How to Tie Backing to Fly Line: A Comprehensive Guide

Fly fishing is an art that demands precision, patience, and the right knots. One of the most crucial connections in your fly fishing setup is attaching the backing to your fly line. This connection is your safety net when you hook into a powerful fish that decides to run. Knowing How To Tie Backing To Fly Line securely is not just a skill; it’s essential for landing that trophy catch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most reliable methods to create a strong and dependable connection between your backing and fly line, ensuring you’re prepared for any fish, big or small.

Why a Reliable Backing Knot Matters

Backing serves as extra line capacity on your fly reel, allowing you to play fish that run long distances. Without a secure knot connecting your backing to your fly line, you risk losing not only the fish of a lifetime but also your valuable fly line. A weak knot at this critical juncture is the Achilles’ heel of your entire fly fishing system. Imagine hooking into a large trout or salmon, feeling the exhilarating run, only to have your line break at the backing knot. This scenario is every fly angler’s nightmare, and it’s completely avoidable with the right knowledge and technique.

Therefore, mastering how to tie backing to fly line is not just about knot tying; it’s about ensuring you have the confidence and security to handle any situation on the water.

Choosing the Right Knot: Surgeon’s Loop and Alternatives

Several knots can effectively connect backing to fly line, but some stand out for their strength, ease of tying, and reliability. We’ll focus on the Surgeon’s Loop as a primary method and also touch upon other popular alternatives.

The Surgeon’s Loop: A Simple and Strong Choice

The Surgeon’s Loop is a favorite among fly anglers for creating a loop in the end of the backing. This loop then allows for a loop-to-loop connection with a loop in the fly line, offering a knotless and smooth transition. While the original post mentioned using the Surgeon’s Loop directly, we will focus on it as a loop-creating knot for a loop-to-loop connection, which is a very common and effective method.

Why choose the Surgeon’s Loop for your backing?

Strength: When tied correctly, it provides a very strong loop in your backing.
Ease of Tying: It’s relatively simple to learn and tie, even in challenging conditions.
Versatility: Suitable for various types of backing, including Dacron and gel-spun.

Step-by-Step Guide: Tying the Surgeon’s Loop in Backing

Let’s break down how to tie a Surgeon’s Loop in your fly line backing:

Double the Backing: Take the end of your backing and double it over to form a loop. The size of the loop isn’t critical at this stage.
Form a Simple Loop: Hold the doubled backing and create a simple loop, as if you were starting to tie an overhand knot.
Pass Through Twice (or More): This is where the “surgeon” part comes in. Instead of passing the doubled end through the loop once (like in a standard overhand knot), pass it through two times for a Surgeon’s Loop, or even three times for extra security, especially with slippery backing materials. For heavier backing like 30lb, two passes are generally sufficient. For 20lb Dacron, you might consider three passes. The original poster mentioned up to six passes, which is excessive and can weaken the knot. Two or three passes are generally recommended.
Moisten the Knot: Before tightening, moisten the knot with saliva or water. This lubrication helps the knot tighten smoothly and reduces friction, which can weaken the backing.
Tighten Slowly and Evenly: Gently pull on all four ends of the backing (the loop and the two tag ends) to tighten the knot. Ensure the knot cinches down neatly and the loops are uniform. Avoid yanking or jerking, as this can cause the backing to overheat and weaken at the knot.
Trim the Tag End: Once the knot is tight, trim the tag end of the backing close to the knot. Leave a very small tag end, but not so close that the knot might unravel.

An illustration depicting the steps to tie a Surgeon’s Loop knot, highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness for creating loops in fishing lines.

Tips for a Perfect Surgeon’s Loop

Consistent Loops: Aim for consistent loop size when doubling the backing.
Proper Tightening: Tighten the knot slowly and deliberately. A well-tightened Surgeon’s Loop is incredibly strong.
Practice Makes Perfect: Practice tying the Surgeon’s Loop at home until you can do it quickly and confidently.

Alternative Knot Options for Backing to Fly Line

While the Surgeon’s Loop is excellent for creating a loop in the backing for a loop-to-loop connection, you might also consider direct knot connections for attaching backing directly to the fly line. Two popular and reliable options are the Albright Knot and the Nail Knot.

Albright Knot: Excellent for joining lines of significantly different diameters, making it a strong choice for connecting thicker backing to thinner fly line. It’s relatively easy to tie and very secure.
Nail Knot: A classic knot specifically designed for attaching fly line to leader or backing. It creates a very clean and streamlined connection, passing smoothly through rod guides. It requires a tool (like a nail or tube) to tie neatly, but it’s a very low-profile and strong knot.

For the purpose of focusing on how to tie backing to fly line with a loop, the Surgeon’s Loop into a loop-to-loop connection remains a highly recommended and versatile method.

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start tying, gather these essential materials:

Fly Line Backing: Choose the appropriate type and strength for your fishing needs (Dacron, gel-spun, etc.).
Fly Line: The fly line you’ll be attaching the backing to.
Scissors or Line Nippers: For trimming the tag ends of the backing.
Optional: Knot Tying Tool: While not necessary for a Surgeon’s Loop, a knot-tying tool can be helpful for other knots or for anglers with dexterity issues.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Loop-to-Loop Connection for Fly Line Backing

Now, let’s detail the process of creating a loop-to-loop connection using the Surgeon’s Loop in the backing and a loop in your fly line (most fly lines come with a loop pre-made or you can create one using a knot or a braided loop connector).

Tie a Surgeon’s Loop in the Backing: Follow the steps outlined above to tie a secure Surgeon’s Loop at the end of your fly line backing. Ensure the loop size is appropriate for connecting to your fly line loop – generally, a loop of about 1-2 inches is sufficient.
Locate or Create the Loop on Your Fly Line: Most modern fly lines come with a pre-welded loop at the reel end. If your fly line doesn’t have a loop, you can create one using a braided loop connector or by tying a knot like the Perfection Loop. For simplicity and assuming a pre-made loop, we’ll proceed with that.
Loop-to-Loop Connection: Pass the loop of your backing through the loop of your fly line.
Pass the Backing Spool Through: Take the spool of your fly line backing and pass it through the loop you’ve created in the fly line backing. This effectively interlocks the two loops.
Tighten the Connection: Gently pull on the fly line and the backing to tighten the loop-to-loop connection. Ensure it cinches down smoothly and securely.
Test the Connection: Before relying on this connection, give it a firm but steady pull to test its strength. You should feel confident in the connection before spooling the backing onto your reel.

An image illustrating the loop-to-loop connection method, showcasing how two loops interlock to form a secure and knotless link between fishing lines.

Testing Your Knot

Always test your knot before you trust it with a fish. After tying your chosen knot, give it a firm, steady pull. It’s better to have a knot fail during testing than when you have a fish on the line. If the knot slips or breaks, retie it and practice until you can tie it consistently and securely.

Backing Knot Best Practices and Tips

Moisten Your Knots: Always lubricate your knots before tightening.
Tighten Slowly: Avoid quick, jerky motions when tightening knots.
Use the Right Knot for the Job: Choose knots appropriate for the materials you are joining (backing and fly line).
Practice Regularly: Knot tying is a perishable skill. Practice your knots regularly to stay proficient.
Inspect Your Knots: Periodically check your backing-to-fly line connection for wear or damage, especially after landing a large fish.

Conclusion

Mastering how to tie backing to fly line is a fundamental skill for any fly fisher. The Surgeon’s Loop, combined with a loop-to-loop connection, offers a reliable, strong, and relatively easy method to ensure your backing is securely attached to your fly line. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll enhance your confidence on the water and be better prepared to land the fish of your dreams. Take the time to learn these knots, practice them, and you’ll significantly improve your fly fishing success and enjoyment.