reasonably strong game fish.
Do You Need Fly Line Backing?
To appreciate the significance of fly line backing, stepping back and understanding the average fly line length is essential.
Most fly lines you’ll come across measure around 100 feet, which many expert anglers consider ideal for inland fishing.
Out of this length, you’re likely to cast 30 – 50 feet most of the time. That leaves you with a wiggle room between 50 – 70 feet.
But here’s the kicker!
While 50 – 70 feet is sufficient to reel in relatively smaller and more docile fish species like sunfish and trout, it may be unsuitable while fighting with aggressive fish. That’s where fly reel backing comes in.
What Game Fish Require Fly Reel Backing?
Certain game fish can be reeled without putting up much of a fuss. As hinted, the trout and sunfish are noteworthy examples.
Other species, such as the permit, are notoriously intelligent and stubborn. Such fish will largely avoid capture through their innovative, evasive tactics.
However, it’s the ferocious category that you should be genuinely concerned about. And no, we’re not referring to gigantic and dangerous fish species like the great white shark. While reeling a mature great white is next to impossible (at least by yourself), it’s the relatively smaller but highly aggressive species that will give you a run for your money.
Tarpon, bonefish, and steelhead have earned a reputation for aggression. After being hooked, these fish can still run over 200 feet before giving up the fight.
For such species, not only do you require a longer fly line. You’ll need equally larger fly reel backing.
Below is an estimate of the distance most game fish will run while fighting with an angler –
- Small trout: 75 to 150 feet
- Regular trout: 150 to 300 feet
- Big trout: 450 feet
- Large carp and salmon: 750 feet
- Ocean fish: 900 feet
How Much Fly Line Backing Do You Need?
Two things to note so far – (i) most fly fishing lines average 100 feet, and (ii) certain fish species can fight to distances of 900 feet.
To pick the best fly line backing, start by understanding the reputation of your target game.
If you’re planning big game angling, you’ll require a considerably longer fly line than the 100-foot average. A longer fly line translates to more fly line backing.
For instance, the salmon might drag you some 750 into the water after getting hooked to your bait. That makes the standard 100-foot fly line ineffective at reeling such fish.
As a general rule, most trout require 150 feet of 20-pound Dacron fly reel backing. Steelheads would need anywhere between 525 and 600 feet of 20-pound Dacron backing, whereas more aggressive species like tarpon and bonefish can require upwards of 750 feet of 30-pound backing.
Ultimately, the amount of fly line backing you need will depend on your reel size and the target game. If you’re in doubt, check with your reel’s manufacturer or supplier for recommendations.
What Is Fly Reel Backing Made Of?
Most fly reel backing used to be made from thermoplastic polymer (PETE). Today, many manufacturers also experiment with ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
Thermoplastic polymer is a plastic used in various common products, such as drinking water bottles. It’s the material used in Dacron line backing.
Dacron line backing generally comes in 20- and 30-pound test ratings. But while relatively affordable, PETE isn’t eco-friendly due to its non-biodegradability. It’s also less potent, making it unreliable for constructing fly reel backing.
Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene possesses several properties that make it ideal for making fly-line backing. The material is remarkably tough and has a lower friction coefficient than PETE.
Thanks to its high impact strength, UHMWPE is commonly used in bulletproof vest design. It’s also the predominant substance in gel-spun fly reel backing, boasting over 75% more capacity than its Dacron counterpart.
Summary
Fly line backing is a critical piece of equipment that should never be missed in an angler’s toolkit. Whether you’re fishing recreationally or commercially, this thin section of a fishing line can significantly improve your chances of nailing target prey.
However, as emphasized, the efficiency of fly line backing depends primarily on its size. Understanding your ideal fly fishing line vis-à-vis the target game is imperative when determining the amount of fly reel backing you need.