1) Backing to reel  --  wrap the backing around the reel 4 times, direction is important as end result will be a self tightening knot and would be opposite for left or right hand retrieve. After wrapping the backing around the reel, just make a simple single loop knot with tag end around the main line to make a slip knot. Make an other loop knot in the tag end only close to the first knot and towards the tag end to prevent the first knot from coming apart. Cut off excess tag end leaving a short tag end. Pull the slip knot tight around the reel.
 
2) Attaching line to backing  -  best method is to splice the too line together using a splicing tool. First you will need to remove the outer cover from the fly line. This is easily done by first soaking about 1 - 1 1/2  ft of the line in lacquer thinner. This will soften the coating and it can be stripped off leaving the inner braided core exposed. Be sure to remove all of the softened covering. Next feed the splicing tool through the center of the braid, starting an inch or two from the coating end and working towards the end. With the aim it get as much braid onto the tool as possible and then pushing the tool out the side of the braid. You will only be able to get a couple of inches of the fly line braid onto the tool as the as the braid does not compact very much and while you want as much length as possible caution must be used to assure that there is enough room to allow the latch of the tool to be fully exposed. Place the backing into the latch of the tool and work the tool back in the other direction taking the backing through with it. when you have the backing through make a knot in the end to keep it from inadvertently being pulled out again.
Repeat this process with the backing. The backing compacts much easier and more length on the tool is possible. Do not start too close to the fly line to allow for this additional length.
When both lines are together the ends are then pulled further through until the there is no separation where they meet. After this is done smooth out the line and pull each end out slightly and cut off. Smooth the braid over the cut ends to cover and you are done.
 
3) Line to leader  -  several methods can be used
here are 2 that I do.
 
a) Push a needle into the end of the line in the center core. Come out the side about 1/2 - 3/4 inch from the end and pull the needle out through the side.. Take a piece of mono 20 - 30 lb. and sharpen the end. Feed the sharpened end of the mono into the hole in the side of the line and out through the end. Use a nail knot to secure mono to the line and make a loop in the end that is through the centre core to attach leader.
 
b) This is harder but nice result. Strip off a few inches of the coating as above and splice a loop into the exposed braid.
 
Harmen

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