For an 8 wt fly rod, I recommend having the reel taken to your tackle store and they will fill it with 20lb dacron for backing, and have them put a weight forward floating fly line that matches the rod. Now when you get the reel home, take the end of the fly line and make a small loop. Wrap the end of the fly line to hold the loop in place and epoxy it. This holds your loop until you want to cut off and tie again.

For leaders, I then tie a surgens loop knot in both the leader, for inshore 20lb is plenty, and loop the leader to the fly line. This forms a perfect butt section and it lays flat. Tie on a clouser minnow or lefty's deciever and you are good to go.

Tight lines

Bad day fishing beats a good day at work