When to replace braid?

[CindyLou]

For tuna-spinning set-ups I have a couple Penn 950's spooled up with mono for backing, and then PowerPro Spectra Braid. I've fished them (not a ton) over the last two seasons, and wondering if I need to re-spool this year, or when? Any suggestions?

[Tuna Meltdown]

For tuna-spinning set-ups I have a couple Penn 950's spooled up with mono for backing, and then PowerPro Spectra Braid. I've fished them (not a ton) over the last two seasons, and wondering if I need to re-spool this year, or when? Any suggestions?

I need a little more information to answer your question, like what pound test are you running? Why mono backing? I feel that you may want the capacity and strenth of running straight braid to the spool with these larger fish. And finally what size fish are you targeting?

I am going on two seasons now using the same line on both my stellas. One is loaded with 80# Momoi Hollow core and the other with 80# Diawa boat braid. Both caught multiple fish last season and one has already pulled on a fish for about a half hour this season. The line looks fine, casts fine and still has strength so I am going to continue using it.

[CindyLou]

I need a little more information to answer your question, like what pound test are you running? Why mono backing? I feel that you may want the capacity and strenth of running straight braid to the spool with these larger fish. And finally what size fish are you targeting?

50# Braid. The mono backing was a suggestion from the shop when I got my reels spooled. The theory they had was you're almost never going to need that last 100-150yds of braid and it's cheaper to not have to spool the whole thing with braid. Looking back, I think the next time I re-spool I'll go all braid (not sure how much I really saved anyway...), but more curious how long the braid is good for. Also wondering if the mono underneath (even though it has never seen the water) is no good after two seasons. Keep in mind, these set-ups have not fought a tuna (yet).

As for size of fish, I think these set-ups are ideally meant for footballs-mediums...even though I know guys on here are landing larger. Also, as many stated last year with mixed schools you can't always chose the size you're going to hook up with.

Maybe it's just worth it to re-spool this season w/ 80# braid? If I do, how long is that going to be good for? 3-4 seasons?

[Tuna Meltdown]

50# Braid. The mono backing was a suggestion from the shop when I got my reels spooled. The theory they had was you're almost never going to need that last 100-150yds of braid and it's cheaper to not have to spool the whole thing with braid. Looking back, I think the next time I re-spool I'll go all braid (not sure how much I really saved anyway...), but more curious how long the braid is good for. Also wondering if the mono underneath (even though it has never seen the water) is no good after two seasons. Keep in mind, these set-ups have not fought a tuna (yet).

As for size of fish, I think these set-ups are ideally meant for footballs-mediums...even though I know guys on here are landing larger. Also, as many stated last year with mixed schools you can't always chose the size you're going to hook up with.

Maybe it's just worth it to re-spool this season w/ 80# braid? If I do, how long is that going to be good for? 3-4 seasons?

Yeah, I would highly recomend spooling them up with 80 for this season. I don't believe 50 will cut it this year. You can always reuse that 50 pound on a bass set up or on a kite rod. I would not throw it away. You can always find a use for it later. Braid seems to last forever. I am currently using 130# Jerry Brown that was backing on my 80VSW for 2 seasons and am now using that line to make my wind-on leaders. As long as you wash and rinse your reels and don't store them in direct sun light I believe you can get quite a few years out of a spool of braid.

[rmoody79]

I have a fin nor 9500ofs spin combo that I bring out, although I think spin rodding these fish absolutely sucks, but it has 580yds of 80# braid and a top shot of 50yds 80lb mono. I have taken fish on this setup and have never come close to losing a fish from a lack of line capacity

[CindyLou]

Thanks for the feedback. I think 80# (full spool this time) is what I'll do. I need to work on my braid-fluoro leader knots, and fluoro leader-lure knots now. Definitely had issues with the braid-leader knot snagging guides last year, and lost one lure due to knot failure on the leader-lure.

Good idea on keeping the braid to re-use. Now if I could just get out of the office and on the water!

-Ben

[CindyLou]

I have a fin nor 9500ofs spin combo that I bring out, although I think spin rodding these fish absolutely sucks, but it has 580yds of 80# braid and a top shot of 50yds 80lb mono. I have taken fish on this setup and have never come close to losing a fish from a lack of line capacity

What is the reason for the top shot? Are you tying lures directly to that, or tying to a fluoro leader?

[rmoody79]

the mono topshot is there so I can attach hooks/lures, I palomar hooks or coast locks with the mono, never had knot failure using the palomar. the braid mono connection I tie an albright.

[Tuna Meltdown]

Ben, for your leader, just tie a bimini twist to the end of your braided main line and then either buy or make your own 10-20' wind- on leader system. The store bought wind-ons come with a spliced loop that is attached to 10-20' of mono or flouro. You then connect the two using and offshore loop to loop connection and that is really all you need. I have yet to have a failure using that set-up. If you nned more guidance you can PM me and I can meet up and show you how I do it if you want.