|
|
| |
|
|
Assembly
of Fly Tackle for Use
1.
Uncasing the Fly Rod-Your
fly rod and fly reel should be carried in protective cases.
If your equipment was supplied with cases, be sure to use them.
If your rod does not have a case, you can purchase one made
of aluminum or fiberglass, or you can make one of PVC tubing
and end caps. Rod sacks and protective reel cases are also available
at most fly shops or from mail-order suppliers. (When purchasing
a rod or reel case, be sure the cases you buy will fit your
equipment. Don't assume that your rod breaks down into sections
of equal length. If possible, take your rod and reel along with
you when you buy cases for them.) Remove your fly rod from its
tube and cloth bag. Put the tube lid in your pocket as you open
the tube. Once the rod is pulled out of the cloth bag, put the
bag back into the tube and replace the cap. This keeps your
bag and tube dry and clean and prevents loss.
2.
Fly Rod Assembly-Put the rod's sections together by connecting
the ferrules. Most rods are two-piece, so there will be only
a single ferrule connection. Multi-piece pack rods with as many
as six sections have additional ferrules. With pack or travel
rods, begin assembling the rod at the butt end and progress
to the tip. Line up the guides and slightly tighten the ferrule.
Never push, force, or twist the ferrule excessively-damage or
locking of the rod sections may occur if you do. Look down the
rod to make sure the guides are all in a straight line. To avoid
rod damage do not lay the rod down or prop it against an irregular
surface as you unpack your fly reel. Be especially cautious
of doors and car trunks, which break more rods than fish do.
3.
Fly Reel Attachment to Rod-Remove the fly reel from its
bag or case. Do not drop it. Most fly reels will be damaged
if dropped onto a hard surface. Position the reel correctly,
making sure the handle is on the proper side, and tighten the
reel seat hardware down snugly on the reel foot. Never tighten
the reel to the seat by using excess finger pressure or pliers.
4.
Pulling Line Through the Rod's Guides-Find the leader's
end and pull the entire leader and 10 to 15 feet of fly line
from the reel. Pull line off with one hand while holding the
rod with the other. Never lay the rod down and pull the line
out. This will cause reel damage and allow grit to get into
the reel. If grit does get into the reel, remove the spool and
rinse off both the frame and spool with fresh water. This will
usually flush away most of the grit. Double over the fly line
about two feet from the leader and pass the doubled end through
each guide, pulling the excess line and leader after it. |
 |
5.
Straightening the Leader and the Fly Line-Because
both the leader and fly line are stored in small coils on your reel,
they will not be straight enough for good casting and fishing performance.
You must straighten each. Hold the fly line firmly just above the
leader junction knot. Grasp the leader at the junction with both
hands and begin pulling, using sliding strokes, working slowly down
to the leader tip. This heats and stretches the coiled leader. Feel
the leader get warm in your grip, then stretch it very tightly for
about 30 seconds. This heating, stretching and cooling will straighten
the leader. Repeat if necessary. Avoid using so-called leader straighteners.
These can easily overheat the leader and weaken and damage it. Pull
as much fly line as you will be casting out through the rod's tip
guide. Slowly pull on and stretch short sections of the fly line.
This should remove most of the line coils. Repeat this step if necessary.
In cold weather (below 40 degrees F.) be extremely careful not to
quickly pull the fly line very tight or the plastic finish may crack.
You can also attach the leader and line to a stationary object then
pull the entire length at once. Now rewind the fly line onto the
reel. It will remain straightened for a day's use.
6.
Dressing the Fly Line-If you are using a floating fly line and
intend to clean or dress it with waterproof floatant, this is the
most opportune time to do it. While the fly line is stretched, apply
the cleaner with a clean cloth or dressing applicator. Fly lines,
new and used, always last and perform better if they are regularly
cleaned and dressed. Products designed to clean and condition fly
lines are available at most fly shops.
7.
Fly Attachment-Attach your fly to the leader tippet with the
Duncan loop, Turle knot, or improved clinch. The Duncan loop, or
Uniknot, is usually the most practical and versatile. Because the
loop formed is adjustable, the fly can be held tight or loose, or
with a large shock loop, with a simple loop size adjustment.
8.
Fly Retention-To hold or store the fly temporarily before you
begin casting it, or between fishing periods, put the fly in the
rod's hook-keeper and tighten the line so it will not fall out.
If the leader goes inside the rod's guides at this point, pull it
entirely out, pass the leader around the reel seat, hook the fly
in the keeper or the closest rod guide, and bring the leader under
tension again with the fly reel.
|
|
|
|
|
