Mono backing for braided line (how to?)

[LEECH21]

A couple years back I tried putting braid on my spinning combos. I didn't use any backing and all the line just spun around and around. I was so frustrated that only after 2 outings I pulled it all off and went back to mono.

This year I would like to give it another go. I heard that if you start with like 20 yds of mono then tie the braid to the mono it will grab? Any reccomodations? I use mostly medium action rods/reels, so I was thinking like a 15-20 pound braid would work well? Also any tips on how to tie the knot if I were to connect braid to mono?

Thanks, Jesse

[mnviking28]

To start with, I normally just tie the same knot with the mono to anchor it to the spool as you would if you were just going to spool up with mono. Then I tie a back to back uni knot. This link shows you step by step how to tie it if you are not familiar with it. I use Fireline on almost everything now as I like being able to use the smaller diameter and still get the same test as I normally would. In other words, I still use the 8lb or 6lb strength, as it gives the lures a more natural action. Alot of times I will throw a 4 foot length of flourocarbon on the end if I think there is an issue with fish seeing the line. I tie the same knot on the business end that I do on the backing. http://www.fish4fun.com/Joining2Lines.htm

[mainbutter]

I do this all the time. I use 17lb trilene monofilament (cuz that's what I had lying around) and didn't need very much of it, just enough that when wound the trilene wouldn't slip.

I use a uni knot to make a tighten-able loop in the trilene to attach it too the spool. Wrap around a few times, give it some tension and see if it slips.

If it doesn't, I use a "back to back uni knot" to attach the mono to the braid.

[Nick Kuhn]

Either mono and a back to back uni knot (you can use as little as 1 foot of mono to as much as you would like), or just tie the braid to the spool and put a 1" piece of electric tape over the knot. Both work, tape is easier though, but you will use more braid to fill the spool (costing you more money if it's a large spool).

[bobbymalone]

(you can use as little as 1 foot of mono to as much as you would like)

a foot sounds a bit skimpy to me. That's just a couple wraps on the spool. I like to put a good ten yards of mono on. Especially if I have more capacity on the spool that what I probably need.

[delcecchi]

Personally, I try to get about 50 yards of braid and the rest mono, since I am sort of cheap and braid is still sort of expensive.

[hanson]

One of the main reasons for putting backing on a reel is to fill it up so you can use less of the more expensive main line, braid in your case.

What I've done with all my reels is wrap a couple wraps of electrical tape around the spool. You can tie your braid directly to the spool and it won't slip with the tape in place. If you are still worried, put a couple wraps of the braid on and then a complete wraps of electrical tape again. It won't ever slip on you again.

If you are going to put backing on, fill your spool up 3/4ths of the way or so with mono and connect the braid to the backing with a back to back Uni Knot.

[Slob_Samurai]

+1 on the electrical tape

[LEECH21]

Thanks for the tips fellas! I've heard of the electrical tape idea, but wasn't too sure if it would work well? Sounds like it does! Perhaps I will try both ideas. Put tape on a few and straight braid, then the rest use mono and attach braid to that.

Thanks again!

[DTro]

Save yourself some money and fill up half your spool with some cheap mono and tie to braid using a Albright knot.

[dan z]

I use a %50 percent rule. I fill the spool half way and when I feel the line is geeting wore out I can flip it and use the back half until it wears out.... I use a similiar diameter line to back braid I think its easier to bring the 2 lines together with the same dia lines. I use a uni to uni knot been using this knot since the beginning of braids. havent had any trouble with it so I stick with it.

[OnAFly]

I've had problems getting good results out of albrights connecting mono to braid. The braid would tend to cut through the mono. I use a uni-uni, or like others have said electrical tape.

[jentz]

Save yourself some money and fill up half your spool with come cheap mono and tie to braid using a Albright knot.

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[LEECH21]

How many years do you get out of braid before switching it off for new braid? I've had 65# Power Pro on my muskie/sturgeon set-up for the last 7 years and still seems good.

[OnAFly]

I've had same 10 lb fireline on one rod for about 5 years now. Every now and then I chop 5 feet off of it, but other than that, it's still going strong.