I don't on my line counter reels that have braid, but I do on my casting rod that has braid ... and since it's a spinning reel, I use old mono for backing so that the whole spool of line won't slip around on the reel spool when under heavy pull pressure. Also, like Silverside, I pull off all the braid about every 3yrs or so & reverse reel it back on so I have fresh un-faded braid (I use hi-vis braid on my casting rod).