Fly reel backing-what works?

[kensom]

I bought a couple of fly reels that I want to put on my panfish rods but there is a ton of space to fill up on the spool. What have you guys used for backing?

[BobT]

Haven't fly fished in many years but I used 20# or heavier nylon line. The reason was that I fished for bass and northern and wanted something that wouldn't be as likely to cut my fingers.

[flyfisher03]

The backing that normally is used is 20# braided line similar to what goes on tipups (not the coated stuff), or splurge on the actual backing for fly-fishing.

[kensom]

Ooops I forgot to mention that this for ice fishing...I will be using 2# test as my final line, I was thinking about using some braided tip up line as backing....any other ideas?

[flyfisher03]

Just for some clarification.

The backing goes on the reel before the line then is the tippet material (your 2# test line). The backing used on them is a 20# braided line. To connect the two there are many different options out there to tie them together probably the most common is the Albright knot. Just google how to tie it.

Then is the fly-line make sure it is sinking line and weight forward for ice fishing (use whatever the reel is rated for or a size smaller, I'd recommend getting the stuff with loop a loop on the end). The fly line shouldn't freeze and will last many years. Guys will use old fly line on tip-ups when they switch the fly-line.

Then tie a loop on one end of the tippet and spool off about 6 to 8 feet of the tippet and clip it off the spool and your ready to go. Saves a lot of line especially if you're using fluorocarbon line which can be expensive.

(Personally on the spinning reels I use for Ice fishing I have braided on first then about 6 to 8 feet of fluorocarbon line).