First time using backing on a reel

[HazeRVA]

Just got my Fuego CT, spooled it with some leftover 15lb Spiderwire braid. The spool isn't full, which I assumed would be the case. Have 150 yards of 15lb PowerPro braid on the way, this won't fill the spool either so I figured I'd go with some mono backer. This will be the first time using a backer, and only my second baitcaster so very little experience with how full 150 yards will make it. I'm positive I'm overthinking this, but it's what I do. How full should I make the spool with mono to be able to put the whole 150 yards of braid on? Should I even put the whole 150 yards on? Thanks for the help guys!

[fishnkamp]

Here is what I do. after fishing for over 40 years. I use a quality mono backing on all my reels, both spinning and baitcasters.  For me that means I use Stren original clear blue mono in 14 pound test.  I fill the reel 1/2 way up with the Stren. I fill the rest of the reel up with my main line IE fluorocarbon or braid. In your case you should be able to fill 2 reels with that spool of braid. Now remember, I have done this for a long time and can eyeball the required mono to make it work. If you are not sure you could go to a large grass field (like a school ball field) tie one end of the braid to something (like a backstop or fence). Walk out the braid.  Double it over and cut it in half. Now, using a piece of tape,  tape the braid to the spool. (make sure to run the line through the guides it will be easiest)  Now wind the braid on till you have say 5 feet or so out the tip of the rod.  To tie the mono to the braid use a knot like the double uni knot.  I would practice it using two pieces of mono. Tie on the mono and continue to fill the reel until the line is 1/8 of an inch from the top of the spool. In most cases the spools flare out at about the right spot.  Stay a bit below that till you get used to casting a baitcaster. Overfilling a reel causes lots of issues.

 

Once you get that done just walk out your line and reverse it.

This time be sure to tie the mono on tight so it can not slip on the arbor. 

 

Now lets look at my reason to always do this.  First it will cost $15 for that 150 yards of braid.  That is 10 cents a yard.  Most baitcasters can hold almost that entire spool but will leave you with about 30 yards of wasted braid.

I can buy a 330 yard spool of Stren mono in 14 pound test for $8.00. That is about 2.5 cents a yard. That means it costs less than $1.88 to half fill my reel.   The mono stays good for years.  If you have a major goof up all you would need to do is replace 75 yards of braid, that is $7.50 not $15.

Remember 75 yards of braid is 3/4 of a football field. Can you cast that much line? 

Just my thoughts from my experience others may have different opinions. 

[HazeRVA]

Makes total sense. Thanks!

[fishnkamp]

I see you are in Richmond, do you ever travel to Baltimore?  If so I would be happy to help get you set up. I actually use a Berkley line station that makes it pretty easy.

 

[HazeRVA]

Oh man, thanks for the offer! We don't really get up that way too much, though.

[OkobojiEagle]

or... you could strip part of the Spiderwire you currently have spooled and use the rest as a backing line for the PowerPro.

 

 

oe

[HazeRVA]

Good point, no sense in wasting the stuff thats on there now.

 

Uni/Uni for braid to braid as well?

[Chris at Tech]

I think you’re likely to face some issues using braid that thin on a bait caster.  Line is likely to dig in on itself...

[islandbass]

I choose a mono that is the near equivalent to the braid. So if I have 40# braid, I will use 10# mono. The reason is simple.  If the reel holds 200 yards of 10# mono, I will need to fill the spool about 1/4 full, which will be about 50 yards of mono. The rest will be my 150 yard spool of braid.

 

I hope you don't run into issues with line dig. This is usually an issue for braid of 20# or less on casting reels.

[OnthePotomac]

Wow, 15lb braid would seem to me to be like fishing with sewing thread, especially on a bait caster.

[fishballer06]

I normally don't go below 40lb braid on my casting reels. If i'm super brave, I'll drop to 30lb. You're just asking for digging in issues using braid as thin as 15lb. test.

[HazeRVA]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Next time I need to re-spool I'll go heavier. Have only been back into it a couple months. My cousin who helped me get back into it has been using 15# on everything for a few years, catching multiple 6+ lbers and hasn't had any issues, but for peace of mind next time I but new line I'll go heavier.