A good way to improve THIS year's bass fly fishing is to look at the way you
left LAST year's bass taper fly line on your reel. Look for two things.
1. When you crank the reel, is the fly line and leader so FULL on the spool
that they rub the reel components that hold the sides together? If so, you
have too much backing on your reel.
2. As you examine your leader and tippet, if it is knotted, stretched,
chipped, kinked, cracked and unusable, you probably missed some bass on your
last trip. THIS year resolve to spend the time necessary to keep your
leader and tippet in top condition to catch more bass.

This is a good time of the year to swap ends of your bass taper floating fly
line, and to see if it's still OK.
Here is a step by step tip list:
1. If you swapped ends the previous year and the end you are using is
sinking a lot, go buy a new bass taper fly line. Tossing BIG bass bugs with
a sinking line that should be floating is hard work and, it is dangerous.
2. If you did not swap ends last year, cut off the existing leader. Check
for wind knots, chips, nicks and strains. Discard if necessary.
3. As you unwind the fly line, look closely an check for cracks, breaks and
rough spots. Cut them out up to the point where the line gets big. If you
have to remove part of the big belly, it's best to discard the fly line and
get a new bass taper.
4. If the bass taper line is salvageable, cut it at the fly line-to-backing
knot.
5. Check the backing. Only 2-3 wraps over the spool are needed for a fly
line cushion. Cut off and discard the surplus backing if any. If you are
having a fly shop install a new bass taper, watch them and make sure they do
not put 50-100 yards of backing on your reel. If they give you any sass,
just say "No, lots of backing is unnecessary. The world record bass did not
take line into backing."
6. Use a nail knot, tie the used end of the fly line to your backing.
7. Use a loop or nail knot to tie a serviceable leader to your bass taper
fly line.
8. Clean your fly line and your reel is ready to go!

Good luck.
John


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