Filler Line (Backing)

[BradGuenette]

I prefer not to use backing at all with my braid, in the case of some of the smaller reels like a 30 floog it isn't that much line anyway. Reels that I'm using to catch fish that are capable of some long runs, I don't care to risk losing a great fish due to a knot failure or being striped down to the backing. If your fish is strong enough to go 50 yds, it can do a 100 yds just as easy.

It's not just for savings costs, braided line will slip if it is tied directly to the spool... Hence the reason for backing.

[JigMe]

It's not just for savings costs, braided line will slip if it is tied directly to the spool... Hence the reason for backing.

 

You can put a piece of tape on the spool, so it wont slip.  

[SirSnookalot]

DirtNasty, on 09 Feb 2013 - 09:40, said:

It's not just for savings costs, braided line will slip if it is tied directly to the spool... Hence the reason for backing.

 

You can put a piece of table on the spool, so it wont slip.  

Tied direct to the spool yes, a piece of masking or electrical tape on the spool first NO SLIP.  I even use tape before spooling up with mono.

[Capt.Bob]

Some of the suggestions that have been mentioned are excellent cost saving measures, but not for me.

If I'm spending several hundred dollars on a rod and reel, I'm not shy to spend a little more and get the line of my choice, if it's on sale all the better.  Not to debate favoring 1 brand over another, which has been beat to death already, I want line in healthy condition on my reels and don't care how often I have to change it.  If I was overly concerned about total cost I'd be buying a more moderate priced outfit with the best line on it, not the reverse.

I prefer not to use backing at all with my braid, in the case of some of the smaller reels like a 30 floog it isn't that much line anyway.  Reels that I'm using to catch fish that are capable of some long runs, I don't care to risk losing a great fish due to a knot failure or being striped down to the backing.  If your fish is strong enough to go 50 yds, it can do a 100 yds just as easy. 

Knot a problem, (Pun intended) really, if you use a proper knot and the right line it should never be a problem. I have never had an issue with breaking off, and have been in my backing a time or two, it just takes a little longer to rig. I use a 10 to 12 foot Fluorocarbon leader on all my setup's so there would be a failure at the leader first if I was going to have one at the backing, never been a problem, and I have been rigging this way for over 20 years, I just used mono before there was Fluorocarbon.

[SirSnookalot]

Knot a problem, (Pun intended) really, if you use a proper knot and the right line it should never be a problem. I have never had an issue with breaking off, and have been in my backing a time or two, it just takes a little longer to rig. I use a 10 to 12 foot Fluorocarbon leader on all my setup's so there would be a failure at the leader first if I was going to have one at the backing, never been a problem, and I have been rigging this way for over 20 years, I just used mono before there was Fluorocarbon.

I can't imagine having a problem with perch or walleye either, just reel them in, not the case with many other species.

[Capt.Bob]

I can't imagine having a problem with perch or walleye either, just reel them in, not the case with many other species.

some don't use rope for everything. 2 and 6 pound you better learn how to do more than real em in when your catching 8 to 12 pound Eyes, and same system works for Pike and Musky, with 15 to 20 lbs line!! Size means nothing when you learn how to play any species on ultra light line, you just chase fish with heavier line!!!! Big fish heavier line like you fish, or smaller fish lighter line like I usually fish same requierments! Get them Big Musky near heavy weeds and I will go to 30 LBS. test for big musky, you know weeds like we have hear coontail and the likes, maybe you don't know I think those are pretty scarce in salt water???

[SirSnookalot]

some don't use rope for everything. 2 and 6 pound you better learn how to do more than real em in when your catching 8 to 12 pound Eyes, and same system works for Pike and Musky, with 15 to 20 lbs line!! Size means nothing when you learn how to play any species on ultra light line, you just chase fish with heavier line!!!! Big fish heavier line like you fish, or smaller fish lighter line like I usually fish same requierments! Get them Big Musky near heavy weeds and I will go to 30 LBS. test for big musky, you know weeds like we have hear coontail and the likes, maybe you don't know I think those are pretty scarce in salt water???

Who uses rope, most of us down here including myself fish 10-20 line and mh spinning for fish the size of pike and muskie.  I won't argue pound for pound what fish fights harder, think what you will on that.  You may choose to use backing for a 40# muskie, I wouldn't consider doing that for tarpon or jack, using fresh new line is the best ploy here, difference between landing and losing them.  Out of curiosity how many 30 or 40# muskie you catch in a year, 10-20 of them?  I catch a lot more than 20 fish that size in a year, I gotta go with works for me and I do most of it from shore where I chase them down on foot, try doing that for a couple of hundred yards.

BTW, I grew up on Lake St Clair and fished it for 50 years, very familiar with perch, walleye, bass smallmouth pike and muskie

[J Francho]

Guys, let's try to stay relevant here.  It's a bass fishing site, after all. 

[ww2farmer]

I use cheapo wal mart Zebco omni flex 10lb test, connected to my braid main line with an alberto knot. I have never had a big bass, pike or even a 30lb plus carp spool me to the backing. I have even been caught with my pants down a time or two, and been low on braid and got down to, and even casted out some backing with no issues, but I don't fish like that for long. I tend to, if I have it it the boat, but more braid on right away, or finish the day out, and change it before I hit the water again.

[LgMouthGambler]

What happens when you get a nasty backlash and need to strip off line? Then all your stuck with is the cheap mono........thoughts?

You just dont backlash, lol.

[Capt.Bob]

Guys, let's try to stay relevant here.  It's a bass fishing site, after all. 

I couldn't agree more!! Thank you!

[J Francho]

I love the idea of backing with whatever mono you have, and then wrapping that with tape.  I'm putting that one in my back pocket.  Great tip!

[JigMe]

What happens when you get a nasty backlash and need to strip off line? Then all your stuck with is the cheap mono........thoughts?

 

150 yard spool with 50 yard as backing, then fill 100 yard with braid. If you are think 100 yard is not enough, then I would practice with BC using cheap lines to get confortable. You will get back lash once a while, but I have used 832 on the same spool for two seasons and only had to retie leader on it.

[rmcguirk]

I love the idea of backing with whatever mono you have, and then wrapping that with tape.  I'm putting that one in my back pocket.  Great tip!

 

I'm going to respool shortly and try this.  I'm thinking that using hockey tape (tacky) will eliminate any slipage issues.  No?

[Silas]

Seems like years and years ago there was a "cork arbor" that fit over the spool arbor, to do just this....take up space so you wouldn't have to use so much line.

 

Has anyone else seen one of these?  You young guys wouldn't know what I'm talking about! LOL!

[lmbfisherman]

I usually try and do a 50/50 split, For braid or floro and even PLine!  Cause I'm a "frugal" fisherman. 

[Topwaterspook]

"Frugal".....yea that's what I am ......lol.....sounds a lot better'n CHEAP...............  ..............I've been using the backing trick for years.........As for size, I found an old one pound spool of 25lb. fenwick Lunkerline. It's worked out fine for me. 

[0119]

Snook needs the capacity for good line with the miami beasts he catches. You NEVER need to put tape or backing on a reel for the issue of slippage. Just wrap the braid 4 or 5 times around the arbor before making a uni knot. It will never slip. Watch Jose Wiebe's video on how. Backing makes alot of sense but it also makes some sense to tie with no mono backing. The nylon absorbs water during fishing. The braid prevents the backing from properly drying and can cause your spool to corrode if its not in perfect condition. Certainly an issue in saltwater if not most members bass waters

[SirSnookalot]

Thanks for the input 0119, I do use tape on my arbor first, even with mono, not that I need it but it's just gives me a bit of extra confidence and takes but a moment to do.  I don't know about catching beasts, lol, but some of these hombres down here can put up a bit of a tussle.  I want 1 continuous strand of line and it being in healthy condition.  Taking it one step further, I quite often forgo the arbor knot and just tape my line on, again no slippage at all.  I do have fish on the line once in while that can spool me all the way down, I'm going to lose my lure and line anyway and the knot probably will not stop that fish.  I doubt it would happen but why take a chance on harming the reel.  I treat my freshwater spooling no different than what I do in saltwater.  I'm not much of a technical kind of guy, but when I need technical info, 0119 is the man to go to.