Choosing fly line backing and fly line

[Nickote316]

Picked up a fly rod and reel (9ft 5wt) on thursday and now I need the line and backing. I'm new to fly fishing and would like to know what the decent to good brands are. What setups are you guys using?

[Erik]

I use Rio. I find it the best, or at least the best that I can find. I don't like waxy backings.

[fishstix]

I like cortland 444 flyline. As far as backing goes just get whatever the shop you get your line from offers you.

[ryanheartssteelhead]

Originally Posted by Nickote316

Picked up a fly rod and reel (9ft 5wt) on thursday and now I need the line and backing. I'm new to fly fishing and would like to know what the decent to good brands are. What setups are you guys using?

Before you buy a random line< what kind of rod is it? whats the action?

[Nickote316]

Originally Posted by ryanheartssteelhead

Before you buy a random line< what kind of rod is it? whats the action?

Classic Trout 5wt 9ft 6 piece with the Amundson TXS reel

[silverdoctor]

Originally Posted by Nickote316

Amundson TXS reel

I have the same reel, great bang for the buck. Have a cortland line on mine right now.

[EP2]

I like my CT with a GPX for in close loading. Lenghten the leader for delicacy if needed.

I also use 30lb dacron for most of backing. Sure the poundage is overkill, but I like the way it sits on my reels. You lose roughly 20% capacity from 20lb dacron.

[Nickote316]

Picked up some Rio Gold last night and getting it spun on tonight. Seems like everyone I talked to likes the Rio gold as much as the people on here!

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Nickote316

Classic Trout 5wt 9ft 6 piece with the Amundson TXS reel

You find the Amundson a bit heavy? I was looking at it because it can do a little light duty sal****er too, but thought it heavy.

[Nickote316]

Originally Posted by Okotokian

You find the Amundson a bit heavy? I was looking at it because it can do a little light duty sal****er too, but thought it heavy.

Its heavier than the more expensive reels I looked at, but I found it to be a little beefier than them.

[braggadoe]

The major manufactures all make good lines. but there's a small company "Monic" that has a patented, no stretch core to there lines. the big company's all wish they could use it but can't. lets you feel 100% of the strike. they make all the different lines,fresh/salt water and spey lines. the spey lines are the best on the market because your in touch with your fly all the time and the strikes feel amazing.

There a small company, but worth checking out. if you try them out, you'll never buy from a major manufacture again.

[Lefty-Canuck]

Originally Posted by Nickote316

Picked up a fly rod and reel (9ft 5wt) on thursday and now I need the line and backing. I'm new to fly fishing and would like to know what the decent to good brands are. What setups are you guys using?

Are you fishing lakes? streams? rivers? what are your target species?

LC

[ÜberFly]

Yes what kind of action?! If fast you might want to consider Sa GPX or Rio grand (I prefer gpx as grand has a longer head doesn't cast as nice for me, but does actually roll cast better). If medium or medium/fast rio gold is a great line. Make sure to keep your box and receipt as if there are any Problems within the year both those have a 1 year warrantee.

[Nickote316]

I pretty sure its a fast action. I'll double check when I get home. Ill probably be using it mostly on lakes but might take it out to the river sometimes. I bought it for trout. If I were to take it to the river then I would be targeting goldeye.

[Doc]

There's a lot of good lines made today. The big three are Rio, Cortland & Scientific Anglers but Airflo, Jim Teeny, Orvis & Sage make great lines with more manufacturers being added daily. I used to be a Cortland 444 guy but found several times that the line prematurely cracked on me. I've switched all my lines over to Rio and do enjoy casting the Rio Gold very much. I have cast SA lines without any complaints although not crazy about the noisy Shark line.

As far as backing, 20lb dacron will do you well. Some folks are moving to the 35lb Gel-Spun backing as it offers the same capacity as 20lb dacron and is much stronger but costs a bit more. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Doc

[Albertafisher]

Rio is the best IMO, and a waxed dacron backing is the way I go.

[24/7 fishing]

Airflow supple tactical is what I have for my 9' 5wt and really like it.

[Okotokian]

Originally Posted by Nickote316

Picked up a fly rod and reel (9ft 5wt) on thursday and now I need the line and backing. I'm new to fly fishing and would like to know what the decent to good brands are. What setups are you guys using?

did you buy secondhand? Usually the shop that sells you the gear will spring for the backing and sell you a line appropriate for what you want to do. Just go into any reputable shop or even BPS or WSS and talk to the guys behind the counter. Around here your first line should be floating weight forward made for your 5 weight rod. I'd get something that works well in cold water for trout.