Dacron vs Spectra for backing

[sportsman250]

I'm lining some Penn 80Ws not sure if I wanna do JB hollow core or dacron either #150 or #200 with a mono top. Whats the longevity of both? I get a few years from powerpro on my senators and surf gear. I realize the price difference. I know I can fit more spectra but don't think I'll use that much line realistically, if the fish has you out 800 + yards.......any input appreciated.

Chris

[stew]

We load all our 80w's with 400 yds 130lb Cortland dacron and 250 yds of 130lb mono. 650 yds of 130lb test should be more than enough for any fish. We fish a few tournaments too, so we don't want to go over the 130lb test mark. I have fought and landed 5 giants, all over 500lbs with an 80w so I know this will work well. Good luck. Capt. Eric

[sportsman250]

stew what method do you use for the splice?

[John from Madison CT]

For Tournament fishing, does the line need to have an actual break strength no more than 130lbs, or simply a 130lb rating (or lower)?

[DGOOD]

Hey Chris,
Line capacity aside, the dacron vs spectra debate usually boils down to preference or, more commonly, how the gear is going to be fished. Most of the guys who are fighting fish out of the rod holders opt for dacron as they like it better for shoveling line. Guys who are fighting fish standup have switched over to hollow core. This is just a trend that I see and, by no means, does that say that hollow core can't be used while fighting fish out of a rod holder.

[stew]

We splice the mono into the dacron. The whole hollow core spectra craze imho has gotten out of control. If you have an 80w you do not need to back it with spectra. Old school dacron and mono will get the job done everyday for bluefin, and save you a ton of money. Capt. Eric

[gmoney]

dacron and mono, 130 dacron and 130 mono.
just as captain eric has said, the spectra craze is out of control and un-necessary. dacron gets the job done

[scbaseth]

I personally think that the additional drag that dacron provides over spectra as it passes through the water is also an advantage. Spectra cuts through the water too much IMO. Its minimal, but every bit counts on those freakin fish!!!