>>2541025Traditionally backing is dacron but any heavy fishing line should work
As for leaders and fly line a number followed by a number (5x, 2x, 0x, etc) referrs to leader and more specifically tippet
Tippet is just the term for the last 2-3 feet of the leader, the thinnest part, and the X rating refers to its thickness. Bigger numbers are thinner line, 5x is the lightest I use, it's good for really small flies.
Wf refers to the taper of the fly line; there are 4 basic kinds
>level lineThese are seldom made or sold anymore, but they're the most basic. They are the same thickness the full length of the line
>double taper (DT)These are similar to level lines except the ends taper. The taper gives smoother energy transition to the fly, and they're most popular for small water situations. They're also kinda like getting two lines in one because when one side gets damaged or worn out you can just turn it around
>weight forward (wf)These are by far the most common and popular. They're comprised of two parts, a thicker heavier head, and a thinner lighter running line. The head has 3 pieces of anatomy yo it. The belly is the biggest portion, both in length and diameter, and both ends of the belly has a taper. The front taper is on the front of the head and goes to the leader, the rear taper is on the rear of the head and allows the line to taper in to the running line. The advantage with this system is an increase in the ability to 'shoot' line. Shooting line is when you make your presentation cast and let it have any extra slack between. Your stripping hand and your reel. You can shoot line on a double taper, but you can shoot more line with a weight forward line.
>shooting headThis line is a caricature of a weight forward line. The head has the same anatomy as on a weight forward line but the running line tends to be a different material (like heavy monofilament) attached with either a loop-to-loop connection or some other kind of knot.
