This may be a dumb question but is there a special way the shops do it to keep the line wound evenly? Since there is no guide on a fly reel how do you guys get the backing and line on evenly? Just tie and reel? Thanks for the help in advance!

there are all kinds of after-market devices that can be purchased. I have never done so, just wing it myself.

One suggestion is to attach the reel to the butt section but do not attach the remaining rod sections. This gives at least one guide. Run the backing through that one guide and then you'll have a handle to hold while cranking the backing on. Use your fingers to move the backing back and forth so as to evenly distribute it on the reel spool.

Same procedure for the line. But pay attention and don't let the line get out of control which will give you a bird's nest to deal with. (ask me how I know )

Finding a large round object to wind the fly line on (or make a winder out of scrap lulmber) can assist greatly in fly line management.

Thanks for the help rrhyne! Going to spool my Ross reel right now.

OK Robin its been 3 hours so Ill ask.how do you know about these birds nest you talk about???? hey cliff would have done it if he was here. jb

OK, since you ask, I once knew a guy who knew another guy whose cousin worked at a fly shop where a customer had called in about having some birds nest issues trying to spool his own reel.

This was in Poughkeepsie I believe. Or maybe Toronto.

One other tip airfob. if you spool the flyline on first and tie the backing on then spool it on top of the flyline until the reel is full then reverse it and your set with the right amount of backing. thanks to Lane C. on this one. jb

This may help a bit. Every now and then I'll get on here just to keep myself in check...
http://www.killroys.com/knots/knots.htm