Shallow Spool?

[Montanaro]

I often use backing on my reels so I don't use as much flouro. Would I be better off investing in shallow spools to reduce weight and line usage?

[Catch and Grease]

Its certainly not needed, but if you want the benefits of a shallow spool then go for it!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Unless you're building some sort of super finesse casting reel, save the money a spool would cost. You won't save enough line to pay for it.  

[IAY]

Shallow spool really shines when you are casting really light lures with 8 pound or less test line. As Mike said, you won't save enough line to pay for it .

[F14A-B]

Personally I like shallow spools on certain reels, if you have the greenbacks, I say, why not?

Shoot Hooligan a pm, he can tell ya the merits on aftermarket shimano spools!

[WRB]

Super braids are a good light weight line to use as a spool filler, if a shallow after market spool is less expensive or performs better, than go for it. You don't need more than 75 yards of line for bass fishing.

A full bait casting reel spool that is light weight performs better than a heavier or partially filled spool.

Tom

[Raul]

I often use backing on my reels so I don't use as much flouro. Would I be better off investing in shallow spools to reduce weight and line usage?

 

Not the way to go unless you are planning to fish with less than 10 lb test line monofilament ( and FC is a monofilament ) or 30 lb braided line.

[Montanaro]

Tatula shallow spool is 50 dollars. Going through fluorocarbon gets expensive. 12 bucks or so for cheap braid isn't that bad which is what I have done now.

Another question. When you are getting low on fluoro and are nearing backing, do you just use it as a long leader or do you pull off the 30 or 40 yards and tie more fluoro on?

[iabass8]

If you are pulling off 30 or 40 yards of fluoro at a time you are drastically wasting line. On average i put 55-60 at a time on and that lasts me a lot while. If i cast and the knot comes out, its time fo more line. Thats at about the 10 yard mark. I cant imagine constantly making "30-40 yd" casts as being productive anyway.

[Montanaro]

3/4 oz lipless. Knot was flying out every cast.

[EmersonFish]

Bombing big crankbaits is a special situation. You'll obviously have to treat reels you use for that differently than others. I suggest, when it comes to leaders, backing, etc... that people do what they are comfortable with and gives them confidence, even if it costs them a few extra bucks. If I put 60 yards of fluoro on a reel, it's because I intend to essentially fish straight fluoro with it, so if my line gets down to where the fluoro might become a "leader," it's time to put more on. The last thing I would want is a tweener situation where my line to line knot is coming off the reel, but I have way more fluoro out than I'd ever use for an actual leader; if that makes sense. To be honest, I'm still in that trial and error stage with a lot of this stuff where I'm not using my line as economically as I can. Hopefully I'll figure it out and save some money over the long run.