Backing on BFS reel?

[FryDog62]

Have used only fluorocarbon on my 2 BFS reels, but plan to convert one over to braid. What backing if any are people using before spoiling on braid? I’ve heard some use mono, some tape, some nothing at all. If it matters, this reel is the Curado BFS.  Initially, I tied mono backing but on long casts would almost get down to the line-to-line knot due to the shallow spool of a BFS reel. Seems like there could be something better.  TIA
 

[bulldog1935]

depends on the spool depth and what diameter braid you're planning to fish. 

E.g., to fill the spool on my Zillion Silver Wolf, I backed with larger diameter 20-lb Sufix 832 (35 yards calculated from IPT), then topped with 110 yds PE #0.8 (16-lb). 

Thicker braid is a better backing choice to keep weight down, and nylon mono is a better choice than fluoro. 

You can use a double uni-knot to connect braid, while you need Allbright knot or finer to connect mono to braid. 

 

Here's the Pattaya calculator for stacking lines. 

[FryDog62]

I already have a spool of 15 lb Sufix 832 that I'd like to use first to see if I like using braid on BFS... assuming that would suffice. I can see if I put a lot of backing on, it could limit the amount of mainline braid and I don't want to spool the reel on a long cast.   

[bulldog1935]

Start with your spool capacity spec and this calculator to determine the capacity of 15-lb 832 on your spool.  With that answer, you'll know whether you want to use backing or not. 

If you need backing, go to the Advanced calculator to determine amount of backing. 

 

@FryDog62 On spools with holes, I use a double loop uni knot to attach braid. 

On spools without holes, I tape a braid arbor knot with very thin PE/acrylic (mylar) tape. 

[FryDog62]

4 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

Start with your spool capacity spec and this calculator to determine the capacity of 15-lb 832 on your spool.  With that answer, you'll know whether you want to use backing or not. 

If you need backing, go to the Advanced calculator to determine amount of backing. 

Will do... thx.

So, do I really need backing? I do that on my non-BFS reels to prevent line slippage, but maybe its not needed here?  

[PhishLI]

1 minute ago, FryDog62 said:

I do that on my non-BFS reels to prevent line slippage,

Tie onto the spool with an arbor knot, or whichever knot you use. Cut 2 squares of electrical tape about 1/2" X 1/2". Place them over the line at 180*. Wind on your line. No mono backing and your braid will not slip.

[Mike L]

I use cheap mono backing on every reel regardless of what the mainline will be. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[FryDog62]

1 hour ago, Mike L said:

I use cheap mono backing on every reel regardless of what the mainline will be. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Problem is with BFS, by the time you put on backing... then a line to line knot to braid... equals less spool capacity - so you barely have enough line on a long cast. I think tying the braid directly to the holes in the spool will save main line distance for long casts and hopefully no line slippage...  

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

 

@FryDog62 On spools with holes, I use a double loop uni knot to attach braid. 

Thank you, that's likely the solution for me... I assume once the braid is tied off to the holes in the spool that it will not only be secure, but no line slippage... 

[bulldog1935]

you have to roll the loops as you're tightening the uni knot, but the only way it can slip is to get tighter. 

[FishTank]

13 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

Have used only fluorocarbon on my 2 BFS reels, but plan to convert one over to braid. What backing if any are people using before spoiling on braid? I’ve heard some use mono, some tape, some nothing at all. If it matters, this reel is the Curado BFS.  Initially, I tied mono backing but on long casts would almost get down to the line-to-line knot due to the shallow spool of a BFS reel. Seems like there could be something better.  TIA
 

 

Just curious, why the switch to braid?  832 at 15lb would be .0085 and potentially more when it's wet (it's been awhile since I fished this stuff).  That would put you in a PE rating of 1.75. It may be too thick for that small spool. I have the Silver Wolf mentioned above and the 22 Aldebaran BFS. I currently have 6lb FC on the Aldebaran and PE .8 on the SW.  The FC is much easier to manage than the braid. I get more casts with FC, especially when it's windy, than with braid.  I have also backed both with a small amount of mono.  

 

I have had more issues, lost fish and lost lures with this braid than anything else I have used.  Things have improved a bit with leader. I will also add..... light casts make a big difference as well, checking the spool after you cast for wind knots is a must, and bank fishing is just better with BFS gear.  Some of it is user error and some is that.... it's just braid. 

 

To give you another comparison on the line.  6lb 832 is .006in, that would be equivalent to the line I am using (PE 0.8). The Verivas PE 0.8 I have is rated at 16.7lbs and it may be higher. I can't break it when I have gotten hung up. It's some of the toughest line I have used. 

[ska4fun]

Backing? A BFS spool usualy gets no more than 80m of 8lb braid. 

[ghost]

This is what I do, no backing. After the braid is on the spool, at knot area, I'll put down a small strip of electrical tape to keep braid from slipping. 

 

 

[T-Billy]

I tied my braid direct to the holes in the spool as @bulldog1935 suggested when using braid, but as @FishTank mentioned, I was losing more fish with braid. I'm running 6# XT on my BFS reels now, and am happy with it. 

[redmeansdistortion]

I don't do tape or backing.  4 loops around the spool and finish with a uni, that knot isn't slipping and no tape adding unnecessary weight.

[bulldog1935]

Noteworthy, the PE/acrylic (mylar film) tape doesn't leave a residue film, it's unbelievably thin, and it's so strong I use it for seizing knots on kayak trolley lines that will be dragged up and down my hull in salt water for a decade - the tape lasts as long as the sailcord. 

[PhishLI]

7 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

no gunk left behind by tape

Odorless mineral spirits cleans it right off. Zero evidence, and two 1/2" x 1/2" squares weigh virtually nothing. 50 lb braid won't slip using superlline hooks.

[redmeansdistortion]

13 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Odorless mineral spirits cleans it right off. Zero evidence, and two 1/2" x 1/2" squares weigh virtually nothing. 50 lb braid won't slip using superlline hooks.

Still an unnecessary step.  Just tie the correct knot and be done with it.  Easy peasy.

[FryDog62]

15 hours ago, FishTank said:

 

Just curious, why the switch to braid?  832 at 15lb would be .0085 and potentially more when it's wet (it's been awhile since I fished this stuff).  That would put you in a PE rating of 1.75. It may be too thick for that small spool. I have the Silver Wolf mentioned above and the 22 Aldebaran BFS. I currently have 6lb FC on the Aldebaran and PE .8 on the SW.  The FC is much easier to manage than the braid. I get more casts with FC, especially when it's windy, than with braid.  I have also backed both with a small amount of mono.  

 

I have had more issues, lost fish and lost lures with this braid than anything else I have used.  Things have improved a bit with leader. I will also add..... light casts make a big difference as well, checking the spool after you cast for wind knots is a must, and bank fishing is just better with BFS gear.  Some of it is user error and some is that.... it's just braid. 

 

To give you another comparison on the line.  6lb 832 is .006in, that would be equivalent to the line I am using (PE 0.8). The Verivas PE 0.8 I have is rated at 16.7lbs and it may be higher. I can't break it when I have gotten hung up. It's some of the toughest line I have used. 

Trying braid for awhile is admittedly an experiment for me only. I have two BFS reels (Alphas Air TW, Curado BFS) and have usually used 7 lb Sniper fluorocarbon and it has worked great. 
 

I am putting braid on the Curado because it’s on a ML rod (versus the Air TW which is on a Light rod).  I am heading this week to a lake where the bite this time of year is lighter jig worms and ripping it out of weed cover is easier with braid than fluorocarbon.  I previously used this rod with 20 lb 832 braid on a Daiwa Alphas SV70 and frankly the casting distance sucked. Other than that, the set up worked reasonably well for 4.5 inch 1/8 oz jig worming. 
 

Will likely switch back to Sniper after this trip... but I will say after I spooled the Curado with 15 lb 832 I gave it a couple casts in the green space by our house and it launched several yards beyond the park boundary (startled both me and a couple squirrels). How it performs on the water when wet will be interesting... also wondering if the thinner 15 lb braid will bury/backlash after fighting a fish or encountering a big snag.  Again, it’s an experiment...  
 

Due to wrist injury/surgeries... spinning equipment is pretty much in the rear view mirror for me.  I’m only 1.5 years into this BFS thing but so far it’s replacing many/most of the spinning techniques I used to do and I enjoy it, but still experimenting/learning...

[ike8120]

I don't use a backing, I am using small dia braid with FC leader(when needed)

 

[FishTank]

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

Trying braid for awhile is admittedly an experiment for me only. I have two BFS reels (Alphas Air TW, Curado BFS) and have usually used 7 lb Sniper fluorocarbon and it has worked great. 
 

I am putting braid on the Curado because it’s on a ML rod (versus the Air TW which is on a Light rod).  I am heading this week to a lake where the bite this time of year is lighter jig worms and ripping it out of weed cover is easier with braid than fluorocarbon.  I previously used this rod with 20 lb 832 braid on a Daiwa Alphas SV70 and frankly the casting distance sucked. Other than that, the set up worked reasonably well for 4.5 inch 1/8 oz jig worming. 
 

Will likely switch back to Sniper after this trip... but I will say after I spooled the Curado with 15 lb 832 I gave it a couple casts in the green space by our house and it launched several yards beyond the park boundary (startled both me and a couple squirrels). How it performs on the water when wet will be interesting... also wondering if the thinner 15 lb braid will bury/backlash after fighting a fish or encountering a big snag.  Again, it’s an experiment...  
 

Due to wrist injury/surgeries... spinning equipment is pretty much in the rear view mirror for me.  I’m only 1.5 years into this BFS thing but so far it’s replacing many/most of the spinning techniques I used to do and I enjoy it, but still experimenting/learning...

 

Sounds all good. I too am new to BFS gear (only a couple of months) and I was really curious about the braid deal. So far it's been a love hate relationship with it so it too is an experiment but when it comes to BFS stuff everything is, which makes it a lot of fun.  FC (6lb Sniper Invisible) has been great so far for me. I kind of wish I had used 4lb or 5lb. 

[T-Billy]

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

also wondering if the thinner 15 lb braid will bury/backlash after fighting a fish or encountering a big snag.  Again, it’s an experiment...  

I didn't have those issues with 10# 832 when I tried it on my Curado BFS. You should be GTG.

[FryDog62]

2 minutes ago, T-Billy said:

I didn't have those issues with 10# 832 when I tried it on my Curado BFS. You should be GTG.

That is great to hear... was my biggest concern stringing it up ?

[bulldog1935]

@FryDog62 I'm fishing down to PE#0.8 (0.15 mm) on Steez w/ shallow Roro spool, and no line dig. 

Sufix 832 in 15-lb is 0.21 mm. 

The 18" snook is hopping off the table, and went right back into the channel.

A lot of fun on finesse tackle (it was on a size smaller plug than this)