Reel and line assembly (for a noobie)

[Chuckwalla]

Just got a my first fly reel (it's a SA System 1 456) today and I'm looking for some clarification. The doc that came with the reel says the backing capacity is 130 yrds of 20# for WF-5-F. So, I have some questions:

1. Does this mean that I should put 130 yrds of backing on the reel then put ALL the fly line on? OR Is the total capacity including the fly line?

2. What brand of line is the best for some one starting out? I was look at SA Trout, HeadStart and Cortland 444 Rocket Taper (WF-5-F)

3. What size/type leaders should I have?

4. I assume that I should use tippet to make the leader last longer?

Thanks,

[Flash005]

I'll see if I can help. I'm sure others will give you there opinions.
1. Backing: If the reel says 130 yds of backing, it usually means, the reel will hold that amount of backing plus the fly line. With thatsaid, I would probably use less backing then the reel states so that the fly line is not rubbing on the inside of the reel when it is all the on the reel. Say 100yds. You’re never going to need that much backing for trout fishing and if you actually hook a fish that runs that far you'll never stop it anyway. Just make sure that when all the fly line is on the reel it is not rubbing on the inside of the reel.

2. Line Brand: I just bought SA Trout for my wife to give me for Christmas, gotta love that. I went with SA because of all the rave reviews by other board members. I had actually planned on buying SA GPX, but the guys at Fish Hawk advised me if I use a full flex rod, which I do, that the SA Trout was better. Before that I used Cortland 555 and loved it, I got a nasty cut in the line about 15 feet from the front end destroying the taper. I then went to Orvis Wonderline I bought at last Spring’s sale for $5, that stuff plain stinks, it doesn't float, but for $5 I had to try it. I have high hopes for the SA Trout.

3. Leader: Well that depends. I will usually use a 9 or so foot taper leader in 5x. Then put on some tippet (around a foot or two), again usually 5x maybe 6x. But, I don't think trout, even smart natives, care about line coming off the fly. Its all in the presentation.

4. Answered with three.

Hope I helped a little, go get'm.

[FlygURL]

I recommend going our one of our local fly shops - Unicoi Outfitters, Orvis, Fly Box, Fish Hawk - buying your line there. Be sure to bring your reel. They'll handle getting the right amount of backing and you fly line on the reel.

I am a fan of Headstart. Low cost with all of the technology of Scientific Angler. I think that both Unicoi Outfitters and Fish Hawk carry it.

[fishnpreacher]

Agree with Beth's advice. Local flyshops can set you up with the backing and line and its good for the economy. I like the 444 Cortland. Its been an industry standard for years. Leaders can vary with conditions. I generally use a 71/2ft with a foot or so tippet, 4X. That way if I need a 9foot I can add 11/2 feet of 5X and then sone 6X tippet and I'm there.
While we're in the neighborhood, have a piece of 6-8 inch piece of 20# mono added to the end of your flyline with a nail knot. (Local flyshop will do this too).That way you can change leaders easily on stream. All you do is tie a perfection loop in the end of your leader and do the loop-to-loop connection. It really helps when you get that birdnest in your leader, and the trout are rising.

[Chuckwalla]

Thanks for the clarification and the advice. I think I'll follow the advice and take the reel to one of the shops and let them spool it up.

Thanks,
John