Keeping Care of Your Fly Line and Fly Reel

So it's mid-winter... and all the fly anglers are getting anxious to wade in the cold fast flowing rivers and streams (we're a crazy type of fishermen and fishergirls) and alot of us buy new backing, and fly line... I don't, but only because I know how to keep my stuff in good shape! so let's get started!!!

Step 1: Bad Leader!!!

By now your old leader is probably scuffed up, with sun damage if you haven't already thrown it out, do it now!

Step 2: Cut the Fly Line!

You can use a Walton's Thumb, or use scissors or nail clippers although I suggest getting a Walton's Thumb especially if you fly fish (I hope you do if you're reading this). Use your chosen tool and cut about 10-12 inches of fly line off the tip.

Step 3: Filling the Garbage Can!

Sorry if we caused an overflow of your garbage but throw out the scrap piece of fly line... the reason is this 10 first inches takes the most beating and gets scuffed and will probably break!

Step 4: Superglue

If you use floating line put a dab of superglue it keeps water from coming in messing up your dry fly presentation!

Step 5: Wrapping

Wrap your Backing and Fly Line around something with a much larger circumference than your reel, like a coffee can, a jug or even a big tackle box! that way the line has memory of something bigger than the reel so the line will come out of the reel with less tangles in spring time!!!

Step 6: Fly Line Gets Dirty...

Fly line gets unbelievably dirty, but it makes sense... it goes in dirty water lots so it starts to accumulate dirt! To clean it I use a 50/50 mixture of water and CLR to clean! I use CLR because it isn't a super harsh chemical, I've heard you can use rubbing alchohol too, if anyone tries it, comment how well it works! Also you can see all the dirt on the 3rd picture, Yuck!

Step 7: Lubricate

I suggest you use grease to lubricate your reel, you can use liquid lubrication but it won't last... DO NOT USE WD-40 I REPEAT DO NOT USE WD-40, it's a great way to unseize bolts but it's a temporary lubrication, it evaporates after a while! On my reel it's simple (it's my creek reel) it's just one button and there you go! if your reel is water proof skip this step!