What does it mean when your mono backing breaks?

[Fishthunder]

My main braided line is getting short. I looked at the mono and it looked like it broke off but I was like na can't be it has been under all that braid. Well, I cast out and looked at the spool again. I pulled on the spool and sure enough, it was broken. There are several breaks on down the spool looks like. What does that mean?

[MN Fisher]

You leave the reel out in the sun and/or heat?

 

Sun and Heat are what breaks down Nylon Mono...it'll become brittle and break at the worst moment.

[Fishthunder]

7 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

You leave the reel out in the sun and/or heat?

 

Sun and Heat are what breaks down Nylon Mono...it'll become brittle and break at the worst moment.

I leave my reel and rod in the car. I have tented windows. The mono was always covered with braid. Only today did I get down to the backing from making long casts. I did about 2 casts. I have 8lb mono, maybe I need bigger?

[MN Fisher]

10 minutes ago, Fishthunder said:

I have 8lb mono, maybe I need bigger?

My backing of choice on casting reels is 10# Big Game.

[Dan N]

For backing I’d go big , at least 14. It fills up the spool quicker. I’ve never got close enough to my backing to worry about it.

I prefer a pretty much full spool.

[MN Fisher]

17 minutes ago, Dan N said:

I’ve never got close enough to my backing to worry about it.

If you start seeing hints of your backing on a long cast - time to strip the mainline off and re-spool.

[Boomstick]

It probably means it’s time for new backing line. If you leave your reel in the cold or heat, it will get damaged over time.

 

My reels often stay on my porch in the winter but I get a few seasons from backing. When I replace the braid after usually three seasons, I replace the backing as well.

15 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

My backing of choice on casting reels is 10# Big Game.

8lb Big Game or 10lb Trilene XL generally works well for spinning reels too.

[MN Fisher]

17 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

8lb Big Game or 10lb Trilene XL generally works well for spinning reels too.

I use Zebco Cajun in 6# for my 2000-3000 spinners, same in 4# for the 500-1000 size

[Fishthunder]

23 hours ago, Dan N said:

For backing I’d go big , at least 14. It fills up the spool quicker. I’ve never got close enough to my backing to worry about it.

I prefer a pretty much full spool.

I did use 20lb mono until I started having big problems with my braid. From what I have seen 10 or 12 is the most recommended size. I have seen some say match the diameter. Is that really the best way or is that just people talking?

[PhishLI]

I use inexpensive 50lb braid as backing. No weird stuff can happen, and it lasts forever.

[Dan N]

I guess I was thinking more towards casting reels. Spinning Maybe 10 or 12 lb I guess I’ve used. As I stated , I never get close to my backing before putting on new line so I guess I’ve never had any kind of issue.I generally just use whatever I have extra on hand.

[Fishthunder]

A casting reel was what I was talking about.

[dodgeguy]

On 10/28/2023 at 8:17 PM, Fishthunder said:

My main braided line is getting short. I looked at the mono and it looked like it broke off but I was like na can't be it has been under all that braid. Well, I cast out and looked at the spool again. I pulled on the spool and sure enough, it was broken. There are several breaks on down the spool looks like. What does that mean?

It means don't use backing. Tie to the spool holes

[Darth-Baiter]

my friend doesnt even tie to the holes.  he just threads it thru and starts cranking it down tight.  

 

some of my reels are hole-less

[Fishthunder]

6 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

It means don't use backing. Tie to the spool holes

I have been thinking about that. It seems like I always run low on my braid. I got 

Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid 65lb test

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, Fishthunder said:

I have been thinking about that. It seems like I always run low on my braid. I got 

Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid 65lb test

How much mainline you putting on? I run 50# 832 on a Daiwa CA-80 (compact spool) and even with 70yds of mainline, I can get a good amount of 10# Big Game backing on the reel.

 

Really, you only need a layer or two of backing if you want more mainline...tying braid directly to the spool without anchoring it somehow (mono backing, tie through the holes, piece of tape, etc) is asking for slippage, and if the slippage is bad enough, you could have the drag cranked down all the way and a decent fish will still strip line off the reel.

[Fishthunder]

I would have to make sure for this time. If I remember correctly about 1/3.

[Darth-Baiter]

my theory.  your backing has aged out.  it is simply old.  and the problem was exasperated by running your spools low.  so the backing would occasionally see a load.  

 

just a theory.  my local pro-shop can tie braid straight to the spool with this triple cross overhand knot, finished with a Uni, that locks it in.  no tape, no backing, etc.  the spool never spins line off unless I want it to.  this is proven on big big fish.  no troubles.  I love those guys.

[Fishthunder]

5 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

my theory.  your backing has aged out.  it is simply old.  and the problem was exasperated by running your spools low.  so the backing would occasionally see a load.  

 

just a theory.  my local pro-shop can tie braid straight to the spool with this triple cross overhand knot, finished with a Uni, that locks it in.  no tape, no backing, etc.  the spool never spins line off unless I want it to.  this is proven on big big fish.  no troubles.  I love those guys.

I wonder if anyone else knows of this. Is there a site or video that shows this?

[Elkins45]

I use 30# catfish mono for backing. It doesn’t take much to take up space and it’s super tough.