Backing and new line advice

[SalmonFly]

I'm finally getting rid of my old Orvis "it's a Wonder" line (worst stuff ever made) and I need some advice on new line and backing that is the best bang for the buck. I'm limited to what Cabela's sells due to Christmas gift cards, although I know they have Sage, SA, and many more brands. I've never bought or put on new line and backing, as the stuff that is on my reel is what was on it when I bought it 4 years ago. I've got an Orvis T3 9.5' 5 wt rod and a Battenkill reel. I fish the Hooch mainly. DT or WF line? Do I need to replace the backing or can I use the stuff that I have? How many feet of backing do I need? Any advice on installing the new stuff would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys and Happy New Year.

[Tom]

Since you fish mainly on the Chattahoochee I would certainly bow to others when it comes to reccomendations, but I doubt if you need a special line for that river. Match the weight of the line to your rod. Weight Forward or Double Taper, they both have their advantages. Cortland has been in the business for a long, long time and is bound to have a line that you can afford.
If you buy from Cabella's, you will have to wind the line and backing on yourself. Although time consuming, wind the fly line onto your reel first (It won't matter which end of the line goes first if it is DT, if WF, make sure you tie the WF end on first) ; then tie on the backing (I would get new backing) and wind it onto the reel until you have 1/4" to 1/8" clearance between your backing and the rim of the spool. Now, reverse the procedure, removing the backing and fly line, fasten the backing to the spool and rewind everything onto the spool.
Or go to a good fly shop like Unicoi, buy your line and backing and they will put it on your reel in a jiffy.:D

[fishnpreacher]

I agree with Tom. I would go with a wf line, and backing is too cheap not to replace. You never know when Moby will take your booger and run :)
If you buy your line from Unicoi or other flyshop, they will do all the setup and knot tying, and you can use the Cabelas gift cert for other tackle, maybe leaders, tippet etc. ;)

[SalmonFly]

Thanks for the advice guys. Much appreciated. I'll get setup here real soon.

I've heard a lot of really good things about Unicoi, but have no idea where it is. I've been to the Fish Hawk down in Buckhead a few times since I live not too far away. Hopefully I'll get to one or the other here this week.

Take care and thanks again.

[fishnpreacher]

To get to Unicoi Outfitters, just follow the Chattahoochee north, it runs right by their back door! ;)
Seriously, Unicoi Outfitters is in Helen, on your right before you get into town if you are going north on Ga 17/75. Right across the road is Nacoochee Grill, a fine eating establishment. :)