This Is Why You Should Use Mono Backing With Braided Line

Braided line has a ton of benefits, including increased casting distance, thinner diameter, it’s stronger than mono of the same test, and it allows you to feel every nibble and twitch of your bait or lure.

However, here’s one drawback to using braid: it’s complicated to put on a spinning reel.

If you use normal monofilament, you can just fill your reel right up with it, but if you use braid, you need to put a base layer of monofilament on the reel beforehand.

This is called mono backing, and it could save you from losing the biggest fish of your life.

Check out this video to see the two reasons why you should use mono backing with braided line, as well as the two common misconceptions about alternatives to mono backing.

Have any questions about using mono backing?

Let us know in the comments!

[MTEXX]

1:30 Bought a inshore rod and reel at thrift store for cheap. Thought there was a drag issue then realized the line was loose on the spool. Come to find it was spooled with 30-50 lb braid. Put on a mono backing (which also helped fill the spool) and boom! Inshore setup with braid for $5!!!

[tommyliu]

The best and most useful channel for saltwater fisherman. Keep it up guys!!

[billmatson]

Good video . I've long since switched to wrapping electrical tape on the spool really tight and go with 300 yds of braid . I reverse the braid a year or two later

[jeg]

This was very informative. I do a lot of surf fishing here in NC and have recently tried braided line. The casting distance is much better! Now I know to spool with mono and top with 100 yards of braid, thank you! I've followed you for a while now and the information is greatly appreciated!

[ralph]

Still do t know how much backing to put on? 1/2 1/4, 2/3???

[achilles]

What pound test for the mono backing line? And how many yards of backing?

[caglarugur]

Thanks for the video, Tony. I use 2000, 3000, and 4000 Daiwa LT reels in my inshore fishing in the Mediterranean. The ideal setup for an all-rounder is 3000 size reels and completely filling it with 150 meters of j-braid, 0.16 or 0.18. I don't use backing in this scenario and never had any problems.
But, on occasion, I'm getting spooled by large amberjacks or bonitos. So I got another setup ready for high-risk situations with a 4000 Fuego CXH filled with 300 meters of 0.16 j-braid. I don't use backing here, either. First, I don't want to weaken my line strength when pulling a large fish. Secondly, backing and braid connection knot, double uni, or an FG tends to get in the way when you are casting. I have had more than 10 incidents over the past in the middle of fishing, backing comes on top of the braid, and finally, I gave up. No backing anymore, and pretty happy with it.

[RedSinter]

Do you match pound for pound backing to Braid? Also, what length of leader do you run? Lastly, Double Uni, Nail Knot, or FG for leader to braided?

[stephenkohut]

Mono or fluoro works. Electrical tape works. I usually use a small rubber band. I’ve also used a couple wraps of elastic thread like Atlas miracle thread. Essentially anything will stay fairly stationary against the spool that braid can “bite” into works.

[jackjones]

To solve problem one I always wrap a piece of electrical tape onto the spool before I tie mono or braid on, it bites into the tape and does not spin.

[bearbuchanan]

good morning this is mr bear from hudson fl. i have noticed that when eny one talks about mono backing no one ever has told us what size mono to use . another words should i use 10lbs mono for 15lbs braid when spooling a spinning thank you i hope you reely do answer.

[santiagohernandez..]

Interesting! thanks Tony maybe a video of how to do a backing??
To be completely honest I haven’t had any issues with a full braided line spool 2500, and 3000 with big fish. First time hearing about this.

[briancoyne]

U answered all 3 off my questions Without me even asking them... Thank you very much

[ChrisG]

Some of the newer reels that are "braid-ready" no longer use a rubber strip in the center, instead they use textured metal inside the spool that the braid can "bite into" which I have found works pretty well. I can't speak for saltwater as I fish the Great Lakes which are freshwater. Electrical tape also does the job but should be removed/changed up whenever the reel is re-spooled.

[Eightpoundtest]

Great explanation of why to use backing. Thank you

[RonKris]

I have a question about not filling the spool completely with braid. If you're saying that a spool .75% full will cause the braid to heat and not last as long due to the line hitting the spool top when casting, wouldn't the same thing happen to the braid on a full spool after the first 25-30 yards is cast off a full spool?

[mrfunnyguy]

On a freshwater meant baitcaster, what lb test mono should I use die backing if I’m using 20 lb braid?

[ugsisr]

Thank You.... Have a Question.... New to using Braided Line.... What do you use to Cut it ? I have a Carbon Scissors but it does not cut it clean... Appreciate any Thank You

[mysteryman]

What knot do you recommend to join the mono to the braid? TIA

[RaulMartinez-ngpi]

Does it matter what # test mono you use for the backing?