1. Uncasing the Fly Rod-Your fly rod and fly reel should be carried in protective cases. If your equipment was supplied with cases, be sure to use them. If your rod does not have a case, you can purchase one made of aluminum or fiberglass, or you can make one of PVC tubing and end caps. Rod sacks and protective reel cases are also available at most fly shops or from mail-order suppliers. (When purchasing a rod or reel case, be sure the cases you buy will fit your equipment. Don't assume that your rod breaks down into sections of equal length. If possible, take your rod and reel along with you when you buy cases for them.) Remove your fly rod from its tube and cloth bag. Put the tube lid in your pocket as you open the tube. Once the rod is pulled out of the cloth bag, put the bag back into the tube and replace the cap. This keeps your bag and tube dry and clean and prevents loss.

2. Fly Rod Assembly-Put the rod's sections together by connecting the ferrules. Most rods are two-piece, so there will be only a single ferrule connection. Multi-piece pack rods with as many as six sections have additional ferrules. With pack or travel rods, begin assembling the rod at the butt end and progress to the tip. Line up the guides and slightly tighten the ferrule. Never push, force, or twist the ferrule excessively-damage or locking of the rod sections may occur if you do. Look down the rod to make sure the guides are all in a straight line. To avoid rod damage do not lay the rod down or prop it against an irregular surface as you unpack your fly reel. Be especially cautious of doors and car trunks, which break more rods than fish do.

3. Fly Reel Attachment to Rod-Remove the fly reel from its bag or case. Do not drop it. Most fly reels will be damaged if dropped onto a hard surface. Position the reel correctly, making sure the handle is on the proper side, and tighten the reel seat hardware down snugly on the reel foot. Never tighten the reel to the seat by using excess finger pressure or pliers.

4. Pulling Line Through the Rod's Guides-Find the leader's end and pull the entire leader and 10 to 15 feet of fly line from the reel. Pull line off with one hand while holding the rod with the other. Never lay the rod down and pull the line out. This will cause reel damage and allow grit to get into the reel. If grit does get into the reel, remove the spool and rinse off both the frame and spool with fresh water. This will usually flush away most of the grit. Double over the fly line about two feet from the leader and pass the doubled end through each guide, pulling the excess line and leader after it.

5. Straightening the Leader and the Fly Line-Because both the leader and fly line are stored in small coils on your reel, they will not be straight enough for good casting and fishing performance. You must straighten each. Hold the fly line firmly just above the leader junction knot. Grasp the leader at the junction with both hands and begin pulling, using sliding strokes, working slowly down to the leader tip. This heats and stretches the coiled leader. Feel the leader get warm in your grip, then stretch it very tightly for about 30 seconds. This heating, stretching and cooling will straighten the leader. Repeat if necessary. Avoid using so-called leader straighteners. These can easily overheat the leader and weaken and damage it. Pull as much fly line as you will be casting out through the rod's tip guide. Slowly pull on and stretch short sections of the fly line. This should remove most of the line coils. Repeat this step if necessary. In cold weather (below 40 degrees F.) be extremely careful not to quickly pull the fly line very tight or the plastic finish may crack. You can also attach the leader and line to a stationary object then pull the entire length at once. Now rewind the fly line onto the reel. It will remain straightened for a day's use.

6. Dressing the Fly Line-If you are using a floating fly line and intend to clean or dress it with waterproof floatant, this is the most opportune time to do it. While the fly line is stretched, apply the cleaner with a clean cloth or dressing applicator. Fly lines, new and used, always last and perform better if they are regularly cleaned and dressed. Products designed to clean and condition fly lines are available at most fly shops.

7. Fly Attachment-Attach your fly to the leader tippet with the Duncan loop, Turle knot, or improved clinch. The Duncan loop, or Uniknot, is usually the most practical and versatile. Because the loop formed is adjustable, the fly can be held tight or loose, or with a large shock loop, with a simple loop size adjustment.

8. Fly Retention-To hold or store the fly temporarily before you begin casting it, or between fishing periods, put the fly in the rod's hook-keeper and tighten the line so it will not fall out. If the leader goes inside the rod's guides at this point, pull it entirely out, pass the leader around the reel seat, hook the fly in the keeper or the closest rod guide, and bring the leader under tension again with the fly reel.