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.