Why Use Braid Backing on a Spinning Reel?
If you are filling a spinning reel with fluorocarbon or another leader line, you do not necessarily need to fill the entire spool with expensive line. Braid backing can save line, reduce waste, and give you a low-stretch foundation underneath your main line.
What Is Braid Backing?
Braid backing is braided fishing line that you put on the spool first, underneath the line you actually plan to fish. In our setup, braid fills much of the spool and fluorocarbon goes on top as the main fishing line.
The idea is simple: you only need enough of your main line to cover the distance you are realistically going to cast, while the backing fills the rest of the spool.
Why Use Braid Backing?
1. It Saves Your More Expensive Line
Fluorocarbon costs more than many basic backing lines, so there is little reason to put an entire spool’s worth on a reel if you are only going to use the outer portion for casting.
Braid also lasts a long time. When the fluorocarbon eventually needs to be replaced, the backing can remain on the reel and you can replace only the working line.
2. Braid Has Very Little Stretch
Braided line has very little stretch compared with monofilament. With braid underneath the main line, the backing itself is not adding the same amount of stretch that a spool full of stretchy line would.
This can be useful when you want a more sensitive setup, especially when fishing light tackle and trying to feel subtle bites or contact with the bottom.
3. It Fills the Spool Without Wasting Main Line
A reel works best when the spool is filled appropriately rather than leaving a large amount of unused capacity. Braid gives you an economical way to build up the spool before adding your fluorocarbon or other main line.
How Much Braid Backing Should You Use?
There is not one universal amount because reel size, line diameter, casting distance, and the line you are putting on top all matter. In our ultralight example, the braid filled roughly half the spool before the fluorocarbon was added.
The practical goal is to leave enough room for the amount of main line you actually need while bringing the final line level close to the proper spool fill. Do not pack the spool completely to the lip; leaving a small amount of clearance can help prevent line-management problems.
How to Put Braid Backing on a Spinning Reel
- Open the bail before attaching the braid.
- Run the braid through the appropriate guide and onto the spool.
- Secure the braid to the spool so it cannot simply spin around the spool under tension.
- Wind enough braid onto the spool to provide the backing you need.
- Connect the braid to your fluorocarbon or other main line with a suitable line-to-line knot.
- Continue spooling the main line until the spool has the proper amount of line.
What Line Should You Use for Backing?
The backing does not have to match your main line. In our video, an 8-pound braid was used on an ultralight setup, while a heavier braid was used as backing on larger reels.
The important thing is that the backing performs its job, fits the reel, and gives you enough spool fill. You generally do not need to spend money on premium braid just to use it underneath another fishing line.
Braid Backing vs. Mono Backing
There is more than one way to build a spinning-reel setup. Some anglers use monofilament backing underneath braid, while others use braid as backing underneath fluorocarbon or another line. There is no single setup that works for every angler.
The right choice depends on what you are trying to accomplish, the line combination you prefer, and how you fish. For our setup, braid backing made sense because we wanted the benefits of a low-stretch foundation and the ability to reuse the backing.
One Important Spooling Detail
When attaching braid directly to a spinning-reel spool, make sure the connection gives the braid something to grip. Braid can slip around a smooth spool if it is not secured properly. Taking a moment to anchor the line correctly can save a lot of frustration when you start winding tension onto the reel.
Watch the Original Video
In our original video, we show how we use braid backing on an ultralight spinning setup before adding fluorocarbon, and explain why we prefer the setup for certain fishing applications.
Watch: Why Use Braid Backing On Your Spinning Fishing Gear
Final Thoughts
Braid backing is a simple way to make your fishing line go farther. Instead of filling an entire reel with expensive fluorocarbon, use braid underneath and reserve the fluorocarbon for the portion you actually fish. It can save money, reduce waste, and give you a low-stretch foundation for your setup.
