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Post 27 May 2021, 16:28 • #1 
Sport
Joined: 01/11/21
Posts: 76
Location: NY (upstate/downstate)
Hey all,

I am looking for your collective wisdom on this reel/line combo. I know the 406 DT4F is 10' shorter than a comparable 444 and thinner to boot, but will I be able to spool it on a Hardy Featherweight with some backing?

Has anyone used this combo or is this not a great idea? I see mention of folks having trouble getting a DT4F on there with any backing, but I'm pretty sure they weren't using a shorter/thinner 406 fly line.

What say you?


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Post 27 May 2021, 17:08 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 05/19/14
Posts: 3924
Location: USA - Illinois
Yes - not absolute on how much backing is on it, but maybe 8-10 yards. I have spools with DT3 & DT4, and WF3 through WF6.


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Post 27 May 2021, 17:26 • #3 
Sport
Joined: 01/11/21
Posts: 76
Location: NY (upstate/downstate)
Thanks for the info!

I'm glad it will fit. I may end up cutting off some yards of fly line to make room for more backing, but maybe it won't be necessary.

Do you find the 406 DT4F on that Featherweight spool insanely coiled on the inside (if you ever get all the way towards the end of the line)?


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Post 27 May 2021, 17:54 • #4 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
John nailed it - a slightly short DT4 is just the bottom capacity of a Featherweight.
Not much more than a base wrap of backing.
Many modern DT4 lines won't fit.


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Post 27 May 2021, 18:49 • #5 
Sport
Joined: 01/11/21
Posts: 76
Location: NY (upstate/downstate)
Thanks, jhusky and bulldog1935!

As long as I can spool up the 406 DT4F I'll be good. I don't think I'll be able to find a trout that can take me into the backing.


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Post 28 May 2021, 16:15 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 02/08/13
Posts: 156
Location: Nomadic
Why not try half a DT? Should be enough for most fishing situations and allows for a decent base of backing. Plus you have a spare line....


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Post 28 May 2021, 16:31 • #7 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
I think he has it solved. I worked on a friend's once that held a full Peach DT4.


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Post 28 May 2021, 17:33 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8920
Location: US-ME
There used to be some DT lines about 60 feet total length, perfect for smaller reels or shallow large arbors. I think SA "Concept" was one. They were a good solution, and with all the line needed for typical fishing distances. Not sure if they are made anymore, or something similar from another company.


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Post 28 May 2021, 19:52 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 12/05/06
Posts: 2087
Location: US-PA
I use a Sci-Anglers Mastery DT4F on a Featherweight with SOME backing, not much, maybe 10 - 20 yards.

Not a problem...

I also have the same line spooled on an Abel CFO II that is the same diameter...

again, not a problem.

If you are looking at a 406 which is shorter, don't lose any sleep over it as it will fit just fine.


Last edited by Bamboozle on 29 May 2021, 07:10, edited 1 time in total.

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Post 28 May 2021, 23:03 • #10 
Guide
Joined: 12/22/13
Posts: 316
Location: Colorado
You could try this, https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/white-r ... m-fly-line


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Post 29 May 2021, 06:08 • #11 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
if that's a 10-m DT, he'd need it with a half-mile of backing - I have one on a 2-1/2" prewar JW Young, which has smaller capacity than a Hardy Flyweight.


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Post 29 May 2021, 09:53 • #12 
Guide
Joined: 12/22/13
Posts: 316
Location: Colorado
15m. Also, I use 30lb backing on my trout reels to reduce the amount needed.


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Post 29 May 2021, 10:28 • #13 
Sport
Joined: 01/11/21
Posts: 76
Location: NY (upstate/downstate)
All good suggestions, everyone!

Thanks for the input and help. I have a 406 4DT around so I probably won't try a different line, and I don't think I'll be in a trout situation where I'd need a ton of backing with this 4wt. But, there's something foreign to me about packing a reel with only fly line that has no basis in anything other than familiarity. I know that must have been the norm way back when, anyway.

I doubt I'll need 80' of fly line, either. And the fact that someone spooled a fatter 444 4wt on a featherweight gives me greater confidence I'll be able to get it on there.


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Post 31 May 2021, 17:01 • #14 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 03/30/09
Posts: 1525
Location: Hamilton,Ontario,Canada
Instead of using dacron backing try using one of the thin braided lines used for spinning reels.I had a Hardy fly weight that only took about 15 or 20 yards of 20 lb. dacron backing but with a 12 lb. braided line I got about 75 or 80 yds on.That said I only got pulled almost into the backing once.When that happens with a flyweight or featherweight you almost need earplugs because of the screech. :)


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Post 20 Jun 2021, 12:12 • #15 
Sport
Joined: 01/11/21
Posts: 76
Location: NY (upstate/downstate)
Hah that's funny! I have come to really love the Hardy purr, but as I've been winding/unwinding the line and backing to attach it, my wife, dog, and cat, have been unpleasantly surprised by the cacophony!

That being said, I appreciate the suggestion, but I can happily report that I have happily spooled The Featherweight with a 406 DT4F and at least 30yd of 20lb dacron backing. The backing completely fills the first ported hole on the side of the reel. More than I'll ever need!

I really love this reel. And I didn't think I would like a fully caged reel as much. But I do!

Thanks for all the help everyone.


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