Backing Amount for a Large Arbor Reel

[onemorecast]

I just bought a new Ross Evolution 2, an upgrade from my Cimarron 1. So, I need to add more backing to put the line on the new reel. My old reel had 50 yards plus the line. The capacity chart (attached) shows WF5+125 yards. I assume the + yardage indicates the amount of 20 lb. backing?

Do I need to add any to compensate for the narrow diameter of the Wulff TT line?

Opinions/experiences welcome and appreciated.

 

[Pete]

I seldom use those charts (too many variables).

• Temporarialy put the flyline on the reel arbor - backwards.
  
  Attach the backing (albright Knot, nail knot, etc), coat knot if desired (1 or 2 coats rubber cement, knotsense, or whatever) and allow each layer of coating to cure.
  
  Wind backing onto reel, allowing sufficient "room" for less than perfect spooling. Cut off backing when done.
  
  Unwind onto a "line winder" (or old reel), reverse, attach backing to reel (arbor knot or equiv), and rewind onto reel.

If you were ever a saltwater fisher using conventional tackle, a couple of those those old "Penn 60 type" reels, make an easy way to facilitate reversing the line & backing.

 

[onemorecast]

Well that makes perfect sense! I don't have any line winding equipment, nor am I familiar with a Penn 60, so I'll probably just rely on the old "spool on a stick trick".

Thanks Pete!

 

[Andy B]

Backing in in general all depends on the kinds of fishing you will be doing. For normal trout fishing about 25 to 50 yards of backing is all that is required. For larger fish like Steel head, Salmon and of course salt water then I would goo with a least a minimum of 100 yards of backing. You really half to ask yourself, what is the backing for any way. For light fishing it allows you to attach the fly line easy to the real very easy by using a simple nail not. It aslo keeps you from damaging a DT line that way as well. With out backing, you would have to try and tye the fly line to the real which could be done, but would be a mess. Now backing is also used for fishing that are strong enough like carp to take all you fly line plus more. IF you ever fight a 15 lb Carp, you will be very thankfull that you had backing on the reel. Same hold true for steelies and so on. On my fly reels that will only see normal Trout action I use a minimum omount of backing lfrom 25 to 50 yards. I stay with this rule of thumb on a smaller large arbor real as well. I really wouldn't worry so much about those charts on the back of a fly reel box. So depending on what your fishing for would dictate the amount of backing to use. I feel less is better unless I am going after Carp, Bass, Steelies, Salmon and so on.

Andy B

 

[sandfly]

The chart means it will hold your line and 125 yards of backing..put a hundred on and your done.Ypu do not need to componsate for it..