Old Braid Or Mono For Bait Cast Reel Backing ?

[ChrisD46]

I use cheap #12 lb. ~ #15 lb. mono as line backing on my bait cast reels which use braid main line and it works well . I believe bass Pro  Aaron Martens who suggested braid be used as a bait cast reel linebacking as it will be lighter weight on the spool - thus helping to achieve less force to get the bait cast spool moving / rotating which will enable longer casts . I'm thinking that unless you are using zero brakes on your bait cast reel with minimal spool tension (i.e. experienced "thumb only" bait cast reel users) - your probably will not notice much of a casting difference ... What are your thoughts on the great master tinkerer (Aaron Martens) thoughts on bait cast reel backing and are you in the braid OR mono reel line backing camp ?   

[Deleted account]

Braid is only lighter than mono (marginally) when it's dry, and OCD is a real thing...

[mrpao]

I dont think it will really make any difference. 

I use old mono from other reels as backing sometimes because that line will never see daylight. Plus mono wont dig into itself like braid will.

[FryDog62]

Braid backing can and will slip... best to use mono. I use high viz mono so I'm better able to see when I need to add more main line...

[bulldog1935]

When I want to halfway fill a deep spool for braid, I use Big mono - 20- or 25-lb.  

This minimizes the added mass and inertia on the spool.  You can't use a double uni knot and get it through your baitcaster line guide - has to be a good Allbright knot or smaller FG.  (Not that anyone should Ever use a double uni knot on uneven line diameters).  

Here's the excellent line calculator for stacking lines.  

 

[desmobob]

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

When I want to halfway fill a deep spool for braid, I use Big mono - 20- or 25-lb.  

This minimizes the added mass and inertia on the spool.  You can't use a double uni knot and get it through your baitcaster line guide - has to be a good Allbright knot or smaller FG.  (Not that anyone should Ever use a double uni knot on uneven line diameters).  

Here's the excellent line calculator for stacking lines.  

 

 

Interesting...  I always thought folks used mono filler to save money; I wouldn't have guessed it is lighter/less dense than heavy pound-test braid.

 

That's a pretty cool line calculator link.  Thanks for sharing that one.

[J Francho]

It never really mattered to me.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

A Martens never gave any facts or data side by side comparison to back up his claim so its just his opinion.  It would only be most noticeable with very light presentations so anything over say 1/4oz dont think it matters and havent seen any actual proof otherwise.

On reels with smaller spools tatsv cu50/70 try to not use backing until needed to bring braid up to full spool level. 

Filling these spools completely with braid at the start saves line in the long run vs using backing and top shot of braid.