Size of Backing-Spinning Reels

[5/0]

Hey All,

I’ve searched past posts on this topic and many were of the opinion, that within reason, the size of the backing didn’t matter. However, they were talking about bait casters. Would using 12# mono backing on 1000-2500 size spinning reels be too heavy and affect performance or damage the reel?

 

Thanks….Joe

[Wprich]

Backing should never be seen while fishing so it shouldn't affect performance imo.  I usually use some 8# line that I got laying around to use as backing on my spinning reels nothing special.  It's just there to help fill the spool a bit before the braid and prevent braid from spinning freely on the spool like it does when tied directly on some reels.

[MN Fisher]

Since I usually use lighter main-line for spinning - I do the same with the backing line

BC - 10# Big Game for backing

Spin - 6# Zebco Cajun for backing (1850yds for $6.50 at Fleet Farm)

[5/0]

Oh, I understand the space saving idea. But would the 12# mono be too big for these reels. It would be used to back a smaller flouro line.

[MN Fisher]

Personally - I prefer to have the backing either of smaller diameter, or pretty close to the diameter of the main line...reduces the chances of under-cutting the backing with the mainline (some of the mainline getting buried under the backing) - ya, that's a thing.

[5/0]

7 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Personally - I prefer to have the backing either of smaller diameter, or pretty close to the diameter of the main line...reduces the chances of under-cutting the backing with the mainline (some of the mainline getting buried under the backing) - ya, that's a thing.

Yep, the diameters would be quite different. Will go to a smaller backing.

 

Thanks!

[Revival]

I use 10lb Big Game for both my spinning and baitcasting reels.  Never had an issue with either.  
 

I use 75 yards of braid and the rest is backing.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There’s no danger to the reel and the only negative to large backing is a bulky knot. No problem unless you cut it real close with main line. Same with the digging. 

[bulldog1935]

12 hours ago, 5/0 said:

Hey All,

I’ve searched past posts on this topic and many were of the opinion, that within reason, the size of the backing didn’t matter. However, they were talking about bait casters. Would using 12# mono backing on 1000-2500 size spinning reels be too heavy and affect performance or damage the reel?

 

Thanks….Joe

The needs for backing on spinning reels and bait reels are different. 

In the case of a baitcaster, you can improve casting by using very large diameter mono backing.  The idea is keeping the spool mass down, because that big line has poor stacking efficiency on the small spool. 

You end up with 20 yds or so 20-lb mono to fill the spool a little over halfway, then up to 100 yds of 20-lb braid (e.g.) on top.  This improves casting compared to loading the spool completely with braid or with fluoro. 

 

With a spinning reel, the mass is less important than getting good line lay on the spool.  The longest cast comes from flat line lay on a spool as full as possible, without hour-glassing, bulging, or a cone-shaped line lay result. 

These are caused by errors in line lay adding up as the spool fills up. 

Trying to fill a deep spinning spool with line that's too large can give bulging - too small diameter can give hour-glassing and reverse cone line lay result. 

Flat line lay helps you avoid "wind knots" on spinning reels, which are caused by multiple loops of line coming off the spool at the same time.  (Loose line lay is the worst culprit for wind knots - see manual bail technique for how to eliminate wind knots altogether.)

Left is braid only on a 3000 shallow braid spool, and right is a good result with 125 yds 10-lb fluoro on a deep 2500 spool. 

The reason I picked the spool on the right to show with mono, it both hour-glassed and reverse-coned when I tried loading thin finesse braid over mono backing on a 2nd spool - the mechanism just doesn't like the fine stuff.  This will still fish, but not as well as either spool above. 

[ChrisD46]

I have a 4000 size spinning reel that will get either #10lb or #12 lb. Big Game backing line - the main line will be #20 lb. braid .

[MN Fisher]

17 minutes ago, ChrisD46 said:

I have a 4000 size spinning reel that will get either #10lb or #12 lb. Big Game backing line - the main line will be #20 lb. braid .

I still use the Cajun 6# on my 3000 spinner top-loaded with 20# 832

[JustJames]

Use whatever line you have laying around unused. If knot too big and interfere with casting you can tape over the knot but most of ppl would put too much mainline that they wouldn’t see the knot for long long time. Weight also have nothing to do with it using smaller or bigger line and will not effect any casting performance.