Scientific Anglers Fly Line Backing Fly Fishing Line 20lb 100yd Yellow
Joel Wakefield 
# **How to Choose Scientific Anglers Fly Line Backing Fly Fishing Line 20lb 100yd Yellow**
Fly fishing is an art that requires precision, patience, and the right gear. One of the most critical yet often overlooked components of a fly fishing setup is the **backing line**. If you’re considering the **Scientific Anglers Fly Line Backing (20lb, 100yd, Yellow)**, this guide will help you understand why it’s an excellent choice and how to select the right backing for your needs.
## **What Is Fly Line Backing?**
Backing is a thin, strong line that connects your fly reel to the fly line. Its primary purpose is to provide extra length when a strong fish makes a long run, preventing your fly line from being completely pulled off the reel. Additionally, backing fills up the reel spool, ensuring your fly line sits at the optimal diameter for smooth casting and retrieval.
## **Why Choose Scientific Anglers Fly Line Backing?**
Scientific Anglers is a trusted name in fly fishing, known for high-performance products. Here’s why their **20lb, 100-yard yellow backing** stands out:
### **1. Strength & Durability**
– **20lb Test Strength**: Ideal for freshwater and light saltwater applications, providing enough power to handle large trout, bass, and even smaller saltwater species.
– **Durable Construction**: Made from high-quality Dacron, this backing resists abrasion and maintains strength even after prolonged use.
### **2. Smooth Performance**
– **Low Stretch**: Unlike some cheaper backings, Scientific Anglers’ Dacron backing minimizes stretch, ensuring better hook sets and control over fighting fish.
– **Consistent Diameter**: A uniform thickness prevents tangles and ensures smooth line retrieval.
### **3. High Visibility (Yellow Color)**
– The bright yellow color makes it easy to track how much backing is left when a fish runs, helping anglers manage their line effectively.
### **4. 100-Yard Length**
– Provides ample reserve for most freshwater and inshore saltwater scenarios. If you’re targeting larger species like tarpon or salmon, you may want to add more backing, but 100 yards is sufficient for most applications.
## **How to Choose the Right Backing for Your Setup**
### **1. Match the Backing to Your Fly Line & Reel Capacity**
– Check your reel’s specifications to determine how much backing it can hold with your chosen fly line. Overfilling the reel can cause casting issues, while underfilling may reduce line retrieval efficiency.
– A **20lb backing** is versatile enough for most trout, bass, and light saltwater setups. If targeting larger fish, consider a higher test strength (30-50lb).
### **2. Consider the Fishing Environment**
– **Freshwater (Trout, Bass, Pike)**: 20lb backing is usually sufficient.
– **Saltwater (Bonefish, Redfish, Stripers)**: 20lb works for smaller species, but for larger fish like tarpon, upgrade to 30-50lb.
### **3. Color & Visibility**
– High-visibility colors like yellow help monitor line usage during a fight. If stealth is crucial (e.g., spooky trout), some anglers prefer more subdued colors, but backing is rarely seen by fish.
### **4. Material Preference**
– **Dacron (Scientific Anglers’ Choice)**: Affordable, strong, and reliable.
– **Gel-Spun Polyethylene (GSP)**: Thinner and stronger but more expensive and can be harder to handle.
## **Final Thoughts**
The **Scientific Anglers Fly Line Backing (20lb, 100yd, Yellow)** is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a durable, high-performance backing solution. Its strength, smooth performance, and visibility make it a reliable addition to any fly fishing setup.
When selecting backing, always consider your target species, reel capacity, and fishing conditions. With the right backing, you’ll be better prepared for those explosive runs and hard-fighting fish.
**Tight lines and happy fishing!** 🎣