Line Diameter Backing/leader

[Topwater98]

I was wondering how much it matters if you use different line diameter line for backing or for a leader. I have a spinning rod that I would like to put 30# Powerpro braid on. I currently have 10# mono on that rod. Could I use that as backing? Also if I want to add a florocarbon or mono leader does it matter what the line diameter and pound test is? What knot would you use to connect the lines together? Thanks for any help!!

[ABW]

I was wondering how much it matters if you use different line diameter line for backing or for a leader. I have a spinning rod that I would like to put 30# Powerpro braid on. I currently have 10# mono on that rod. Could I use that as backing? Also if I want to add a florocarbon or mono leader does it matter what the line diameter and pound test is? What knot would you use to connect the lines together? Thanks for any help!!

 

It doesn't really matter if you use different line diameter for backing. I don't see a problem with using 10 lb mono with 30 lb braid as the mainline, but for spinning gear I think 30 lb braid is a little too much. That's just me though.

 

For the leader I usually keep it within a range of 4 lbs of the main line. It doesn't really matter though, just use an alberto knot. It connects 2 different lb test lines very well.

[LunkerFisher]

The main reason I like to use the same diameter mono for backing is it makes math easier. If I have 120yd capacity for 12lb and want to put on 75 yards of 50lb braid, I know I need 45 yards of 12lb mono backing.

[Raul]

It's easier to make the connecting knot when both lines are about the same diameter.

[Hogsticker]

Keep the diameters the same for the reasons above. Knot and especially math

[Capt.Bob]

I have never had a single problem with different diameters. I don't care if it #10 braid to 25# mono or 10# mono to 65# Braid, I use the same knot to tie backing to main line as I do for my leaders, an improved blood knot. I use 30# 832 on my Casting reels and never tie anything to the braid than a leader, that may be 25# big game or it could be 8# Flouro. Same for spinning my Light outfits get 10# 832 with leaders anywhere from 2# flouro, to 8# mono. Maybe I just use a better knot for the purpose than those that do have problems, but I have never had a problem. 

 

As far as math, I save that for taxes, I simply put however much braid I want on my reel and then tie the backing on to fill it, then I use a drill attached to the spool to take it of the reel, transfer that to another spool and then tie the backing to the reel and it comes out better than math.  I say that because my full spool preference is never exactly what the spool says anyway. The leaders allow me to go with whatever kind and size of line is best for what and where I am fishing at any particular time.

[LunkerFisher]

Love the drill and empty spool idea, a lot!!!

[Capt.Bob]

Love the drill and empty spool idea, a lot!!!

Poor man's line spooler,,, nothing but the best!!  

[LunkerFisher]

Just tried it myself and it truly is wonderful!

[Hogsticker]

Right. Cause that seems less time consuming than just "knowing" how much line to use, and spooling it on only one time. Different strokes for different folks. 

[Capt.Bob]

Right. Cause that seems less time consuming than just "knowing" how much line to use, and spooling it on only one time. Different strokes for different folks. 

 

Try it, after 60 years I've found until you try it all you never know. But maybe you have memorized who's 20# is what dia. since most very from line to line and material to material, and most are never advertised right let alone what some manufacturers call full another doesn't, so on and so forth, but some close enough is good enough, I like being exact, and have found this to be 100% perfect with every diameter and every material, every manufacturers spools, and where I want my spools to be. Also I said with this knot diameter does not matter, they all work together. Then some like to use less than perfect, and knots that only work with certain combinations,,,,,, I'm just not one of them and could care less what the manufacturer recommended, especially with over 25 different outfits and reels, plus those of my customers. No tape no math no research, just tie and go. But if you like making formulas and calculations part of your fishing, and restricting yourself to lines that will only work with certain lines and not with others, your method should keep it challenging, but I doubt real exact or quick,,,,,, but I recamend trying other knots that work with all diameters and materials, that could make it easier!!  

[SirSnookalot]

I think Capt Bob is right about the suggested line capacities not being accurate from the manufacture.  I don't use backing too often but when I do I just eyeball it, comes out pretty good.  Main line and backing (leaders too) diameters do not have to be the same.  I use an alberto and it works just fine, but use the knot that works best for you.

I don't see the point of going thru all the gyrations of line counting, walking it out, casting it out, measuring and applying formulas, just spool it and go fishing.

[Chris at Tech]

My only advice would be to select the appropriate knit when joining lines. Some knots excel at joining lines of similar diameter, whereas others are better for lines of different diameters.