Line backing on a baitcaster

[Eric M]

Hey guys, I have a few questions about using backing on a baitcaster as I've never done it before. I just got a Curado K and some 40 lb braid. 

 

1. Will 14 lb mono be good to use as backing?

2. How much of the spool should I fill with mono before tying on the braid, and what knot is best to use?

3. Should I put a piece of electrical tape a ways down in the spool to prevent bad backlashes or might that not be good in the long run?

 

I only really get backlashes when I accidentally cast into a tree or something (not very often) but I figure I may as well use tape if there's no harm. Thanks

[Bird]

Most of my reels have holes in spool or are braid ready but the few that aren't I use whatever Flouro or mono I have on hand as backing, maybe 20 yards.

 

Never heard of the tape trick to prevent back lash.

[CrankFate]

Nooooo! Just go straight to the spool with 1/2 inch laid across the spool or as a c with line wound over it. Then wind it on tight, like 4-5 lbs of drag tight. I cannot do a backer or tape. I can feel the difference. 
 

If there are holes Or grooves in the spool and you leave a tag, it’ll never slip. You’ll break the spool shaft long before the line slips on the spool.

[Eric M]

4 minutes ago, CrankFate said:

Nooooo! Just go straight to the spool with 1/2 inch laid across the spool or as a c with line wound over it. Then wind it on tight, like 4-5 lbs of drag tight. I cannot do a backer or tape. I can feel the difference. 
 

If there are holes Or grooves in the spool and you leave a tag, it’ll never slip. You’ll break the spool shaft long before the line slips on the spool.

The spool has holes to tie the line on to, but the idea is that if I don't fill the entire spool with braid then I can save more of it so it will last longer. Man its expensive for fishing line. Is it really that bad that I should just spool the entire reel with braid?

[NJBasstard]

I've used backing with braid on all my casting reels for years. Not just to keep the line from slipping but because I know only half the line on the spool will ever get used. A big spool of cheap mono (<$10) is all I and last me years. I've used 8lb-14lb test.  Either an FG knot or a double uni with only 2 wraps per line is all I've use and have never had an issue or felt the knot in the spool. The amount I put on depends on what lb test and the size of the spool.

 

The tape helps when your learning. Pull out 15-20 yards of line and put a piece of electric or painters tape on to stop backlashes from getting too deep. Once your comfortable pull the tape and put it deeper if you want or take it off for good.

[FryDog62]

You only need a small piece of tape, maybe 1/4-1/2 inch wide to do this... just enough to prevent a backlash from unraveling very far if it happens.  I’ve seen guys put a piece of tape all the way across the spool and it’s too bulky, plus you lose the feel to learn how to thumb/feather the spool and perfect your technique.  Less is more...

[OnthePotomac]

All thirteen of my baitcasters have 10lb mono backing.  I only use 60-70yds of my primary line on each reel and it sure saves a ton on money each year.   I don't fish with a zillion line sizes, so I buy my line in larger spools and use a line counter to spool on the right amount and still give me the 1/8" top space from the spool edge.  I pretty much use the same size line on a reel, so once I have the right amount of backing for the line size, it is pretty set for changing the primary line.  The line counter gives me a check to see any differences which may occur in putting on the new line and maintain the 1/8" rule.

[MN Fisher]

13 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

All thirteen of my baitcasters have 10lb mono backing.  I only use 60-70yds of my primary line on each reel and it sure saves a ton on money each year.

Same here for the most part - but 55-60yds of main line. Backing is 10# Big Game that I got in a 1500yd bulk spool.

[A-Jay]

Bulk Mono backing for me.

The bottom third of my spools (both casting & spinning) are spooled with the mono backing.

The remaining two thirds of the spool is filled with whatever the main line is; FC or braid.

I'll routinely use backing that is similar in diameter to the mainline I'm using on each reel.

A-Jay

 

[mc6524]

For me 10# mono works the best.  I find that anything bigger gets to bulky.  You only need 80-100yds of line tied to the backing.  I take a sharply and make a mark on the inside of the spool about halfway up and spool the backing to that mark. That way I’m consistent when I respool.  One 200 yd spool of FC will then respool two reels.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I fill my reels completely with braid saves line thus money that way.