Braided fishing line for backing

[Yaffle]

I've just recently discovered this line. It has a very small diamiter, much smaller than any fly line backing that I have and smaller also than regular mono.

I'm just wondering if any of you have been using it for backing? I beleive it would be a great idea for heavier lines used for salmon and Steelhead where a lot of backing is required especially when there is limited reel/spool space.

Does anyone see any disadvantages to using this line? I can't think of any.
-Grant

[ducksterman]

Yaffle, no telling what it really is...but it may be a gel spun/spectra type line ...which many people use as backing.

If it is gel spun there are some disadvantages...can cut your fingers...can dig into the reeled on backing[should be wound on properly]....

[Backcastwards]

Lefty recommends squidding line, or Dacron. Or micron. I imagine Dacron could be bought at any yardage store such as Jo Ann's Fabrics.
Gary

[Buddy Sanders]

Yaffle,

I found some 'Gorilla Braid' fishing line being blown out on sale at WalMart, I think it was a 600 yard spool for around $9 a few years back. It's a gel spun line, not as 'tight' (thin)as the 'premium' fishing braids, but great for backing.

What I got was 50 pound test, and it was about the diameter of 25# dacron. Wish I had bought more of it.

There are some slight disadvantages to using super braids like this for backing. It's very 'slick' so you have to attach it to the spool properly or it will spin. It can bury into itself, so you have to spool it properly, and TIGHTLY. You also don't grab this stuff with your hands if it's under tension. It can and will cut you (I'd never do this with any backing ,so I don't worry about it).

The advantages, though, are why I prefer it. It's impervious to ambiant temperature, ultraviolet light, and moisture. It floats. It won't ever rot. It's lighter overall and lighter in the same 'bulk' (a reel 'filled' with it will be lighter than one filled with dacron, even if there is twice as much of it in 'length').

Another 'source' for long lengths of this kind of line that may be less expensive is a kite store. They use it as string for the really high flying kites. It's lighter, stronger, and less air resistant due to it's thinner diameter. Sometimes you can get a thousand feet of it for not much.

Buddy

[Troutbum 1975]

I use fireline,sufix braid and power pro 30 or 50lb for backing and never have had any problems for 8yrs now hope this helps.

[Yaffle]

Thanks everyone, this is helpful. I pick up som 30lb micro braid yesterday, It will allow for lots of space for the fly line now, it is the same diamiter as 10lb mono!!