In the video above, Capt. Michael Passalacqua demonstrates how to splice your backing to your fly line for the smoothest connection possible.

It’s a simple process—and if you’re not swapping out fly lines often, in my opinion, it’s the best way to do it.

This tutorial covers splicing 30 lb backing (Micron/Dacron) to your 9/10/11/12 weight setup. We’ll also be posting another video soon on splicing with 20 lb backing, so stay tuned!

There’s no better feeling than getting ripped into your backing and not hearing that big Bimini twist go click, click, click through the guides—just a brilliantly smooth connection with hardly any friction at all.

The best part? Anyone can do it. You don’t technically need tools, but a Daho rigging needle makes threading much easier. A little Loon UV Knot Sense on the connection adds durability and helps it stand up to long-term wear and abuse—I highly recommend it.

For the serving, use Spectra or another thin-diameter braided line (about 10 lb or under, or .006″ and thinner if possible). Just avoid hollow-core or Dacron/Micron—you want this section as thin as possible.

These are the helpful tools you’ll need to make a smooth and efficient splice: