What Is the Best Weight for Backing Fly Fishing?
When it comes to fly fishing, a lot of emphasis is placed on matching the correct rod and reel, but its the fly line that pulls things together. But to achieve this, we often forget about another necessary element: the backing. This part might appear less important, but it is actually extremely relevant, especially when you get a carbon that just sprints off.
Can I use monofilament as fly line backing? Well then, what is the optimum weight for backing in fly fishing? In this post, we will cover just that to explain how the correct backing weight can amp up your fly fishing game step by step.
In this definitive guide to backing, we will explain everything from why backing is important to what type of backing is best for each style of fly fishing. Additionally, we will go over the advantages and disadvantages of various backing materials so that you can choose what is right for your setup.
BACKING in Fly Fishing?
Backing – A small diameter, high strength line that is attached to the reel before the fly line. This is to give you more line which can be pulled by a bigger fish than the length of your fly line (usually about 90-100 feet). Backing serves as some reserve, so you do not have to concern yourself about running outside of line though combating a fish.
Why is backing important?
Backing is essential for several reasons:
Buck Large Fish: When you are hooking large fish which include salmon, bonefish, or tarpon, they will rip off your fly line rapidly. Backing gives the fish more length to run, and you additional time to wear the fish out.
Cast Further: While back doesn’t count against your cast, the less line you have out limits your casting distance. Fish fast water and some faster fish (like sea run trout) or like to actually make a real cast?
Better Reel Balance: Adding backing to your reel is great for improving the balance of your overall rod and reel setup, which can make a big difference in terms of handling and casting.
With that in mind, below we break down exactly why backing is important and then detail what the best weight of backing you can use to match it with your lines for different fly fishing situations.
Understanding Backing Weight
Backing weight measures how much backing line you have, and is calculated in pounds (how many pounds of force the backing line can take before snapping). The two most commonly used backing weights in fly fishing are 20-pound and 30-pound test lines.
20-Pound Backing: For Most Freshwater Fly Fishing Notes
20-pound backing is perfectly adequate for most freshwater fly fishing situations, even when targeting smaller fish like trout, bass, or panfish. This is by no means a heavy-duty line, instead, it is perfect for some of the lighter reels and smaller species.
30 lbs backing: Suitable for larger fish and saltwater fly fishing.
If you are fishing with the larger species or going saltwater fly fishing for bonefish, permit or tarpon, 30-pound backing might be a good idea. The heavier line gives you extra power and toughness that is essential when fighting bigger, tougher fish.
How Much Backing Do You Need?
How much backing you require will vary, and a few factors will affect how much, which is the size of your reel to weight up against what size reel you currently have if you are upgrading or just picking a new one. The weight of your fly lines & the target species. As a general rule:
For smaller species (trout, bass, etc.), 50 to 100 yards is more than enough when using a 20-pound test backing.
Ideally, for the larger freshwater or saltwater species (salmon, steelhead, tarpon, etc.), 200-300-meters of 30-pound backing is desirable.
Reel Capacity Considerations
Many reels feature backing guides by the manufacturer to indicate how much fill backstrengthen they are capable of holding. Make sure to confirm the spec; but they are performance of 6 classes, you will not be overloading your reel.
For instance:
For example, a good 5-weight trout reel might easily accommodate up to 100 yards of 20-pound backing.
Size: Depending on the fly line used, a 10-weight saltwater reel might take 250 yards of 30-pound backing.
Types of Backing Materials
There are two main types of backing you will be considering: Dacron and gel-spun polyethylene. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on your particular requirements.
Dacron Fly Line Backing
Dacron backing is the conventional material for a fly line on a reel. Its textile is a woven polyester, providing medium strength with low stretch.
Gel-Spun Backing
A more modern type of backing material is gel-spun polyethylene. Much stronger than a Dacron of the same thickness
Picking the Best Background for Your Strategy,
Personally on redfish and sea trout 20 lb. with an 8 weight (saltwater balance), luminary backing that holds up to harsh saltwater environments. This is also where backing can help: Some common fishing scenarios and the recommended backing.
For Trout & Other Small Fish
Backing weight: 20-pound test
Backer Material: Dacron is good in this set-up because it is economical and strong enough for most trout-sized fish.
Amount: 50-100 yards
Salmon, steelhead, and other large freshwater fish.
Backing weight: 30-pound test
Backer: Dacron or gel-spun, depending on reel size and how you like it.
Amount: 150-250 yards
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For Saltwater Fly Fishing
Backing weight: 30-pound test
Backing: Is best in gel-spun because it is small diameter and has high strength.
Quantity: 200-300 yards relying on species and reel Determining how seriously your game fish will participate in the fight additionally determines the quantity of backing we mean to buy.
Conclusion: Dacron Fly Line Backing
Selecting the Proper Weight of a Fly Fishing Backing Otherwise, the best fly fishing backing weight can vary greatly depending on what type of fish you are pursuing or in which conditions you will be experiencing. For the vast majority of freshwater anglers who are chasing small species (think trout) with modest sized reels, 20-pound Dacron is all you’ll ever need.
But if you are chasing bigger fish in the freshwater or saltwater, 30-pound test — especially the gel-spun varieties can be the difference-maker.
Is fly line backing necessary choosing the correct backing will always give you a good ally in case a monster of fish decides to take your line deep into your spool. Whether you are fighting a 20 inch trout in the foothills or that tarpon of a lifetime, the right backing can provide assurance when battling water demons.
FAQ: Fly Line Backing for Fly Fishing
- Q: What weight fly line backing should I use?
A: The weight of fly line backing depends on the type of fishing you’re doing. For most freshwater fishing, 20-pound Dacron is sufficient, while for saltwater fishing or larger species, 30 to 50-pound backing is recommended. - Q: How much backing do I need for fly fishing?
A: The amount of backing you need depends on the size of your reel and the type of fish you’re targeting. For freshwater fishing, 50-100 yards of 20-pound backing is usually enough. For saltwater fishing or larger species, 200-300 yards of 30 to 50-pound backing may be needed. - Q: How much backing should I use on a 5-weight fly reel?
A: For a 5-weight fly reel, you’ll typically use 50 to 100 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing. This provides enough length for most freshwater species like trout. - Q: What is the best backing line for fly fishing?
A: Dacron is the most commonly used backing for fly fishing due to its affordability, strength, and durability. Gel-spun backing is also popular for its thin diameter, allowing you to pack more line on the reel, especially for saltwater species. - Q: What is the best weight for backing in fly fishing, according to Reddit?
A: Reddit users often recommend 20-pound Dacron for freshwater fly fishing and 30-pound for saltwater fishing. For big game fish, 50-pound gel-spun backing is often suggested for its strength and thin profile. - Q: Is there a fly line backing chart available?
A: Yes, many fly fishing manufacturers and websites provide backing charts. These charts offer guidance on how much backing different reel sizes can hold based on the type of line you’re using (e.g., weight-forward, floating, etc.). - Q: What is the best fly line backing?
A: The best fly line backing depends on your needs. Dacron backing is affordable, strong, and widely used for freshwater fishing. Gel-spun backing is a more expensive option but provides higher strength with less bulk, making it ideal for saltwater or when space on the reel is limited. - Q: How do I calculate fly reel backing?
A: You can use a fly reel backing calculator, which is available online. These calculators take into account your reel size, fly line weight, and backing type to provide the right amount of backing. - Q: How much backing should I use on a 3-weight fly reel?
A: For a 3-weight fly reel, 50-75 yards of 20-pound Dacron backing is typically recommended. This will provide enough length for small freshwater species like trout or panfish. - Q: Can I use monofilament as fly line backing?
A: While it’s possible to use monofilament as fly line backing, it’s generally not recommended. Monofilament stretches more than Dacron or gel-spun lines and doesn’t pack as efficiently on the reel, potentially limiting the amount of backing you can store. - Q: Is fly line backing necessary?
A: Yes, fly line backing is necessary because it increases the total length of line you can use, especially when fighting large, fast-running fish. It also helps fill up the reel spool, preventing the fly line from winding too tightly and making retrieval smoother. - Q: What is Dacron fly line backing?
A: Dacron is a type of synthetic polyester fiber commonly used as fly line backing. It’s durable, affordable, and has a good strength-to-diameter ratio, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fly fishing.