Fly Reel line backing

In your experiences with ice fishing fly reels, what has been the best line to use for line backing? Just bought the new Frabill 241 just looking for input on what I should use. Thanks.

Any cheap small diameter line will work just fine for backing, save your money to buy a good main line.

Spend the money on the main line. I typically will use 10lb test off a 3000 yard spool that I got for cheap and plan on using that 3000 yards all for backing.

you have a PM

If you are using your poles for just panfish only you can cut a swimming pool noodle to fit around the spool. I have done that to a few of my poles and it works for me. Good luck!!!

I like fly reel backing. It’s cheap, lasts forever and you can fill up most of your spool with it and fish 50′ of your good/premium line in most applications. If you hook a big fish the fly reel backing is very easy to work with in cold temps. A big plus is because you’re only fishing 50′ or so of your premium line you can change it out frequently without wasting much money doing so.

You can usually find spools of fly reel backing for $4 – $9 depending on quantity and it comes is different colors so you can customize your setups so you can tell them apart from your buddy’s rods/reels.

Fly Reel Backing on Amazon

Tip up line also works well.

If you use fly line backing or dacron/braid, wax the line as you put it on. It helps with keeping it from absorbing water. There are also some spray on products as well.

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I like fly reel backing. It’s cheap, lasts forever and you can fill up most of your spool with it and fish 50′ of your good/premium line in most applications. If you hook a big fish the fly reel backing is very easy to work with in cold temps. A big plus is because you’re only fishing 50′ or so of your premium line you can change it out frequently without wasting much money doing so.

You can usually find spools of fly reel backing for $4 – $9 depending on quantity and it comes is different colors so you can customize your setups so you can tell them apart from your buddy’s rods/reels.

Fly Reel Backing on Amazon

Tip up line also works well.

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I couldn’t agree more; 20-30# test is what you’re looking for. Don’t get gel spun as it’s a thinner diameter line and that’s not what you want. You want a larger diameter line for backing so that it requires less line to fill the spool.

As James mentioned, fill the spool almost completely full of backing and then add a shorter amount of your actual fishing line. 50-70′ would be about right, depending on how deep you are fishing.

Spray some Reel Magic or what ever line conditioner you like on the backing and you’re all set.