Braid backing on a Tiagra 50w?

[Col. Kurtz]

Unfortunately it's that time of year, and I'm preparing to bring my 50s in for servicing and respooling for the 2010 BFT season. I have been fishing 80# test Momoi Diamond the last couple of years but I am strongly considering upgrading to 100# this offseason.

Even though there is not a huge incremental jump in line size between 80 and 100# test (.9mm vs. 1 mm), I am thinking about using braid for a backing to offset the loss in line capacity when I upgrade.

Thoughts? I know there are a few guys out here that are doing the same thing and I'd love to hear feedback on this tactic. Also, PowerPro is my first choice for the braid, although I am also considering Momoi.

[sears720]

Unfortunately it's that time of year, and I'm preparing to bring my 50s in for servicing and respooling for the 2010 BFT season. I have been fishing 80# test Momoi Diamond the last couple of years but I am strongly considering upgrading to 100# this offseason.

Even though there is not a huge incremental jump in line size between 80 and 100# test (.9mm vs. 1 mm), I am thinking about using braid for a backing to offset the loss in line capacity when I upgrade.

Thoughts? I know there are a few guys out here that are doing the same thing and I'd love to hear feedback on this tactic. Also, PowerPro is my first choice for the braid, although I am also considering Momoi.

I think your making a good decision. We use to have 130# hollowcore backing with 100# topshot. By the end of the season we had straight braid which I ended up liking a lot better. My brother (Massbaytuna3) does the splicing for all of our reels. He may chime in on this thread soon. I believe he is going to go through all of this stuff at the seminar. Braid to braid, braid to mono, line capacity, etc.

[Tuna Meltdown]

80 pound dacron and 100 pound topshot spliced together has been my choice for the last two seasons. The problem with putting braid on all your reels is that by the time your finished it would have been cheaper to upgrade to the next size reel.

[AlloyToy]

80 pound dacron and 100 pound topshot spliced together has been my choice for the last two seasons. The problem with putting braid on all your reels is that by the time your finished it would have been cheaper to upgrade to the next size reel.

Dan, how do you splice the mono to dacron?? Just the "Chinese handcuff" method??

[tunatamer73]

I think your making a good decision. We use to have 130# hollowcore backing with 100# topshot. By the end of the season we had straight braid which I ended up liking a lot better. My brother (Massbaytuna3) does the splicing for all of our reels. He may chime in on this thread soon. I believe he is going to go through all of this stuff at the seminar. Braid to braid, braid to mono, line capacity, etc.

Does straight braid run and release well through the outrigger clips? What type of clips do you use? I have the same setup as you and have been concerned about running braid through the clips. Should I be?

[Tuna Meltdown]

Dan, how do you splice the mono to dacron?? Just the "Chinese handcuff" method??

Yeah, I bought a splicing needle kit this past summer and love it. No more paying and waiting for the tackle shop to do it and I have the piece of mind that I did it myself. I run the 100 pound mono inside the hollow dacron for about 8 feet. Then I finish it with half hitch wippings at each end and then every foot or so of the splice.

[iguana1]

I use the 50wlrs with 130 JB Hollow Core Spectra. With a 100 Yd 100 pound momoi diamond topshot (100 yds) you have about 700 yds capacity. I used to do the 'chinese finger cuff splice' but have started buying pre-made top shots rom BHP tackle and doing loop-to-loop connections.

I have never broken off a fish on this setup and never been past 1/2 spool.

A couple other thoughts.

Definitely have the braid packed right, either through a shop or wet pack under some load.

I would be hesistant to run straight braid to the rig for two reasons. First, I would not like the idea of handling straight braid when running rigger baits given that I have had rigger lines taken oout of my hand and you could do some damage to yourself. Second, I would be concerned about the lack of shock leader and straightening or pulling hooks. I think you would have to dial the drags way down. Finally, I would be concerned about visibility to the fish in trollign situations.

[54bullwinkle]

130 braid......100 mono topshot

I used solid braid (already had it), use 12 foot section of 130 JB hollow core to do chinese cuff splice to mono.

[striper swiper]

130 to 100 gives about 700 yds of line. If you go to 100 braid to 100 or better yet 80 diamond (breaks at 156#s) you can do over 1000 yds of line. If you hook into a true gbft over 100" you have enough line to withstand a serious run. 700 yds sounds like alot till you hook something worthwhile then you just get heart broken if your lucky really soon if not you fight something for a bunch of time just to feel even worse.
If you load it with 100# hollow either JB or the new Diamond braid you can do loop to loop topshots. This is easier to change than a splice. Plus you can change from a high vis while trolling to a low vis for a chunking bite if you wish. Make up a spare topshot for each rod and your set for a while. Once the Mono gets stiff or looks cloudy change it.
Offshore Mark selss a single needle that will work upto 100# test mono for short money if you don't know how to just use the line

[On The Edge]

I have 130lb hollow braid and 100lb mono topshot on my 50w. This combo will allow approx 700 yards of hollow braid and 100 yds of 100 lb mono with a little room to spare.

Topshot length will vari depending on how far back you run your baits on your riggers. You really want to run the mono in the release clips , not the braid. If you run them way back use less braid and longer mono topshots.

I also make my own topshots and use the loop to loop so the change out is both quick and easy and can be done on the water with no rigging, if needed. Cost is not all that bad about 125 bucks for the braid and it lasts for years. It can also be spliced with new or additional braid in the event of a break or chaff.

A big nut up front but worth the $$ in the long run in my opinion.