Putting backing/casting line on a spinning reel - a new way to spool

For those that prefer not to use backing, ignore this topic. If so, replies not welcome.

I can't see putting good line on an empty spool only to cast the top 15 yards or so. I don't troll with a long line but if I did, I would still use this method:

Use 10# or less line you don't care for or that's cheap, as backing (line closest to the spool).

Fill to a bit over 3/4 of spool diameter. ( *Hand wind the upper part of the spool ever so often to eliminate a line/spool gap.)

Apply packing tape (plastic tape with nylon fibers) after you cut off the line end and spool the casting line. The end is not tied to the casting line because you also place the end of the casting line under the tape - again, no knot-to-knot. (The casting line should always be a good braid with leader, a good mono or fc.

Load up the good line the rest of the way. It could be a good braid with leader or a good mono or fc.

ABU Garcia has a new reel out that has a spool which features: a reverse corkscrew design which allows anglers to tie braid directly to the spool, eliminating the need for backing.

Just be sure the backing line is spooled firmly and evenly. If 10# test diameter is too large, use 8#.

I've found that when the line gets shorter and shorter (having been cut off so many times) and for whatever reason spools less tight (usually casting light lures into the wind), the end-to-end knot catches, resulting in loops on the spool that result in a line mess.

A spool of good line goes much further especially if you're like me and change the casting line once a month or every two. But most important is mess-free casting when using backing.

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Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

The end is not tied to the casting line because you also place the end of the casting line under the tape - again, no knot-to-knot.

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So, the only thing securing the casting line to the reel is a piece of tape?

If your using a premium braid, why change monthly?

And I can vision a signature for the future moderator of the no knot fishing forum coming shortly.

I have the Abu Spinner and use braid...NICE!
But I just fill it full and cut off any damaged line....

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Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

For those that prefer not to use backing, ignore this topic. If so, replies not welcome.

I can't see putting good line on an empty spool only to cast the top 15 yards or so. I don't troll with a long line but if I did, I would still use this method:

Use 10# or less line you don't care for or that's cheap, as backing (line closest to the spool).

Fill to a bit over 3/4 of spool diameter. ( *Hand wind the upper part of the spool ever so often to eliminate a line/spool gap.)

Apply packing tape (plastic tape with nylon fibers) after you cut off the line end and spool the casting line. The end is not tied to the casting line because you also place the end of the casting line under the tape - again, no knot-to-knot. (The casting line should always be a good braid with leader, a good mono or fc.

Load up the good line the rest of the way. It could be a good braid with leader or a good mono or fc.

ABU Garcia has a new reel out that has a spool which features: a reverse corkscrew design which allows anglers to tie braid directly to the spool, eliminating the need for backing.

Just be sure the backing line is spooled firmly and evenly. If 10# test diameter is too large, use 8#.

I've found that when the line gets shorter and shorter (having been cut off so many times) and for whatever reason spools less tight (usually casting light lures into the wind), the end-to-end knot catches, resulting in loops on the spool that result in a line mess.

A spool of good line goes much further especially if you're like me and change the casting line once a month or every two. But most important is mess-free casting when using backing.

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Last time I checked this was an open forum, and everyone has the right to their opinion, unless unruly or an attack. Guess it is time to add you to the ignore button. Peace out

No one said they couldn't reply, just that replies that express an opinion like, "never use backing - what's the point?" or " just use good line and backing isn't need", go against the grain of the topic and aren't welcome by me. Reply whatever you want - that right is protected by the constitution - just not welcome if it distracts those considering using it and appreciate the idea.

I must be doing something wrong , I haven't change line in , I don't remember ! Berkley for me LOL RR

i've put a piece of tape over the knot where you join the two lines, and it's worked well.
i've also skipped the part of using line for backing, and applied thin strips of mylar to a empty spool.
keep building up the mylar to your desired depth...

I know everyone has a preferred method but I have always used cheap mono for backing and tied a uni-uni knot to my braid and never had an issue.

One thing I forgot to mention when using backing: make the casting line 10-15' longer than the distance of your maximum cast with say a 1/8 oz. jig. Lines break or get knotted bad and need to be cut off so you don't want the spool under-filled.
I follow the old tip that the line should be 1/8" less than the spool's front edge; any more than that invites major tangles.

Here is a suggestion. When the line starts "looking" a little old, walk it off your reel and reel it on from the used end. Or reel it on to another reel. This puts the new unexposed stuff on the outside. String lasts twice as long.

Been doing that for years and years Danny.....great tip

One of the things i like about light tackle panfishing is you can use small reels that hold a hundred yards or less of the line used. High capacity reels used for heavy fishing applications essentially demand a backer.Of course using that technique on reels traditionally not thought of as needing backing...is not a bad idea.I have found that some light action spinning reels have such a good spool design that it allows you to fish with less line on the spool and still cast good,so on those that only hold 100 yards or less I generally just spool them all the way with the "good" line. If I do hook a bigger fish that has the potential to take a lot of line by drag I do prefer to have a full spool of the preferred line.

But your point is valid and the above points I mentioned have little to do with traditional crappie fishing methods but more multi species fishing and casting. And some small reels especially bait casting or revolving spool type hold a lot of line and can benefit from a backer.

I never take all my line off. No reason to. I just tie splice and spool more on.

I use backer on fly reels and my bass baitcasters under braid.

I read a trick somewhere about using electrical tape as your backer then putting your length of braid on. I haven't tried this yet but seemed like a great idea to me.

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Originally Posted by naturenut

i've put a piece of tape over the knot where you join the two lines, and it's worked well.

I've also skipped the part of using line for backing, and applied thin strips of mylar to a empty spool.
keep building up the mylar to your desired depth...

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Now that sounds like an excellent idea! one I will try. Mylar tape?

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Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

Now that sounds like an excellent idea! one I will try. Mylar tape?

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i have sheets of mylar in different thickness.
stuff i used was .005 thick. i cut strips the width of the spool and about 16'' long. tape one end down to the empty spool and
wrap it around the spool, then tape that end. the spool gets a little wider away from center, so i cut the next strip a little wider, and wrap another one on. so on, until you fill the spool up to your desired needs....

Too bad reel manufactures aren't in bed with line companies to make anglers use more line that never gets used in the case of plastic lines. Braid can at least be respooled on another spool by taking the used end and tying it on another spool at it's base. Where can I buy mylar tape? Never heard of it.

Too bad reel manufactures are in bed with line companies to make anglers use more line that never gets used as in the case of filling the spool with plastic lines. Braid can at least be re-spooled on another spool by taking the used end and tying it on another spool at it's base. No plastic line will come off a spool after a month without coils. Some have suggested soaking used line in warm water to reduce memory. Hasn't worked for me.

Is Mylar a better choice than other tapes?

Most companies make both line and the reels that it goes on...alot of companies that sell their own named line, just slap their name on a line made by someone else....there are a few companies that make their own line...you have to do a lot of research to find out where your line and fishing equipment comes from!
Some companies that you would think are "stand alone" are actually owned by BIG conglomerates, they sell a lot of the same stuff that is just rebadged.

I just use braid and cut it off where it shows wear...I normally only re-spool every 4-5 years...are my reels are made for braid!

mylar comes in thin sheets. i used it for vacuum bagging carbon fiber composite sailplane wings, and parts. epoxy doesn't stick to it.
any type of thin plastic should work as long as it bends easy.
i got one of these sheets from a place that sells drawing supplies, and hobby shops have thin plastic sheets for vacuum molding.

most tapes, if you just wrap your spool with it to get your desired depth, over time out in the elements, the tape breaks down, the line cuts thru it, and makes a mess.

with the mylar, that doesn't happen.

i'm going to try a thin piece of mylar over the knot where i joined backing to main line, and see if that works. most tapes over the knots makes a mess over time. i've been experitmenting....

it would be nice if they made a piece of plastic that would just clip on over a empty spool. i've been cutting up pill bottles trying to find just the right stuff, no luck yet.

i heared they had them for ice fishing reels.

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Originally Posted by Joey Clark

I read a trick somewhere about using electrical tape as your backer then putting your length of braid on. I haven't tried this yet but seemed like a great idea to me.

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I dunno. When electrical tape gets too hot, it oozies like a diaper full of mustard.

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Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I dunno. When electrical tape gets too hot, it oozies like a diaper full of mustard.

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yeah, that makes a big mess, really fast. about the worst tape out there to use.

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Originally Posted by "D"

Here is a suggestion. When the line starts "looking" a little old, walk it off your reel and reel it on from the used end. Or reel it on to another reel. This puts the new unexposed stuff on the outside. String lasts twice as long.

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As simple as this is I have not thought of reversing the line. Genius. Years back I was crazy enough to put tape on my reels to save a little money but the line gets wet and the tape gets hot and now you have a sticky mess. I am sure that if you wanted to back it you could find a knot to join the two lines seamlessly without tape.

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I am sure that if you wanted to back it you could find a knot to join the two lines seamlessly without tape.

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Uni to Uni knots

The allbright is an excellent knot for joining braid to mono lines, but if I am not in my shop so I can look at a picture I can't remember how to tie it. In that case I use the 2 uniknots back to back, but they do leave a small bump.
The comment about something to snap over the spool reminded me that I had a bait caster that came with a plastic spool that snapped over the arbor to reduce the line capacity. I think is was on one of the 5000 series Garcia reels, maybe the 5500C?? :scratchhead Anybody remember the plastic spool cover and who made it???


Here is the Allbright knot

Attachment 219016

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Originally Posted by naturenut

it would be nice if they made a piece of plastic that would just clip on over a empty spool. i've been cutting up pill bottles trying to find just the right stuff, no luck yet.

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on some reels a piece of small pvc pipe cut to width and then split or sawn in two separate halves will work.......put them on reel spool tie line around them tight to hold together then reel your line on.