Splicing Backing to Fly Line

[denver]

Does anyone have any instructions for splicing backing to fly line. I have seen the $25 Whitlock kits and decided I could do it myself for $0. So far, I have put a needle up the center of my 5wt line about 3/4". I then pulled the backing through the center of the line and out at the 3/4" mark ( where the needle came out ).

Now What?

Thanks,
Denver

[JR]

Denver,
Here is the needle knot you are looking for. I have never seen it used for the backing to flyline. I don't recommend for leader connection either. Look into the braided loop connecters. Easy to install and quick on the stream leader swap.
__________________________________________
The needle knot has one big advantage over other line/leader knots in that the leader comes out of the center of the fly line. Streamlined this way it minimizes hinging or hang-ups. (a) Using a new razor blade, slice an inch of the leader's butt to a point so it will p****through eye of a small needle (not much larger than half the diameter of the fly line's tip). Insert needle through center of line and out one side about 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Place trimmed leader point through needle eye. (b) Using pliers, pull needle and 4 to 6 inches of leader through the fly line. (c) Lay a large needle next to the fly line and start wrapping leader around fly line and needle back toward tip of fly line. (d) Make 4 to 5 even wraps lightly. Do not allow wraps to overlap or spring away. P****end of leader through needle eye, then pull needle under and past wraps. Carefully tighten, and position wraps just behind and over exit hole in fly line. (e) Tighten knot by pulling firmly on both ends of leader. Trim off excess leader. Coat knot and exit point of leader with rubber-based cement for a smooth finished knot. Allow cement to dry. Unroll and wind on reel leaving just enough to attach tippet.
____________________________________________
(the graphics will not copy)
Please visit our T.U. web site and go to "Tips" then Knots (by D.W.)
http://www.outadventures.com/kanooka/

[denver]

JR,

Thanks for the reply, however, I want a true splice like they offer in the Orvis catalog when you buy a line and backing together. I've seen a kit by Whitlock that will do this, but wanted to try it myself.

Today, I simply put enough superglue on the backing to saturate it. I then pulled the glued portion into the center of the fly-line. I trimmed the tag end close to the line and it is perfect ( for now ). I stress-tested it and it's strong as anything, however, I don't know how well the superglue will hold up over time.

I don't usually get into big trout, but I did have 20"+ brown run me into the backing last fall ( 6x tippet ). I didn't think the Albright knot was going to go through the guides and thus decided had to be a better way to make the connection.

Again,
Thanks,
Denver

[NightOwl]

Should I be using backing? A 12" trout pulls out ... Oh, 3ft. of line... http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ubbngto/smile.gif Seriously, what are you guys fishing for....just wonder'in!
Owl

[sageboy]

Owl - I've only gotten into my backing once in Ga - Didn't land it, but it had to be a big brown. If you ever hang a big trout in fast moving water it can happen. (Then again there were those two sail fish I landed at Island Ford & the time I went bone fishing on the Chatooga) - Sage

[denver]

I know it doesn't happen often ( once for me ), but once is all it takes!

Denver

[Flyguy]

Owl...The one other advantage to using backing is to build up the arbor on your reel...This will give you a faster line retrieve when fighting fish and trying to make up for slack line you might run into during the fight.

I would have to say there are fish in GA that will put you into your backing...Have you ever seen the fish at Unicoi Outfitters????



Flyguy