Fishing Reel Spooling

[daginge]

Hi ABers, does anyone fish regularly and if so what do you think, fill the spool with line or use backing and then top up with your new main line?
TIA
daginge

[albaqwerty]

the 3 fishermen in my life used backing then the line.

(have no idea why tho)

[SlackAlice]

I'm a freshwater angler. Because of the generally smaller spools I use mainline all the way through. Also have 'spare' spools using different breaking strains.

[Togo]

Depends on the spool size and the length of line required. Most modern lines can be put straight on the spool with no backing. Most of us rarely cast a line that strips the line so slip is not a problem. Deep sea fishing and beach casting is a different matter. I carp fish and all my spools are loaded without backing. As long as you get the tension right with the first winds it is not a problem.

[daginge]

What I was thinking is, most spools only come with 100m but if a spool takes say 280, do you opt for backing, use 2 spools or buy one say, 600 - 1000m spool?
TIA
daginge

[daginge]

Reel takes 280 rather!

[Togo]

You really (or reely) have to chose what suits you best at the end of the day. A big spool that is only half full is pointless and can inhibit casting if you are fishing light. But a spool that holds line right up to the rim can cause bird nests and loops in certain conditions, windy for instance. I have 3 reels with 5 spools and choose, for instance a "full" one to fish light or surface fish in good conditions, and I need a bit of distance. When bottom fishing, or ledgering, I put on a spool that has over time lost a bit of line and is not full, but also not ready for a new line. If how to set you line up on your spools is your biggest issue when fishing yo are lucky indeed. :)) Bait and groundbait presentation drives me nuts. And hook size choices, and my rod rest set up for conditions, and...….. most things. :))

[Togo]

Ta Daginge. Just seen your previous post. Agree with Alice. I use a runner when fishing off the top with a bubble float for carp. Suits me fine. I do use a 12ft, 2 piece, 30lb tested curve rod mind so the balance is fine.

[SlackAlice]

"30lb tested curve rod" big game hunter!!
My 12' ledger rod for carp/pike has a test curve of 2.5lb. My 15' float rod has 2lb test curve, prefer the lighter feel for float fishing. Both have an 'Avon' action.

I generally buy the larger spool sizes and whats not used is stored in a light proof container in a dark drawer, to be used either next year or mid season. As Togo states it's very important to get the spools filled correctly, not too little or too much ☺☺☺

[Togo]

Lol Alice that is meant to be 3lb not 30lb.. :)) I got it so that I could double it up for a spot of mackerel fishing when they are in at high tide off Old Colwyn Promenade. I just change the reel and put on the feathers. As long as I don't get 6 X 2lb ers at the same time it does the job. I have had to hand haul in when I do get a full hit.