tallpaul wrote:Hi all...
I figured I had enough pike/bass rods/reels so I picked up my first fly-fishing set-up for a couple of upcoming trips. A couple of questions for the experts...
The reel I got is the Fenwick - DCCv2-78. I got a 7/8 rod with it and some 7/8 line. I'll use it for both bass and trout for now.
1- How much backing (and what lb test) should I put? I have some 20 and 17lb mono... which is plenty strong/thick, but am I better to put some 8lb ?
2- How much "fly line" do I spool on? The entire roll I bought?
3- What knots do most people use to tie backing to fly line and then fly line to the leader?
4- Says my reel is "Smooth uni–directional disc drag system and left or right–hand retrieve option". I don't have a manual with my reel (only a parts diagram). So, is it a matter of just flipping the reel around and spooling it differently (so the drag is engaged when pulling line out?
Now... once all that is sorted, I've just got to go and get some flies. I can't wait to fly fish for smallies!!
Paul,
With the 7/8 rod/reel you're geared up for LM and steelhead.
Here's a link on getting geared up.
http://www.flymartonline.com/article215.html
You'll probably want to put 30lb backing on your reel. Typically you put enough backing so that when you spool your fly line it fills your spool to near capacity. The amount of backing will depend on whether you're using dacron line or gelspun.
Do not use mono. At a minimum you'd be looking at 100 yards of backing.
You connect your fly line to your backing using an Albright knot.
You're going to put all of your fly line onto your reel. The line should likely have a label indicating the "backing" end of the fly line. This will be the free end of the fly line from the spool it comes on.
For you line to leader connetion, the simplest solution is to purchase a "Braided Loop Connector", which you attach to the end of your fly line. Most new lines will come with a "welded" loop already formed in the line. You can also tie on a piece of heavy (~20lb) using a nail knot, then add a perfection loop in the end if you prefer this loop connection instead. Some anglers prefer to permanently tie their leader onto their fly line with a nail knot as well. My personal preference is a loop connector in some form or another.
For your reel, tighten the drag down a bit to determine which "hand" it is currently set up for (i.e. engaged when line is pulled out). If it's not set up for your retrieval hand, it's probably just a matter of flipping the drag gear over.
For flies, be sure to have some Olive beadhead woolly buggers in your fly box (#6, #8). The smallies love'm!
"There wouldn't have been any butt kickings if that stupid death ray had worked."
I think first thing is to go back to the store and see if I can get my hands on the manual for the reel! Like I said, all it came with was a box and the parts diagram. 
